Craving a spicy, crispy, and absolutely irresistible appetizer that will make your guests beg for more? Look no further than these mouthwatering Medium Heat Buffalo Wings that strike the perfect balance between tangy heat and savory flavor! Whether you're hosting a game night, planning a weekend party, or simply want to treat yourself to a restaurant-quality dish at home, these wings are guaranteed to become your new go-to recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1/2 cup hot sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt to taste
- Celery sticks for serving
- Blue cheese dressing for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken wings by patting them dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin during cooking.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil, then place a wire rack on top for even air circulation.
- Season the chicken wings with salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, ensuring even coating on all sides.
- Arrange the seasoned wings on the wire rack, making sure they are not touching each other for optimal crispiness.
- Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even browning and crispy texture.
- While wings are baking, prepare the buffalo sauce by melting unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add hot sauce to the melted butter, whisking continuously to create a smooth, well-combined sauce.
- Once wings are crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), remove from oven.
- Immediately toss the hot wings in the prepared buffalo sauce, coating them evenly.
- Serve hot with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.
Tips
- Pat the chicken wings completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy skin.
- Use a wire rack when baking to allow hot air to circulate evenly, creating that coveted crispy exterior.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give wings enough space to ensure they brown and crisp up properly.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check that wings reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- For extra crispy wings, you can briefly broil them for 2-3 minutes after baking.
- Toss wings in sauce immediately after cooking to help the sauce adhere better and lock in maximum flavor.
- Serve with cold blue cheese or ranch dressing to balance the heat and provide a cooling contrast.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 180mg
