Healthy Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe

Love chicken wings but looking for a healthier twist? You’ve come to the right place. Today, I’m going to walk you through how to make crispy, flavorful Buffalo Chicken Wings that are baked (not fried!) and oozing with all that tangy, spicy goodness. Sound good? Stick with me—you’re going to love it!

These wings bring all the crunch and flavor you crave, minus the heavy guilt. Plus, they’re ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a game night, family gathering, or just treating yourself, this recipe is foolproof.

What can you expect from this recipe?

We’ll cover everything—ingredients, step-by-step instructions for perfectly crispy baked wings, and even how to make your own Buffalo sauce at home. And of course, we’ll throw in handy tips to ensure you nail that flavor every single time.

Alright, ready? Let’s wing it! (See what I did there?)

What You’ll Need for Buffalo Chicken Wings

First things first, gather all your ingredients. This recipe keeps it simple with pantry staples you probably already have:

Ingredients for the Wings:

• 2 lbs of chicken wings (split into flats and drumettes, or keep them whole—dealer’s choice!)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder (trust me, this is the secret to crispy wings without frying)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (adds a hint of smokiness)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Ingredients for the Buffalo Sauce:

• ½ cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (because buttery wings = happy hearts)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon vinegar (for that tangy kick)

See? Nothing fancy—just good, wholesome stuff!

Step-By-Step Instructions Buffalo Chicken Wings

1. Prep Your Wings

Start off by patting your wings really, really dry with paper towels. I mean dry. This is crucial (yes, CRUCIAL) for getting that crispy skin in the oven. You don’t want any soggy wings here!

Once they’re dry, toss the wings in a bowl with the baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give it a thorough mix—you want every wing to be evenly coated. The baking powder is your knight in shining armor here, helping to create that coveted crispy shell.

2. Get Your Oven Game On

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top of it. Spritz the rack lightly with non-stick spray—you don’t want those beautiful wings sticking later!

Arrange your wings on the rack in a single layer. No overlapping wings, okay? Give each one its personal space. This ensures proper airflow so they crisp up nicely.

3. Bake to Crispy Perfection

Pop the wings into the oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. Flip them halfway through to make sure both sides crisp up evenly.

By the time they’re done, you’ll have golden-brown, crunchy wings that look like they were fried. But guess what? You didn’t even touch a deep fryer. Pretty cool, huh?

4. Create That Perfect Buffalo Sauce

While your wings are getting crispy in the oven, it’s time to whip up the Buffalo sauce. Combine the hot sauce, butter, honey (optional), and vinegar in a small saucepan. Heat over low, stirring until the butter melts and everything blends together beautifully. That’s it—sauce done!

(Quick tip: If you like your wings extra fiery, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the sauce. Spice lovers, this one’s for you!)

5. Toss, Serve, Devour

Once your wings are out of the oven, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour that luscious Buffalo sauce over the wings and toss to coat them evenly. Don’t skimp on the sauce—cover those wings thoroughly!

And just like that, you’re ready to serve. Oh, and don’t forget to pair your wings with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing for the ultimate experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Alternative: Baking instead of frying means less oil and healthier wings overall.
• Crispy Skin, Every Time: Thanks to the baking powder trick, you won’t miss fried wings.
• Customizable Heat Levels: Love it mild? Add more butter. Craving heat? Up the hot sauce game.
• Easy Cleanup: The wire rack + foil set-up is a lifesaver!

FAQs About Buffalo Chicken Wings

Can I use frozen wings for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning.

How do I make the wings even crispier?

If you want extra-crispy wings, you can broil them for 2-3 minutes after baking. Keep a close eye so they don’t burn!

Can I air fry these instead of baking?

Totally! Just preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the wings in batches for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes to bring back their crispiness.

Wrap Up Those Sleeves and Get Cooking!

There you have it—healthy baked Buffalo Chicken Wings that don’t skimp on flavor or crunch. Whether it’s game day, a party, or just a random Tuesday evening, these wings are guaranteed to be a hit.

Feeling confident? Go ahead, whip up this recipe, and watch how quickly they disappear! And if you loved this recipe (I know you will), share your masterpiece on social media and tag us @HealthyEats. We’d love to see your wing game!

Now, what are you waiting for? It’s time to turn your kitchen into a wing kingdom. Happy cooking!