Are you looking for an unbelievably delicious and easy recipe to impress your friends and family? Look no further! These Ranch Dressing Chicken Wings are crispy, flavorful, and ridiculously addictive. Perfect for game day, parties, or a casual weeknight dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience the ultimate combination of crispy chicken and creamy ranch flavor! This quick dinner idea is also a healthy meal option, especially when baked instead of fried.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup ranch seasoning mix
- Cooking spray or vegetable oil
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Wings
In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Add the chicken wings and toss to ensure they are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This step is crucial for tender and flavorful wings.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and ranch seasoning mix. Whisk until well combined.
Step 3: Bread the Wings
Remove the marinated chicken wings from the refrigerator. One by one, dredge each wing in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Gently shake off any excess flour.
Step 4: Bake or Fry the Wings
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Alternatively, you can deep fry the wings in hot oil at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
For baking: Bake for 45-50 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the baked or fried wings from the oven or fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces – ranch dressing is a must, of course!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken Wings:
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: Ensure the wings are in a single layer to allow for even cooking and crispy results.
- Pat the wings dry: Before breading, gently pat the marinated wings dry with paper towels. This helps the flour adhere better and creates a crispier coating.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spiciness. For a milder flavor, omit it entirely.
- Use fresh herbs: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding some fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the ranch seasoning mix.
Variations:
- Spicy Ranch Wings: Increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of chili powder for extra heat.
- BBQ Ranch Wings: After baking, toss the wings in your favorite BBQ sauce for a sweet and smoky twist.
- Garlic Parmesan Ranch Wings: Substitute part of the ranch seasoning with grated Parmesan cheese for a savory and cheesy flavor.
Nutritional Information (per wing, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on cooking method and added sauces)
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
This recipe offers a delicious and relatively healthy meal option, particularly when baked. Enjoy this amazing homemade cooking recipe! These easy recipes are perfect for any occasion. They are among the best recipes you'll find for delicious dishes!