Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). A high temperature is essential for achieving crispy wings.
- Dry the Wings:
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is key to getting that crispy skin.
- Season the Wings:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
- Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss them until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. The baking powder helps draw out moisture and crisp up the skin.
Step 2: Bake the Chicken Wings
- Prepare the Baking Sheet:
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top. This allows air circulation around the wings, ensuring they cook evenly and remain crispy.
- Arrange the Wings:
- Place the seasoned wings in a single layer on the wire rack, making sure they are not touching. This helps them cook evenly and get crispy.
- Bake the Wings:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through. The wings are done when they are golden brown and crispy.
Step 3: Prepare the Buffalo Sauce
- Make the Sauce:
- While the wings are baking, prepare the Buffalo sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the hot sauce, melted butter, white vinegar, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until the mixture is well combined and heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Coat the Wings in Sauce
- Toss the Wings:
- Once the wings are done baking, remove them from the oven. Place them in a large mixing bowl and pour the Buffalo sauce over them. Toss gently to ensure all wings are evenly coated.
- Optional Step – Additional Baking:
- For extra crispiness, return the sauced wings to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes. This allows the sauce to set and caramelize slightly on the wings.
Step 5: Serve
- Plate and Garnish:
- Transfer the wings to a serving platter. You can garnish them with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color.
- Pair with Dips:
- Serve your Baked Chicken Wings with classic accompaniments such as celery sticks, carrot sticks, and ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Tips for Success
- Quality Wings: Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken wings for the best flavor and texture. You can buy whole wings and separate them into flats and drumettes if preferred.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different sauces. Teriyaki, garlic parmesan, or honey mustard make great alternatives to classic Buffalo sauce.
- Crispier Wings: For an even crispier skin, let the wings sit uncovered in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before baking. This helps to dry them out further.
Conclusion
There you have it—perfectly crispy Baked Chicken Wings that are sure to impress at any gathering. With minimal effort and the right techniques, you can achieve a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. Try out different sauces and spices to make this recipe your own. We’d love to hear how your wings turned out and any creative twists you tried—share your thoughts in the comments below!
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