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Healthy Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings: Best Easy Game Day Recipe

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Crispy, spicy baked buffalo chicken wings that are healthier than fried but just as delicious. Perfect for game day, these wings use a clever baking powder trick for shatteringly crisp skin without the deep fryer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (about 900g) chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder (aluminum-free preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) kosher salt (Diamond Crystal recommended)
  • ½ teaspoon (2g) garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon (1g) freshly ground black pepper
  • Olive oil spray (or any neutral cooking spray)
  • ½ cup (120ml) Frank’s RedHot Original hot sauce
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 3–4 celery stalks, cut into 3-inch pieces (for serving)
  • Carrot sticks (optional, for serving)
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Place the oven rack in the upper third of the oven. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
  2. Pat the chicken wings thoroughly dry with paper towels until no moisture remains. This is crucial for crispy skin.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Add the wings and toss with your hands until evenly coated.
  4. Arrange the wings skin-side up on the wire rack, making sure no pieces are touching. Leave about ½ inch between each wing.
  5. Bake for 30 minutes. Flip each wing using tongs, then bake for another 20-25 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is deep golden brown and crispy.
  6. While the wings bake, make the sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the hot sauce, melted butter, honey (if using), and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until smooth and warmed through. Do not let it boil. Alternatively, microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each.
  7. Transfer the baked wings to a large bowl. Pour the sauce over them and toss gently with tongs until every wing is coated.
  8. Serve immediately on a platter with celery and carrot sticks, and ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.

Notes

Pat the wings very dry for maximum crispiness. Do not substitute baking soda for baking powder. Use a wire rack to allow air circulation. Do not overcrowd the pan. Let the sauce cool slightly before tossing to prevent butter separation. For extra crispy wings, bake 5 more minutes. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat in the oven or air fryer.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked buffalo wings, healthy chicken wings, game day recipe, crispy baked wings, buffalo chicken wings, low carb wings, gluten free wings

Find it online: https://noshbelle.com/healthy-baked-buffalo-chicken-wings-best-easy-game-day-recipe/