Hey y’all! If you’re searching for the crispiest, juiciest, and most crave-worthy chicken wings to wow your friends and family, you’ve landed in the right spot. These Game Day Buffalo Hot Wings are packed with tangy heat, irresistible crunch, and mouthwatering flavor—ideal for everything from tailgate parties to potlucks, or just a Friday night in. Hungry yet? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Game Day Buffalo Hot Wings Recipe
- Super crunchy skin, achieved with simple, no-fuss ingredients.
- Perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and buttery flavors in every bite.
- Easy to bake or fry—no fancy equipment needed!
- Ideal for game day, parties, or casual family dinners.
- Customizable spice level and versatile enough for many variations.
Game Day Buffalo Hot Wings Ingredients
- 3 lbs chicken wings (about 24-30 wings, split at joints, tips removed)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for touch of sweetness)
- Celery sticks & blue cheese or ranch dressing, to serve
How to Make The Best Game Day Buffalo Hot Wings
Step 1: Prep and Dry the Wings
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness. Moisture is the enemy of crunchy wings!
Step 2: Coat with Seasoning
In a large bowl, toss wings evenly with baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well coated.
Step 3: Bake Until Crispy (or Fry!)
To bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Set a wire rack over a foil-lined baking sheet. Place wings in a single layer on the rack. Bake for 25 minutes, flip, then bake another 20-25 minutes until deeply golden and crispy.
To fry: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot to 375°F (190°C). Fry wings in batches for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate.
Step 4: Toss in Buffalo Sauce
In a clean bowl, whisk together Frank’s RedHot, melted butter, and honey. Add hot wings and toss to coat thoroughly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange Game Day Buffalo Hot Wings on a platter. Serve immediately with celery sticks, blue cheese or ranch for dipping.
Game Day Buffalo Hot Wings Notes
- Patting the wings 100% dry ensures extra crispy skin—don’t skip this step! Learn more about why this matters on Serious Eats.
- For gluten-free wings, ensure your hot sauce is gluten-free—Frank’s RedHot usually is.
- Control the heat: reduce hot sauce for milder wings or add cayenne for more fire.
Game Day Buffalo Hot Wings Variations
- Air Fryer Buffalo Wings: Cook wings at 400°F for 20-22 minutes, flipping halfway, for a healthier option.
- Sweet & Spicy Mango Buffalo Wings: Add 2 tablespoons pureed mango to the sauce for sweet heat.
- Honey BBQ Buffalo Wings: Swap hot sauce for BBQ sauce and add honey for a milder, sticky option.
Equipment Needed for Game Day Buffalo Hot Wings
- Large mixing bowls
- Wire rack & baking sheet (for oven method)
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot (for frying)
- Tongs
- Paper towels
Game Day Buffalo Hot Wings Storage & Shelf Life
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 400°F oven or air fryer for best crispiness. Freezing is not recommended as it affects texture.
Serving & Pairings for Game Day Buffalo Hot Wings
- Classic celery sticks and carrot sticks
- Blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping
- Pair with crisp lager, pale ale, or sparkling lemonade
- Serve alongside fries, coleslaw, or simple green salad
Pro Tips for Perfect Game Day Buffalo Hot Wings
- Let wings rest on a wire rack after baking or frying to prevent sogginess (Bon Appétit: Chicken Wing Tips).
- Use a thermometer to ensure wings reach 165°F internal temperature for safe eating (see official USDA poultry guidance).
- Finish with an extra drizzle of sauce or sprinkle of chives for a gourmet touch!
Game Day Buffalo Hot Wings FAQ
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning for optimal crispiness.
What makes Buffalo wings different from regular wings?
Buffalo wings are coated in a spicy-hot butter and vinegar-based sauce for signature flavor and heat.
How do I keep my wings from getting soggy?
Let the wings cool slightly on a wire rack after cooking to help maintain their crispy texture.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/3 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Celery sticks and blue cheese dressing, for serving
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top.
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2Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss wings with baking powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
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3Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack. Bake for 35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
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4While wings bake, whisk together hot sauce, melted butter, and garlic powder in a large bowl.
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5Add baked wings to the sauce and toss until thoroughly coated. Serve immediately with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
370 caloriescal
Protein:
29gg
Fat:
25gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
3gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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