Buffalo Wings are more than just a dish—they’re an American tradition. Originating from Buffalo, New York, these spicy, buttery chicken wings have become a staple at every football game, party, and gathering across the United States. The beauty of Buffalo Wings lies in their simplicity: crispy fried chicken wings tossed in a tangy, spicy sauce made from just hot sauce and butter.
What Makes Buffalo Wings Special
Buffalo Wings get their iconic flavor from a classic combination of Frank’s Red Hot sauce and melted butter, creating that perfect balance of heat and richness. The dish is traditionally served with cool, creamy blue cheese dip and fresh celery sticks, which provide the perfect contrast to the spicy wings. This magical combination of flavors and textures is what makes Buffalo Wings irresistible to food lovers worldwide.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Wings:
- 2-3 lbs chicken wings (drummettes and wingettes)
- Canola oil for frying
- 5 teaspoons baking powder (for baked version)
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 bottle (12 oz) Frank’s Red Hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Tabasco sauce to taste (optional for extra heat)
For Blue Cheese Dip:
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving:
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Method 1: Classic Fried Buffalo Wings
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Pour 1 to 1.5 inches of canola oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 360°F.
Step 2: Fry the Wings
Carefully place the raw chicken wings into the hot oil. Cook for 15-20 minutes, using tongs to keep them moving so they don’t stick to the bottom. The wings should turn golden brown and crispy.
Step 3: Make the Buffalo Sauce
While the wings are cooking, melt 1 cup of butter in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat and whisk in the entire bottle of Frank’s Red Hot sauce until well combined. Add Tabasco sauce to taste if you want extra spice.
Step 4: Coat the Wings
Using tongs, remove the cooked wings from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain. In small batches, place the wings into the buffalo sauce and toss until thoroughly coated.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Transfer the sauced wings to a serving bowl and serve hot with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and blue cheese dip.
Method 2: Ultra-Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings
For a healthier alternative, you can bake the wings using a genius technique that makes them incredibly crispy without deep frying.
Preparation:
- Pat wings dry and toss with 5 teaspoons baking powder and 3/4 teaspoon salt
- Place on a wire rack over a baking sheet
Baking Process:
- Bake at 250°F for 30 minutes on the lower oven rack
- Increase temperature to 425°F and move to upper rack
- Bake for 40-50 minutes until dark golden and crispy
- Toss in buffalo sauce and serve
The baking powder is the secret ingredient that draws moisture to the surface and creates that shatteringly crispy skin.
Pro Tips for Perfect Buffalo Wings
- Always use Frank’s Red Hot sauce for authentic Buffalo flavor
- Keep the wings moving while frying to prevent sticking
- Make your own sauce instead of using pre-made wing sauce
- Serve with plenty of napkins—Buffalo Wings are gloriously messy
- The wings stay crispiest when served immediately after tossing in sauce
- Don’t skip the celery—it’s the perfect palate cleanser between wings
Why This Recipe Works
Buffalo Wings have become America’s favorite game day food because they deliver on every level. The crispy exterior gives way to juicy, tender meat, while the spicy-buttery sauce provides that addictive flavor that keeps you reaching for more. The cooling blue cheese dip and crunchy celery create the perfect balance, making each bite an experience.
Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, watching college football, or just craving some seriously good comfort food, Buffalo Wings are always the answer. This recipe is simple enough for beginners but delivers restaurant-quality results that will impress everyone at your table.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes (fried) or 70 minutes (baked)
Servings: 4-6 people
Calories: Approximately 476 per serving