Best Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe in The Oven: Get That Perfect Crunch!

Buffalo chicken wings are a beloved classic!

This recipe shows you how to make crispy baked buffalo wings that rival anything you’d get at a bar.

The secret lies in drying out the wings beforehand and using a touch of baking powder to ensure that perfect crispy skin.

These wings are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Best of all, they’re easy to make right in your own kitchen!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken wings (about 1 lb per person)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or paprika (optional, for spice)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp baking powder (secret to crispy skin)

For the Buffalo Sauce:

• 1/2 cup hot sauce (Frank’s, Cholula, Texas Pete, or your favorite)
• 2 tbsp honey (adds sweetness and helps with caramelization)
• 4 tbsp butter (unsalted, for richness)

Instructions:

• Place your chicken wings on a baking sheet and leave them uncovered in the fridge for a few hours (or ideally overnight). This step dries out the skin, helping achieve maximum crispiness.
• If you’re short on time, simply pat the wings dry with a paper towel to remove as much moisture as possible.
• In a large bowl, toss the wings with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
• Season with garlic powder (if using), cayenne pepper or paprika for some heat, salt, pepper, and baking powder (key ingredient for crispiness).
• Gently mix to ensure the wings are fully and evenly coated, being careful not to tear the skin.
• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a cooling rack on top. This allows the wings to cook evenly on all sides.
• Lay the wings on the cooling rack in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch.
• Bake for 50-60 minutes, flipping them after 20 minutes to ensure even browning.
• While the wings are baking, prepare your buffalo sauce.
• In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup hot sauce and 2 tablespoons honey over medium heat.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer to allow the honey and hot sauce to combine well.
• Stir in 4 tablespoons of butter until fully melted and combined.
• Allow the sauce to simmer for another minute to thicken slightly, then set aside.
• Once the wings are done baking and crispy, remove them from the oven.
• Transfer the wings to a large bowl and pour the buffalo sauce over them.
• Toss gently to coat the wings completely in the sauce.
• Return the wings to the cooling rack on the baking sheet and broil on the top oven rack for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
• The sauce will caramelize slightly, giving the wings a sticky, crispy finish.
• Remove the wings from the oven, give them an extra brush of any remaining sauce if desired, and serve immediately.
• Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks, or enjoy them on their own for ultimate crispiness!

Tips:

• Broiling is optional but gives the wings a perfect caramelized, crispy finish.
• Keep a close eye on the wings during broiling as ovens can vary and the wings can burn quickly.