Craving those crispy, juicy, and intensely flavorful buffalo wings you get at Hooters? Forget the takeout! This recipe lets you recreate that iconic taste right in your own kitchen. It’s easier than you think, perfect for game day gatherings, or a satisfying weeknight dinner. Get ready to experience the deliciousness of homemade Hooters-style buffalo chicken wings, a truly addictive and satisfying dish.
Ingredients:
- For the Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- For the Buffalo Sauce:
- 1 cup Frank's RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce (or your favorite hot sauce)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- For Serving:
- Celery sticks
- Carrot sticks
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Wings:
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In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. The baking powder helps create extra crispy skin – a key to restaurant-quality wings!
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Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
Bake the Wings:
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
Make the Buffalo Sauce:
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While the wings are baking, prepare the buffalo sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
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Stir in the Frank's RedHot sauce, honey (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
Toss and Serve:
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Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl.
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Pour the buffalo sauce over the wings and toss gently to coat evenly.
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Serve immediately with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Wings:
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: This ensures even cooking and crispy skin. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
- Pat the wings dry before seasoning: Excess moisture can prevent crisping.
- Adjust the spice level: Use less hot sauce for milder wings, or add more for extra heat. You can also experiment with different hot sauces to find your perfect flavor profile.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the wings and bake them ahead of time. Reheat them gently before tossing with the sauce.
Variations:
- Garlic Parmesan Wings: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the buffalo sauce for a savory twist.
- Honey Garlic Wings: Increase the honey in the sauce for a sweeter and tangier flavor.
- Lemon Pepper Wings: Substitute lemon pepper seasoning for the standard seasoning blend.
Nutritional Information (per wing, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-150 calories
- Protein: Approximately 8-10 grams
- Fat: Approximately 8-12 grams
These homemade Hooters-style buffalo chicken wings are a crowd-pleaser guaranteed to impress. Enjoy the deliciousness!