Oven-Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings Delight
Enjoy the bold and spicy flavors of classic Buffalo wings without the guilt of frying! This oven-baked version brings you crispy, tender chicken wings coated in a rich cayenne pepper sauce, making it a perfect choice for lunch or snacks. You can easily substitute wings with chicken thighs or drumsticks for more meatiness, adjusting cook times accordingly. Pair with crisp celery sticks and creamy blue cheese dressing for a delightful meal or party appetizer. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a casual dinner, these wings will impress palate and crowd alike!
4-6
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Unsalted butter
2/3 cup (melted)
Cayenne pepper sauce
1 cup (choose your favorite brand)
Chicken wings or thighs/drumsticks
4-5 lbs (trimmed or left whole with tips tucked under)
Blue cheese dressing
to taste (for serving)
Celery ribs
to taste (for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a small saucepan, combine the unsalted butter and the cayenne pepper sauce. Heat over medium-low, stirring until the butter is fully melted and the mixture is well combined.
3
Prepare a broiler pan by placing a rack on top. This allows for better air circulation and crisping of the wings. Place the chicken wings on the rack in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
4
Using a brush, generously coat the chicken wings with the butter and hot sauce mixture.
5
Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
6
After 15 minutes, carefully remove the pan and brush the wings with sauce, then turn them over, brushing the other side as well. Return to the oven and continue baking for another 15 minutes.
7
Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Brush the wings again, turn them over, and apply more sauce on the newly exposed side. Bake at this higher temperature for 15 minutes.
8
After 15 minutes, brush the wings with any remaining sauce, turn them once more, and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
9
Lastly, turn the wings for the final time and bake for an additional 5 minutes to achieve your desired crispiness.
10
Remove from the oven and serve hot with fresh celery sticks and your choice of blue cheese dressing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Oven-Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings Delight?
It is a crispy, oven-baked version of classic buffalo wings coated in a rich cayenne pepper sauce, designed to be healthier than fried versions.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 4-6 servings.
How much chicken do I need for this recipe?
You will need 4-5 lbs of chicken wings, thighs, or drumsticks.
Can I use chicken parts other than wings?
Yes, you can substitute wings with chicken thighs or drumsticks for a meatier option, though cook times may need adjustment.
What are the main ingredients for the buffalo sauce?
The sauce is made using 2/3 cup of melted unsalted butter and 1 cup of your favorite cayenne pepper sauce.
What is the initial oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated and initially set to 350°F (175°C).
Why should I use a broiler pan and rack?
Using a rack on a broiler pan allows for better air circulation around the chicken, which helps achieve a crispy texture.
How long do the wings bake at the initial temperature?
The wings bake at 350°F for a total of 30 minutes, turning and brushing with sauce halfway through.
When do I increase the oven temperature?
After the first 30 minutes of baking, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
How long do the wings bake at 400°F?
The wings bake at 400°F for an additional 30 minutes in stages (15 mins, 10 mins, and 5 mins) with turning and brushing in between.
How many times should I turn and brush the wings?
The wings are turned and brushed with sauce four times during the baking process.
What is the total baking time for the wings?
The total baking time is approximately 60 minutes.
What is the final step to ensure crispiness?
The final step involves turning the wings one last time and baking for an additional 5 minutes at 400°F.
What should I serve with these wings?
They are best served hot with fresh celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.
Is the butter used in the recipe salted or unsalted?
The recipe specifically calls for unsalted butter.
How do I prepare the chicken wings before baking?
The wings can be trimmed or left whole with the tips tucked under.
Can I choose any brand of cayenne pepper sauce?
Yes, you can use your favorite brand of cayenne pepper sauce to suit your taste preference.
How do I arrange the wings on the pan?
Arrange the wings in a single layer on the rack, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
Yes, it features bold and spicy flavors characteristic of classic Buffalo wings.
How is the sauce mixture prepared?
In a small saucepan, combine the butter and sauce over medium-low heat, stirring until the butter is fully melted and combined.
What is the best occasion for these wings?
They are perfect for lunch, snacks, casual dinners, or as a party appetizer.
Are these wings fried at any point?
No, these wings are entirely oven-baked.
How do I apply the sauce to the wings?
Use a brush to generously coat the wings with the butter and hot sauce mixture throughout the baking stages.
What makes these wings tender?
The slow baking process followed by a high-heat finish ensures they remain tender on the inside while becoming crispy on the outside.
Do I need to add extra salt?
The recipe does not specify extra salt, as the cayenne pepper sauce and butter typically provide sufficient seasoning.
Can the heat level be adjusted?
Yes, you can adjust the heat level by selecting a milder or hotter brand of cayenne pepper sauce.
What type of dressing is recommended for dipping?
Creamy blue cheese dressing is the recommended pairing for these wings.
Should the wings be served cold or hot?
The wings should be served immediately while they are hot.
What should I do if the wings are not crispy enough after the final bake?
The final 5-minute bake is meant to achieve desired crispiness; you can monitor them closely during this stage to get the perfect texture.
Is this a difficult recipe to follow?
No, it is a straightforward process of baking, brushing, and turning that yields impressive results.