Buffalo Wings: A Spicy American Favorite

The Birth of Buffalo Wings

Buffalo wings are a quintessential American snack, synonymous with game days, casual get-togethers, and pub fare. They originated in 1964 at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York, when Teressa Bellissimo served leftover chicken wings coated in hot sauce as a late-night snack. The dish became an instant hit, pairing the spicy wings with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing to balance the heat.

Today, Buffalo wings are a global phenomenon, loved for their crispy texture, fiery sauce, and endless variations. Whether mild or extra hot, these wings are the life of any party.

How to Make Buffalo Wings

Ingredients

For the wings:

• 2 lbs (about 20 pieces) chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for extra crispiness)

For the Buffalo sauce:

• 1/2 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is traditional)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For serving: Celery sticks, carrot sticks, blue cheese or ranch dressing

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
• Total Time: 45-55 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Wings

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or set up a deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This ensures crispiness.
• Season the wings with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. If using flour, toss the wings in a light coating.

2. Cook the Wings

For baked wings:

• Arrange the wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack for even cooking.
• Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway, until the wings are golden brown and crispy.

For fried wings:

• Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet.
• Fry the wings in batches for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.

3. Make the Buffalo Sauce

• In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Stir in the hot sauce, honey (if using), and garlic powder. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.

4. Toss and Serve

• Place the cooked wings in a large bowl. Pour the Buffalo sauce over them and toss until evenly coated.
• Serve hot with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.

Tips for Perfect Buffalo Wings

• Crispy Skin: For extra crispy baked wings, dry the skin thoroughly and bake on a wire rack.
• Adjusting Heat: Modify the spiciness by using milder or hotter hot sauce and adjusting the butter-to-sauce ratio.
• Air Fryer Option: Cook wings in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
• Make-Ahead: Cook the wings and prepare the sauce in advance. Toss together and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Why are they called Buffalo wings?

The name comes from their birthplace, Buffalo, New York, not the animal.

Can I make Buffalo wings without frying?

Yes, baking or air frying yields crispy wings without deep frying.

What’s the best sauce for Buffalo wings?

Frank’s RedHot is the traditional choice, but you can use any hot sauce you like.

Are Buffalo wings gluten-free?

If you skip the flour coating, Buffalo wings are naturally gluten-free.

Can I use frozen wings?

Yes, but ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

What sides pair well with Buffalo wings?

Classic sides include celery sticks, carrot sticks, and blue cheese or ranch dressing. Potato wedges or onion rings are also great options.

Buffalo wings are a celebration of bold flavors and crisp textures, perfect for any occasion. Whether you prefer mild or blazing hot, this recipe is sure to satisfy your wing cravings.