Last Sunday was tough for us. The Patriots lost the Conference Championships and their chance to play at the Super Bowl next week. What eased the pain was that at least my appetizer game was on point with these spicy and hot game day buffalo hot wings. They will make a perfect and necessary part of your Super Bowl party next weekend!
These wings taste just like restaurant wings without the hefty $10 price tag for 1 pound of wings. The only difference is that they are baked rather than deep-fried. Yet, they are just as crispy. In my eyes that is a bonus because that means these are healthier!
The challenge with making your own wings is knowing how to prepare them. When you buy wings in the store, they may not be conveniently separated for you into wingettes and drumettes. Rather, you get a mass consisting of the two connected together at a joint and with an additional appendage attached to the other side of the wing called the tip. Using a knife or kitchen shears, you will need to cut off the tip and discard it. Then, cut the wing at the joint to separate the wingette portion from the drumette.
Once the chicken wings have been separated, the rest is easy. You don't need to marinate the wings or do anything really. Just wash and pat them dry and line them up on a foiled pan. You don't even need to season the wings with salt or pepper because it will get all it's flavour from the hot sauce mixture. So, just place your tray in the oven and let the wings bake until they reach a crispy goodness. If you are like me and like a little charring and burnt edges, then use your broiler to bake these instead. Turn the broiler to high and bake the wings on the top rack. Broil for only 20 minutes, flipping at the 10 minute mark.
While your wings are baking, prepare the hot sauce mixture. This really only consists of melted butter, hot sauce and a pinch of salt. My favourite hot sauce to use for buffalo wings is Frank's RedHot Original Hot Sauce. It is spicy yet manageable. Once the wings are baked, toss them in this mixture and serve with a side of blue cheese dressing and celery sticks. If you don't like blue cheese dressing, use ranch instead.
Looking for more game day appetizers?
Check out my roundup: 60 Easy Super Bowl Appetizers.
PrintRecipe
Game Day Buffalo Hot Wings
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
No matter which team is winning, you will score big and please your crowd with these game day buffalo hot wings.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ pounds chicken wings (approximately 20-25 split wings)
- ½ cup hot sauce
- ⅓ cup butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup blue cheese or ranch dip (optional, for serving)
- celery, cut into 2 inch pieces (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 F.
- Remove the tips of the wings and discard. Using a knife, separate the wings at the joint.
- Bake wings for 15 minutes, then flip. Continue to bake for another 15 minutes until crispy.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together together the hot sauce and butter.
- Toss the cooked wings in the hot sauce mixture until fully coated.
- Serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing and celery sticks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Kim Dux. says
I always add about 4 tbsp crushed garlic to my hot sauce and butter and let it simmer while the wings cook.. love the taste.
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
Thanks for your suggestions! That sounds delicious!
Valerie says
Great, simple recipe. After baking for 30 minutes, I put under broiler for about 2 more minutes. I just like them extra crisp...what can I say ?
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
That's awesome, Valerie! I'm glad you tried and liked the recipe 🙂 Great tip for broiling for the last 2 minutes, I will have to try that method next time!
peter @feedyoursoultoo says
Nothing better and you got a good spice going!
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
Thanks, Peter!