Baked chicken wings in buffalo sauce

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If you've ever wanted to enjoy spicy wings without the mess of deep-frying, these baked chicken wings in buffalo sauce are exactly what you need. They come out crispy, saucy, and seriously satisfying-all straight from your oven.

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Why you'll love these wings
Ingredients you'll need
Step-by-step instructions
Storage and reheating tips
Variations to try
Best sides to serve with buffalo wings
FAQ
Recipes you may also like
📖 Recipe
💬 Reviews

baked chicken wings in buffalo sauce — Delicious spicy chicken wings served on a white plate, ideal for snack or party dishes.

I've made these for game days, quick dinners, and even family movie nights. Honestly? No one misses the fryer. Plus, the recipe is simple enough to pull off any night of the week.

And if you love easy comfort foods like this, you'll also enjoy crispy baked parmesan chicken tenders for another crowd-pleasing option.

Why you'll love these wings

Healthier than fried but still crispy
Simple pantry spices for seasoning
Easy homemade buffalo sauce that coats every wing
Perfect for game days, parties, or just a fun dinner

Ingredients you'll need

For the wings

3 Pounds chicken wings, split with tips removed
Avocado oil spray
2 Teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or 1 teaspoon of any other salt)
½ Teaspoon black pepper
1 Teaspoon garlic powder
1 Teaspoon onion powder
1 Teaspoon smoked paprika

For the buffalo sauce

4 Tablespoons butter, melted
4 Tablespoons hot pepper sauce

Pro tip: Patting the wings dry before seasoning makes a huge difference in crispiness.

Step-by-step instructions

Prepare the wings

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the chicken wings on the sheet, spray them lightly with avocado oil, then season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Give them another quick spray of oil to help everything stick.

Bake until crispy

Bake for about 30 minutes, until the skin is browned and crispy. Once they look golden, lower the oven to "keep warm" (170°F) and leave the wings in for another 30 minutes. This extra time helps the skin crisp up beautifully.

Make the buffalo sauce

While the wings finish baking, melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl (about 20 seconds). Add the hot pepper sauce and whisk until smooth. Adjust the heat level by adding a little extra hot sauce if you like things spicier.

Toss and serve

Use tongs to coat the wings in the buffalo sauce. Serve right away with blue cheese dip and crunchy celery sticks for the classic pairing.

Storage and reheating tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to keep the skin crispy.
You can also freeze cooked wings for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight before reheating.

Variations to try

Swap smoked paprika for chili powder if you want more heat.
Use ranch instead of blue cheese for dipping.
Make them milder by adding more butter and less hot sauce.
Try different sauces-honey garlic or teriyaki are fun twists.

Best sides to serve with buffalo wings

These wings are great on their own, but if you're making them for a party or family dinner, pair them with:

Carrot sticks and celery
Potato wedges or fries
Coleslaw
A fresh green salad

FAQ

Are baked chicken wings healthier than fried wings?

Yes! Baking cuts the fat and calories by up to 40%, while still giving you crispy skin.

How can I make them extra crispy?

Dry the wings really well, don't overcrowd the pan, and bake them long enough to render the fat.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, bake them, cool completely, and store in the fridge. Reheat at 350°F for 10-15 minutes before tossing in sauce.

How do I adjust the spice level?

For milder wings, add more butter to the sauce. For spicier, add more hot sauce or even a pinch of cayenne.

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📖 Recipe

Yield: 6 servings