Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings

Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings are the perfect dish for any occasion, whether it’s a game day party or a summer cookout. These wings are crispy, flavorful, and easy to prepare, making them an instant crowd-pleaser. With a savory dry rub and a zesty Buffalo sauce, they’ll be the star of your next gathering!

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Why You’ll Love This Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings

These wings offer more than just flavor; they deliver convenience and versatility.

• Easy Preparation: Simply mix, coat, and bake! No frying needed.
• Bold Flavor: The combination of spices and Buffalo sauce ensures every bite is packed with taste.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as an appetizer or a main dish. Serve with veggies and Ranch for a complete meal.
• Healthy Option: Oven-baking reduces grease while still keeping the wings crispy.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Great for parties, potlucks, or family dinners. Everyone loves chicken wings!

Tools and Preparation

To make these Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Wire rack
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Provides even cooking and prevents wings from sticking.
• Wire rack: Allows air circulation for extra crispiness while baking.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining seasonings and sauces evenly.

Ingredients

For these Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings, gather the following 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

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How to Make Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings

Step 1: Mix the Seasonings

Combine all seasoning ingredients in a bowl:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine 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.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Wings

1. Wash the chicken wings under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Place the wings in a large mixing bowl and add 1 tbsp olive oil. Mix well.
3. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the wings and toss until each wing is fully coated.

Step 3: Bake the Wings

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

Step 4: Make the Buffalo Sauce

1. In another bowl, combine 1/3 cup Frank’s hot sauce with 3 tbsp melted butter and 1 tbsp honey.
2. Stir until well mixed.

Step 5: Toss in Buffalo Sauce

Once baked:
1. Transfer the wings to a large mixing bowl.
2. Pour the prepared Buffalo sauce over them and toss until all wings are evenly coated.

Step 6: Serve

Serve your delicious Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings with Ranch dressing and fresh vegetables like celery sticks or carrot sticks for dipping! Enjoy!

How to Serve Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings

Serving Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings is all about enhancing their delicious flavor and making your presentation appealing. Here are some great serving suggestions to impress your guests.

With Dipping Sauces

• Ranch Dressing: A classic choice that complements the spicy flavor of buffalo wings perfectly.
• Blue Cheese Dressing: For those who love a tangy kick, blue cheese dressing adds a rich and creamy element.
• Honey Mustard Sauce: Sweet and tangy, this sauce offers a delightful contrast to the heat of the wings.

Accompanied by Fresh Vegetables

• Celery Sticks: Crisp celery provides a refreshing crunch that balances the spiciness of the wings.
• Carrot Sticks: Sweet and crunchy carrots make for a healthy side that pairs wonderfully with buffalo sauce.
• Bell Pepper Strips: Colorful and crunchy, bell peppers add a sweet note to your plate.

As Part of a Platter

• Mixed Appetizer Platter: Combine buffalo wings with other favorites like mozzarella sticks, jalapeño poppers, and onion rings for a crowd-pleasing spread.
• Game Day Snack Board: Create a snack board featuring buffalo wings alongside chips, pretzels, and assorted dips for an ultimate game day feast.

How to Perfect Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings

Perfecting your Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings can elevate them from great to unforgettable. Here are some essential tips.

• Bold seasoning mix: Use a generous amount of spices in your dry rub to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
• Pat dry before cooking: Removing excess moisture from the chicken wings helps achieve that crispy skin you desire.
• Use a wire rack: Baking wings on a wire rack allows air to circulate around them, promoting even cooking and crispiness.
• Flip halfway through: Turning the wings during baking ensures they cook evenly on both sides and develop an irresistible golden color.
• Adjust heat levels: Modify the amount of cayenne or hot sauce in the recipe according to your spice preference for tailored flavors.
• Let them rest before serving: Allowing the wings to sit for a few minutes after tossing in sauce helps the flavors meld beautifully.

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Best Side Dishes for Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings

Pairing side dishes with your Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings can create a satisfying meal experience. Here are some tasty options that complement these flavorful wings.

1. Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw adds freshness and balances out the richness of the wings.
2. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for hearty companions that everyone loves.
3. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn grilled or boiled can be brushed with butter, enhancing its natural sweetness alongside spicy wings.
4. Baked Beans: Rich and savory baked beans offer warmth and depth, making them an excellent choice for gatherings.
5. Macaroni Salad: This creamy salad provides comfort and is perfect for soaking up any extra buffalo sauce left on your plate.
6. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter serve as delightful vehicles for dipping into leftover sauces.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Skipping the Dry Rub: Not using a dry rub can result in bland wings. Make sure to coat your wings evenly with the seasoning blend for maximum flavor.
• Overcrowding the Baking Sheet: If you crowd the wings, they won’t cook evenly and may not become crispy. Use a large baking sheet and ensure the wings have space between them.
• Not Preheating the Oven: Skipping this step can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to 400°F before putting in the wings.
• Ignoring Cooking Time: Cooking wings for too long can make them dry. Keep an eye on them and check that they reach an internal temperature of 170°F.
• Underestimating the Sauce: Adding too little sauce or not tossing properly can lead to unflavorful wings. Make sure to mix well for that delicious Buffalo taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Instructions

• Place cooled wings in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, remove as much air as possible from the bag.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place wings on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds until hot. Be cautious as they may turn soggy.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, turning frequently until hot and crispy again.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings crispy?

To achieve crispy Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings, ensure they are properly dried after washing and use a wire rack while baking. This allows air circulation around the wings.

Can I use frozen chicken wings?

Yes, but it’s best to thaw them completely before seasoning and baking for even cooking of your Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings.

What can I serve with Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings?

Pair your wings with Ranch dressing, celery sticks, carrot sticks, or any veggies you enjoy for a complete snack experience!

How spicy are these Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings?

The spice level depends on how much cayenne pepper you use in your dry rub and how much hot sauce you add. Feel free to adjust according to your taste!

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

Absolutely! You can experiment with different sauces like BBQ or teriyaki or add more heat by incorporating extra spices into the buffalo sauce.

Final Thoughts

Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings are not only flavorful but also versatile enough to suit any occasion, from game day snacks to summer cookouts. Feel free to customize the spices and sauces based on your preferences for an even more personalized dish!