Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings

Check out the best recipe for Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings that brings together crispy, flavorful chicken wings tossed in zesty Buffalo sauce. Perfect for game day, summer cookouts, or any gathering, these wings are sure to impress your guests with their bold flavor and satisfying crunch. Plus, this oven-baked method makes them healthier without sacrificing taste!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken Wings
• For the Buffalo Sauce
• How to Make Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings
• Step 1: Prepare the Seasoning
• Step 2: Prep the Chicken Wings
• Step 3: Add Seasoning
• Step 4: Bake Them
• Step 5: Make Buffalo Sauce
• Step 6: Toss Wings in Sauce
• Step 7: Serve
• How to Serve Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings
• Pair with Dips
• Create a Wing Bar
• Serve with Drinks
• How to Perfect Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings
• Best Side Dishes for Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings
• Reheating Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings extra crispy?
• Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?
• What dipping sauces go well with Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings?
• How spicy are these Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings?
• Can I customize the sauce for my Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can create delicious Buffalo wings without the mess of frying.
• Flavor Packed: The dry rub combined with homemade Buffalo sauce delivers an explosion of taste in every bite.
• Versatile Serving Options: These wings can be paired with various dips and veggies, making them suitable for any occasion.
• Healthier Alternative: Baking instead of frying reduces excess oil while still achieving that crispy texture everyone loves.
• Perfect for Sharing: This recipe serves four, making it ideal for parties or family gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Wire rack
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Basting brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy base to evenly cook the wings while allowing excess fat to drip away.
• Wire rack: Elevates the wings during baking, ensuring they stay crispy on all sides by allowing air circulation.
• Mixing bowl: Necessary for combining ingredients and tossing the wings with the seasoning and sauce efficiently.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Wings

• 2 pounds chicken wings
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon thyme

For the Buffalo Sauce

• 1/3 cup Frank’s hot sauce
• 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
• 1 tablespoon honey

How to Make Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings

Step 1: Prepare the Seasoning

1. Mix all seasoning ingredients in a small bowl: ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, ¼ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp paprika, 1/8 tsp cayenne, ½ tsp oregano, and ½ tsp thyme.
2. Set aside the seasoning mix for later use.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken Wings

1. Wash and thoroughly pat dry the chicken wings using paper towels.
2. Place the cleaned wings in a large mixing bowl.
3. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and toss well to coat each wing evenly.

Step 3: Add Seasoning

1. Pour the prepared seasoning over the wings.
2. Toss again until every piece is nicely coated with the spice mixture.

Step 4: Bake Them

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange the seasoned wings on a baking sheet fitted with a wire rack.
3. Bake for 45–50 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 170°F (77°C), flipping them halfway through cooking.

Step 5: Make Buffalo Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup Frank’s hot sauce with 3 tbsp melted butter and 1 tbsp honey.
2. Whisk together until fully blended.

Step 6: Toss Wings in Sauce

1. Once baked, transfer the hot wings to a large mixing bowl.
2. Pour the Buffalo sauce over them and toss until well coated.

Step 7: Serve

Serve your delicious Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings with Ranch dressing and fresh vegetables such as celery sticks or carrot sticks for a perfect pairing!

How to Serve Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings

Serving Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings can elevate your gathering and impress your guests. These wings are versatile and pair well with various sides and dips.

Pair with Dips

• Ranch Dressing: A classic choice, creamy ranch dressing complements the spicy wings perfectly.
• Blue Cheese Dressing: For those who love bold flavors, blue cheese dressing adds a rich and tangy taste.
• Celery and Carrots: Fresh veggies provide a crunchy contrast to the spicy wings and help balance the heat.

Create a Wing Bar

• Buffalo Sauce Variations: Offer different sauces, like garlic parmesan or honey mustard, for guests to customize their wings.
• Toppings Station: Include options like chopped cilantro, green onions, or crumbled bacon for added flavor.

Serve with Drinks

• Beer: Light lagers or IPAs are great choices that complement the richness of the wings.
• Mocktails: Non-alcoholic drinks like lemonade or iced tea offer refreshing options for all ages.

How to Perfect Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings

Perfecting Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings is about achieving that crispy skin and delicious flavor. Here are some tips to ensure your wings turn out amazing every time.

• Use a Wire Rack: Elevating the wings on a wire rack allows hot air to circulate, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.
• Pat Wings Dry: Removing moisture from the wings helps achieve a crispier texture during baking.
• Bake at High Heat: Cooking at 400°F helps render fat while creating a deliciously crispy skin.
• Flip Halfway Through: Turning the wings halfway through cooking ensures even browning on both sides.
• Toss in Sauce Immediately: Coat your wings in sauce right after baking for better adherence and flavor absorption.

Best Side Dishes for Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings

Pairing side dishes with your Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings enhances the meal experience. Here are some excellent options.

1. French Fries: Crispy fries are a classic side that complements the spiciness of buffalo wings perfectly.
2. Coleslaw: This crunchy salad provides a cool contrast to the hot flavors of the wings.
3. Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges baked until golden make for a hearty side dish.
4. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness that balances out the heat of buffalo sauce.
5. Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese offers comfort and pairs well with spicy flavors.
6. Vegetable Platter: A variety of fresh veggies not only adds color but also gives an option for something light alongside rich buffalo wings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings, it’s easy to overlook some crucial steps. Here are a few common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the Dry Rub: Not applying a dry rub can result in bland wings. Always season your wings thoroughly for maximum flavor.
• Crowding the Baking Sheet: Overcrowding can lead to soggy wings. Make sure to spread the wings out on the baking sheet for even cooking.
• Not Using a Wire Rack: Cooking directly on the baking sheet can make your wings less crispy. Use a wire rack to allow air circulation around the wings.
• Ignoring Cooking Time: Removing wings too early can leave them undercooked. Always check that they reach an internal temperature of 170°F for safety.
• Neglecting the Sauce Timing: Tossing wings in sauce too early can make them soggy. Coat them with Buffalo sauce immediately after baking for better results.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings

• Freeze wings in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, but this may make them less crispy.
• Stovetop: Sauté in a pan over medium heat, turning frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings extra crispy?

To achieve extra crispy wings, ensure they are well-dried before seasoning and consider using a wire rack during baking.

Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings; just increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes.

What dipping sauces go well with Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings?

Ranch dressing and blue cheese dressing are classic choices that pair perfectly with spicy buffalo flavors.

How spicy are these Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings?

The spice level depends on the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce you use. Adjust these ingredients based on your heat preference.

Can I customize the sauce for my Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings?

Absolutely! You can adjust the level of heat or even try adding different flavors like garlic or honey mustard for variety.

Final Thoughts

Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings are not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect for game days or casual gatherings, you can customize them easily by adjusting spices or sauces to fit your taste. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a flavorful twist on a classic favorite!