Crispy Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Sauce

Introduction

If you’re looking for the ultimate party appetizer, look no further than baked buffalo chicken wings with blue cheese sauce. They’re fiery, tangy, and irresistibly juicy, paired perfectly with a cool, creamy blue cheese dip. Whether you’re watching the game, hosting friends, or just want to treat yourself — this dish is a winner every single time.

Ingredients Overview

For the Chicken Wings:

2 pounds chicken wings, split and tips removed
1 tbsp baking powder (NOT baking soda!)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

For the Buffalo Sauce:

½ cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is king)
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp honey (for a touch of sweetness)
1 tsp white vinegar
¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)

For the Blue Cheese Sauce:

½ cup sour cream
¼ cup mayonnaise
½ cup crumbled blue cheese
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt & pepper to taste

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Baking sheet with wire rack
Mixing bowls
Small saucepan
Whisk
Tongs
Measuring spoons

Prep Time & Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1 – Prepping the Wings

Start with completely dry wings. Pat them down with paper towels — moisture is the enemy of crispy wings!

Step 2 – Seasoning for Maximum Flavor

Toss wings in a bowl with baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This dry coating is your secret to crispiness without deep frying.

Step 3 – How to Bake for Crispiness

Place the wings skin-side up on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45–50 minutes until golden and crisp.

Step 4 – Making the Homemade Buffalo Sauce

While the wings are baking, melt butter in a small saucepan, stir in hot sauce, honey, vinegar, and paprika. Mix until smooth and set aside.

Step 5 – Whipping Up Blue Cheese Sauce

Combine sour cream, mayo, lemon juice, and blue cheese in a bowl. Stir until chunky and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.

Serving Suggestions

What to Serve with Buffalo Wings

Celery and carrot sticks
Extra napkins (trust us!)
Ice-cold drinks

How to Plate Like a Pro

Stack wings pyramid-style on a platter. Drizzle a bit of sauce over the top, then serve with a small bowl of dipping sauce in the center.

Tips for Perfect Baked Wings

Get That Restaurant-Quality Crunch

Baking powder helps dry out the skin, making it crisp up beautifully. Don’t skip it!

Sauce Tossing Technique

After baking, toss the wings in sauce while they’re still hot. It sticks better and seeps into every crispy crevice.

Substitutions & Variations

Spicy vs. Mild

Not a spice lover? Cut the hot sauce in half and add more honey. Love heat? Add cayenne pepper.

Dairy-Free Dips

Use vegan mayo and plant-based sour cream with dairy-free blue cheese.

Make-Ahead Tips & Storage

You can bake the wings a day ahead and reheat them at 400°F for 10–15 minutes. Store leftover wings in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t overcrowd the baking tray — it prevents crisping.
Skipping the baking powder? Big mistake. Huge.
Tossing wings in sauce before baking = soggy city.

Nutrition Breakdown (Approx. per 4–5 wings)

Calories: 380
Protein: 28g
Fat: 24g
Carbs: 4g

Why Baking Beats Frying

Less mess, fewer calories, and no oil splatter. Plus, your house won’t smell like a fast-food joint for hours!

Wrapping It Up

There’s nothing quite like biting into a crispy baked buffalo wing and dipping it into cool blue cheese sauce. It’s spicy, creamy, tangy, and totally addictive. Whether it’s game night or just a Tuesday, this recipe never disappoints. So grab some wings, heat that oven, and get saucing!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before baking.

2. Can I use ranch instead of blue cheese?
Of course! But don’t knock blue cheese until you try this version.

3. How do I reheat leftovers without losing crispiness?
Use the oven at 400°F for 10–15 minutes or an air fryer.

4. Is there a low-carb version of this recipe?
This recipe is already pretty low-carb — just watch the honey in the sauce.

5. Can I grill the wings instead of baking?
Absolutely! Grill over medium heat, flipping occasionally until cooked through and crisp.