Crispy Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings
This recipe delivers crispy, flavorful buffalo chicken wings baked in the oven with a tangy, buttery sauce. It’s a healthier alternative to frying without sacrificing texture or taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (classic buffalo-style like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar
- Optional garnishes: chopped fresh parsley or celery sticks
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly with paper towels. Toss the wings in a large bowl with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Shake off any excess cornstarch.
- Arrange the wings on the wire rack spaced out so they’re not touching. Bake in the oven for about 35-40 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through baking for even browning. The skin should be golden and crackly, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- While the wings bake, melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the hot sauce, garlic powder, apple cider vinegar, and honey or brown sugar until smooth and well combined. Adjust the heat level by adding more hot sauce if desired.
- Toss the baked wings in a large bowl with the buffalo sauce until fully coated. Toss gently to keep them extra crispy and serve immediately.
- Serve with celery sticks or a fresh side like a crunchy cucumber salad.
Notes
Pat wings dry thoroughly to ensure crispiness. Use a wire rack to allow air circulation and even crisping. Flip wings halfway through baking for uniform browning. Toss wings gently in sauce to preserve the crispy skin. For extra crispiness, broil wings for 1-2 minutes after baking but watch carefully to avoid burning. To reheat leftovers, warm on a wire rack in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy skin.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 4 wing
- Calories: 280
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 19
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Protein: 22
Keywords: buffalo wings, baked chicken wings, crispy wings, buffalo sauce, healthy chicken wings, game day recipe