Pin It These crispy chicken wings achieve perfect crunchiness by baking with baking powder, then are tossed in a flavorful buffalo sauce made with butter and hot sauce. Complemented by a creamy blue cheese dip, mingled with sour cream, mayonnaise, and lemon, they balance heat with cool tanginess. Ideal for gatherings, served alongside fresh celery and carrot sticks for added crunch and brightness.
The first time I made these wings for a Super Bowl party, my friend Mark stood by the oven watching them turn golden, refusing to leave until they were ready. That crispy skin and the smell of buffalo sauce filling the kitchen has made these the most requested thing I make.
Last winter my sister came over during a snowstorm and we spent the whole afternoon at the counter, eating wings straight from the baking sheet while talking about everything and nothing. Sometimes the best meals are the ones that happen spontaneously.
Ingredients
- Chicken wings: Separating flats and drumettes ensures even cooking and easier eating for everyone
- Baking powder: This secret ingredient raises the pH level and draws moisture to the surface for extra crispy skin
- Hot sauce: Franks RedHot is traditional but explore your favorites to find your perfect heat level
- Blue cheese: Crumbling it yourself gives you those satisfying chunks that creamy dressings miss
- Sour cream: Use full fat here because the richness balances the spicy buffalo sauce perfectly
Instructions
- Get your oven ready:
- Preheat to 220°C (425°F) with rack in middle position. Line a baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top, then give it a light coating of oil.
- Prep the wings:
- Pat those wings completely dry with paper towels. Toss them in a large bowl with baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and pepper until every piece is evenly coated.
- Bake until crispy:
- Arrange wings in a single layer on the rack. Bake for 20 minutes, flip carefully with tongs, then bake another 20 to 25 minutes until deep golden and irresistibly crispy.
- Make the sauce:
- While wings bake, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk in hot sauce and honey if using until smooth and combined.
- Whisk up the dip:
- Combine blue cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and minced garlic in a bowl. Mash some cheese chunks into the mixture for texture, then season to taste.
- Bring it all together:
- Transfer cooked wings to a large bowl, pour that buffalo sauce over top, and toss gently until every wing is beautifully coated.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Plate wings immediately with the cool blue cheese dip alongside celery and carrot sticks for that classic contrast.
Pin It These became my go to for hosting because they bring people together. Something about eating wings with your hands makes conversations flow easier and laughter come naturally.
Making Ahead Like A Pro
You can cut and season the wings the night before and keep them uncovered in the refrigerator. The extra chilling time actually helps with that crispy skin payoff. The dip also benefits from sitting overnight as the flavors meld together beautifully.
Temperature Control Secrets
That high oven temperature is non negotiable for getting the skin crispy while keeping meat juicy. If you are worried about the sauce getting too spicy, start with less hot sauce and add more gradually until it hits your sweet spot.
Serving Game Day Style
Set up a wings station with the platter in the center, bowls of extra sauce and dip, and plenty of napkins. Let everyone serve themselves family style.
- Double the recipe if you are feeding more than four people because they disappear fast
- Keep a batch of plain wings on hand for anyone who prefers mild flavor
- Have extra blue cheese dip ready because guests will want to double dip
Pin It Hope these wings become part of your traditions too. Some recipes are just meant to be shared with people you love.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I get extra crispy wings?
-
Coat wings with baking powder and let air-dry uncovered in the fridge for several hours before baking to maximize crispiness.
- → Can I adjust the heat level of the sauce?
-
Yes, use more or less hot sauce to customize the spiciness to your preference.
- → What can I substitute for sour cream in the dip?
-
Greek yogurt works well as a lighter alternative while maintaining creaminess and tang.
- → Should the wings be flipped during baking?
-
Yes, flipping halfway ensures even browning and crisp texture on both sides.
- → What sides pair well with these wings?
-
Fresh celery and carrot sticks provide a crunchy, refreshing contrast to the rich wings and dip.
