Buffalo Wild Wings

Perfect for game day, parties, or just when you’re craving something spicy and delicious, these homemade Buffalo Wild Wings deliver all the bold flavor and crispy texture you love from the famous restaurant chain. Learn how to make restaurant-quality wings in your own kitchen with this mouthwatering recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Restaurant-Quality: Achieve that signature Buffalo Wild Wings flavor at home
• Perfectly Crispy: Wings with a satisfyingly crunchy exterior and juicy interior
• Customizable Heat: Easily adjust the spice level to suit your preference
• Crowd-Pleaser: Always a hit at parties, game days, and family gatherings
• Budget-Friendly: Make your favorite wings at a fraction of restaurant prices
• Simple Ingredients: Uses easy-to-find pantry staples

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Wings:

• 2 pounds chicken wings (separated into drumettes and flats)
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Buffalo Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons salted butter
• 1½ cups Frank’s RedHot Sauce
• 1½ teaspoons garlic puree
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• ¾ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 egg yolk

For Serving:

• 1 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
• Celery sticks

How to Make Buffalo Wild Wings:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Wings:
   • Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
   • Let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes (this helps achieve crispier skin when frying).
2. Heat the Oil:
   • In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C).
   • Use enough oil to submerge the wings completely, about 2-3 inches deep.
3. First Fry:
   • Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully add wings to the hot oil.
   • Fry for 8-10 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp.
   • Remove and place on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
4. Second Fry (For Extra Crispiness):
   • Allow the wings to rest for 5 minutes, then return them to the 375°F oil.
   • Fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until they reach a deeper golden brown.
   • Transfer back to the wire rack.
5. Make the Buffalo Sauce:
   • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
   • Add Frank’s RedHot Sauce, garlic puree, sugar, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
   • Whisk to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
   • Reduce heat to low and stir in Worcestershire sauce.
   • In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk, then gradually add a few tablespoons of the hot sauce mixture to temper it.
   • Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan, whisking constantly.
   • Cook for 1-2 more minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Coat the Wings:
   • Place the crispy wings in a large heat-resistant bowl.
   • Pour the hot buffalo sauce over the wings.
   • Toss until all wings are evenly coated.
7. Serve:
   • Arrange the sauced wings on a serving platter.
   • Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.

Helpful Tips:

• Dry Wings Thoroughly: Ensuring wings are completely dry before frying results in the crispiest skin.
• Temperature Matters: Maintain oil temperature between 365-375°F for the best results. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
• Double Frying: The two-stage frying process creates that signature crispy texture that won’t get soggy when sauced.
• Sauce Consistency: The egg yolk helps the sauce cling to the wings better and creates a silky texture.
• Make Ahead: You can fry the wings in advance and keep them warm in a 200°F oven, then sauce just before serving.
• Air Fryer Option: For a healthier alternative, air fry at 380°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Details:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Calories: Approximately 420 calories per serving
• Cuisine: American
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Notes:

• Spice Level Adjustment: For milder wings, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and increase butter slightly. For extra hot wings, add more cayenne or a dash of ghost pepper sauce.
• Wing Preparation: If you purchased whole wings, separate them at the joints into drumettes and flats. Discard the wing tips or save them for making chicken stock.
• Oil Choice: Vegetable oil works well, but peanut oil is another excellent option for frying wings due to its high smoke point.
• Sauce Storage: Leftover buffalo sauce can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I bake these wings instead of frying?

Yes! For a healthier version, bake wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet at 425°F for 40-45 minutes, turning halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy as fried, but still delicious.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover wings?

For best results, reheat in an air fryer at 370°F for 3-4 minutes or in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Avoid the microwave as it makes the wings soggy.

Is Frank’s RedHot Sauce necessary?

For authentic Buffalo flavor, Frank’s RedHot is the traditional choice. However, you can substitute another cayenne pepper-based hot sauce if needed.

How can I make these gluten-free?

Double-check your Worcestershire sauce as some brands contain gluten. Also ensure your hot sauce is gluten-free (Frank’s RedHot original is gluten-free).

Can I freeze Buffalo Wild Wings?

You can freeze the fried (but unsauced) wings for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 400°F oven until crispy, then toss with freshly made sauce.

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigerator: Store leftover wings in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Store unsauced fried wings in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat wings in the oven at 375°F for 5-10 minutes until heated through and crispy again.

Conclusion:

Making Buffalo Wild Wings at home gives you all the restaurant experience with the added benefits of customization and savings. The secret to these wings lies in the double-frying technique and that perfectly balanced sauce – tangy, spicy, and buttery. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, family dinner, or just satisfying a craving, these wings are guaranteed to impress. Skip the takeout and enjoy the satisfaction of creating this classic favorite in your own kitchen!