Wings Recipe

These Crispy Baked Chicken Wings deliver all the flavor (and crunch) of fried wings without the grease. Coated with a simple spice rub and tossed in a sweet‑spicy buffalo sauce, they’re party‑perfect and surprisingly straightforward to prepare in the oven.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier alternative to deep frying, yet still crispy

• Easy prep — minimal steps and ingredients

• Versatile sauces — great with buffalo, BBQ, ranch, etc.

• Crowd-pleaser — ideal for game days, parties, or casual dinners

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the wings and dry rub:

• 4 pounds chicken wings, halved at the joints, wingtips discarded

• 2 tablespoons aluminum‑free baking powder

• ¾ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the buffalo sauce:

• ⅓ cup Frank’s Wings Hot Sauce

• 1½ cups light brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon water

(Other sauce ideas: honey BBQ sauce, ranch, honey garlic sauce, BBQ sauce)

Directions

1. Adjust the oven rack to the upper-middle position. Preheat oven to 425 °F (≈ 220 °C).

2. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire cooling rack on top. Spray the rack with non-stick spray.

3. Pat the wings dry thoroughly using paper towels (this helps them crisp).

4. In a small bowl, combine baking powder, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Sprinkle over wings and toss to coat evenly.

5. Arrange wings in a single layer on the wire rack, skin-side up. Bake, turning every 20 minutes, until wings are crisp and browned (may take up to 1 hour, depending on wing size).

6. Let the wings rest for about 5 minutes after baking. Meanwhile, prepare your sauce (see below).

7. Transfer wings to a bowl and toss in the sauce until evenly coated. Serve hot.

Buffalo Sauce Instructions:

• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir together hot sauce, brown sugar, and water.

• Heat gently until sugar dissolves, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly before tossing with wings (or make ahead and refrigerate).

Servings and timing

• Serves: ~8

• Prep time: ~10 minutes

• Cook time: ~40 minutes

• Total time: ~50 minutes

Variations

• Use BBQ, honey garlic, or ranch sauce instead of buffalo

• Add cayenne or smoked paprika to the dry rub for extra heat

• Use air fryer method if preferred (though this recipe is optimized for the oven)

• Toss wings in herbs or citrus zest post-baking for a fresh twist

Storage/reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days

• To reheat and retain crispiness: place on a wire rack in a 300 °F (≈ 150 °C) oven for 10–15 minutes

• Avoid microwaving, which will soften the skin

FAQs

Can I make these wings in advance?

Yes — you can prep and coat the wings ahead of time (without baking). Bake just before serving.

Do I have to use baking powder?

Yes, it helps dry the skin and gives crispiness. Be sure to use aluminum‑free baking powder.

Can I grill these wings instead?

You can, though you may not get the same crisp exterior unless grilled at high heat and managed carefully.

What if my wings aren’t crispy?

Make sure they are dry before seasoning, spaced apart (not crowded), and baked at the right temperature. Turning during baking also helps.

Can I shorten the cooking time?

Possibly, but you risk undercooking or softer skin. It’s better to bake fully and have crisp texture.

Are these wings spicy?

They carry moderate heat from the buffalo sauce. You can reduce spiciness by diluting the sauce or substituting milder sauce.

What side dishes pair well?

Serve with celery sticks, carrot sticks, ranch or blue cheese dip, coleslaw, or fries.

Can I double or halve the recipe?

Yes, adjust ingredient quantities proportionally. Be careful not to overcrowd the baking sheet when doubling.

What’s the best sauce to serve them with?

Buffalo is classic, but honey BBQ or garlic-parmesan are also popular options.

Are the wings gluten-free?

Yes — the ingredients listed contain no gluten. Just verify your hot sauce and seasoning are gluten-free.

Conclusion

With minimal fuss and maximum reward, these Crispy Baked Chicken Wings convert pantry staples into a show-stopping appetizer or main dish. Whether for a party, game day, or casual dinner, they balance crispiness, flavor, and ease in one irresistible package. Serve hot, dip generously, and enjoy the crunchy satisfaction.

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