Buffalo-Style Chicken Wings with Spicy Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken wings baked until crispy and tossed in a tangy, spicy buffalo sauce perfect for game day or casual dinners. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes blends chicken wings, baking powder (aluminum-free), salt into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 American cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with foil. Pat dry 2 lbs chicken wings with paper towels.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, toss wings with 1 tbsp baking powder and 1 tsp salt until evenly coated. This will help crisp the skin.
  3. Step 3: Arrange wings on the baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway, until skin is browned and crispy.
  4. Step 4: While wings bake, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in 1/3 cup hot sauce, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until smooth and heated through.
  5. Step 5: When wings are done, transfer them to a clean bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the wings and toss gently to coat every piece.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing if desired.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Buffalo-Style Chicken Wings with Spicy Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (10 min prep + 45 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Buffalo-Style Chicken Wings with Spicy Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Buffalo-Style Chicken Wings with Spicy Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Buffalo-Style Chicken Wings with Spicy Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Buffalo-Style Chicken Wings with Spicy Sauce?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.