Name: Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken wings; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon paprika; 1/8 teaspoon cayenne; ½ teaspoon oregano; ½ teaspoon thyme; 1/3 cup Frank’s hot sauce; 3 tablespoons melted butter; 1 tablespoon honey

Jump to Recipe

Prepare to fall in love with Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings: that irresistible classic pub flavor meets the best of homemade comfort. Crispy-skinned, juicy chicken wings get a fiery, tangy Buffalo sauce bath—no deep fryer required. If you’re seeking bold flavor with less mess and just the right amount of heat, these wings deliver every single time. Whether for game day, a backyard get-together, or just a treat-yourself night, Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings always steal the show with minimal fuss and maximum crunch.

Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings lies in how simple the ingredients are, yet each brings something essential—a punchy zing, rich color, or golden crispness. Let’s take a moment to see what each star ingredient does for our ultimate wings.

Chicken wings: The hero of this dish, delivering juicy meat and perfectly textured skin that crisps beautifully in the oven.
Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and encourages crunchy, golden skin as the wings bake.
Salt: Essential for bringing out every savory note in the chicken and balancing the spice.
Black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and enhances the overall flavor complexity.
Garlic powder: Infuses the wings with a touch of aromatic depth and savoriness.
Onion powder: Rounds out the seasoning, pairing perfectly with garlic and herbs.
Paprika: Offers mild smokiness and that gorgeous reddish hue true Buffalo wings are known for.
Cayenne: Brings a controlled kick, making the wings just spicy enough to keep coming back for more.
Oregano: Lends herbal brightness and a hint of earthiness to balance the heat.
Thyme: Complements the oregano, giving depth and complexity to the seasoning blend.
Frank’s hot sauce: The classic ingredient for authentic Buffalo tang—nothing else tastes quite the same.
Melted butter: Creates that luscious, glossy Buffalo sauce and helps mellow the heat.
Honey: Unexpected but brilliant; adds just enough sweetness to round out the spicy sauce.

How to Make Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top. The rack is key: it lets air circulate around your Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings, so they get that sought-after crunch on every side.

Step 2: Season the Wings

Combine all your dry seasonings—salt, pepper, garlic and onion powders, paprika, cayenne, oregano, and thyme—in a big bowl. Pat your chicken wings dry with paper towels (the drier the better for crispiness). Toss them in olive oil, then shower them in your homemade seasoning blend. Every piece should be evenly coated with this aromatic mix, ensuring flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Arrange the Wings

Lay the wings out in a single layer on your wire rack. Give them a little space—that way, the oven’s heat can work its magic and you’ll avoid any limp, soggy spots. If you’re making a double batch, use two trays rather than crowding them together.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Brown Perfection

Pop your tray in the oven and let the wings bake for 45 to 50 minutes, remembering to flip them halfway through. This helps both sides brown evenly. You’re looking for gorgeous, golden color and wing tips that look just a little bit crackly—those are the bites you’ll fight over.

Step 5: Make the Buffalo Sauce

While the wings work on their crunch, whisk together Frank’s hot sauce, melted butter, and honey in a separate bowl. The butter gives your Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings that classic glossy look, while the honey brings balance to the heat, making the sauce truly crave-able.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

As soon as the wings come out of the oven, transfer them to a clean mixing bowl. Pour the Buffalo sauce over and toss thoroughly until each wing is beautifully, generously coated. Serve immediately for the best combination of crispy, saucy, and oh-so-satisfying.

How to Serve Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings

Garnishes

For that iconic finishing touch, shower your wings with a handful of chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color. If you love a little contrast, classic celery sticks and carrot batons are cool, crunchy companions and look fantastic on the platter. And of course, don’t forget a side of creamy blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping—the classic pairing that never disappoints.

Side Dishes

Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings are delicious with just about anything! Serve alongside crisp coleslaw for freshness, loaded potato wedges for heft, or even buttery cornbread for a Southern-inspired spread. Want to keep things classic? Fresh, crunchy crudité is always welcome, especially with all that tangy, spicy flavor from the wings.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings the star of a build-your-own platter with a rainbow of dips, veggie sticks, and extra sauce on the side. Or pile them high on a rustic wooden board with lots of napkins for a casual, hands-on feast. If you’re thinking outside the box, try skewering individual wings for a party-friendly appetizer or tucking a couple into tiny slider rolls for the ultimate Buffalo wing sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If (and that’s a big if) you have leftover Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings, let them cool completely before storing. Pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. They’ll keep their flavor and are easy to transform into a snack or a salad boost later on.

Freezing

These wings freeze well, too! Place cooled wings in a single layer on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to two months and make an excellent impromptu treat whenever a craving hits.

Reheating

To bring back their signature crispiness, reheat Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings in a 400°F oven for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Avoid the microwave, as it tends to make them soggy, but if speed is your top concern, a few minutes in the air fryer works like a charm.

FAQs

How do I make my Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings extra crispy?

The wire rack is your best friend! It helps heat circulate perfectly and keeps the skin crisp. Patting the wings very dry before seasoning and not overcrowding your pan are also key.

Can I use a different hot sauce?

Absolutely. While Frank’s gives that classic Buffalo character, feel free to experiment with your favorite hot sauce for new flavors or extra heat. Just try to stick with a vinegar-based sauce for best results.

Are these wings super spicy?

Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings offer a good smokey-spicy flavor, but the butter and honey balance out the heat. If you love more kick, up the cayenne or choose a hotter sauce. For milder palates, reduce the spice blend or add a little extra honey to the sauce.

Can I make these wings gluten free?

Yes! The recipe as written is naturally gluten free since there’s no flour or breading. Just double-check your hot sauce and butter for any added gluten-containing ingredients if you’re highly sensitive.

How do I scale this recipe for a crowd?

It’s easy—simply double or triple every ingredient as needed. Bake the wings on multiple racks, rotating trays halfway through to ensure even browning and crispiness for each batch of Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings.

Final Thoughts

If you love bold flavor and crisp, saucy texture, you won’t regret making a big batch of Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings. There’s nothing quite like pulling a hot tray out of the oven and sharing these with your favorite people. Grab some napkins, a cold drink, and get ready for a new go-to wing recipe you’ll crave again and again!

Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 18 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These oven-baked buffalo wings are the perfect combination of crispy, flavorful, and spicy. Coated in a tangy buffalo sauce, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a tasty snack.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.
Season the Wings: In a large bowl, combine the seasoning ingredients. Pat the chicken wings dry and toss with olive oil and seasoning mix until well coated.
Bake the Wings: Place the wings on a wire rack over the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 45-50 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and cooked through.
Make the Buffalo Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, and honey.
Coat the Wings: Toss the baked wings in the Buffalo sauce until fully coated.