Buffalo Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Dip – crowd-pleaser

Published By Categorized as American Classics
Hey there! Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you choose to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Few things bring people together like a plate of spicy, tangy Buffalo chicken wings. Perfect for game day, parties, or weekend snacking, these wings are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and paired with a creamy, cooling blue cheese dip that balances the heat.

Making Buffalo wings at home is surprisingly simple and far tastier than takeout. With this recipe, you’ll learn the secrets to achieving perfectly baked (or fried) wings coated in classic Buffalo sauce, along with a homemade blue cheese dip that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Buffalo Wings Are So Popular

Buffalo wings are an American classic that originated in Buffalo, New York. Their charm lies in:

  • Crispy skin: A well-seasoned, golden exterior
  • Spicy-sweet sauce: A mix of hot sauce and butter
  • Juicy meat: Tender, flavorful chicken
  • Dipping magic: Blue cheese or ranch adds the perfect cooling contrast

Whether you bake them in the oven or deep-fry them, these wings are easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for a party.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Wings (Serves 4)

  • 2 lbs (900 g) chicken wings, tips removed and drumettes separated
  • 1 tbsp baking powder (aluminum-free)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
See also  Hot Dogs with Classic Toppings – summer-ready comfort food

For the Buffalo Sauce

  • ½ cup (120 g) unsalted butter
  • ½ cup (120 ml) hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional for smoky flavor)

For the Blue Cheese Dip

  • ½ cup (120 g) sour cream
  • ½ cup (120 g) mayonnaise
  • ½ cup (50 g) crumbled blue cheese
  • 1 tsp lemon juice or white vinegar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional: celery sticks and carrot sticks for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Wings

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) if baking.
  2. Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels (this is key for crispiness).
  3. Toss wings with baking powder, salt, and pepper. The baking powder helps achieve a crispy skin.
  4. Place wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet for even heat circulation.

2. Bake or Fry the Wings

  • Oven Method: Bake for 35–45 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
  • Frying Method: Heat oil to 375°F (190°C) and fry wings in batches for 10–12 minutes until crispy and cooked through.

3. Make the Buffalo Sauce

  1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
  2. Stir in hot sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until smooth.
  3. Toss baked or fried wings in the sauce until evenly coated.

Tip: Keep some sauce aside for dipping or extra drizzle.

4. Make the Blue Cheese Dip

  1. In a bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, blue cheese, and lemon juice.
  2. Mix gently, leaving some chunks of cheese for texture.
  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill until serving.

5. Serve and Enjoy

  • Arrange wings on a platter with celery and carrot sticks.
  • Serve with blue cheese dip on the side for dunking.
See also  Classic Cheeseburgers with Homemade Buns – unbeatable dinner option

Tips for the Perfect Buffalo Wings

  • Dry wings thoroughly: Moisture prevents crispiness.
  • Don’t skip the baking powder: It gives the skin that irresistible crunch.
  • Adjust heat: Add more or less hot sauce to suit your taste.
  • Make-ahead: Wings and sauce can be prepared a few hours ahead and combined before serving.
  • Extra flavor: Toss wings in a little honey or brown sugar for a sweet-heat twist.

Variations to Try

  • Garlic Parmesan Wings: Replace Buffalo sauce with melted butter, garlic, and Parmesan.
  • Spicy Honey Wings: Mix hot sauce with honey for a sweet heat.
  • Smoky BBQ Wings: Use BBQ sauce with smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

These wings are:

  • Crispy, golden, and juicy
  • Spicy, tangy, and perfectly balanced
  • Customizable for mild or fiery heat
  • A guaranteed crowd-pleaser

Whether you’re hosting a game day party, casual dinner, or just craving a finger-licking snack, these Buffalo chicken wings with blue cheese dip are the ultimate go-to recipe.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats homemade Buffalo wings with a creamy blue cheese dip. They’re fun to make, perfect for sharing, and satisfyingly indulgent. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create restaurant-quality wings at home that will impress family and friends.

Serve with your favorite sides, a cold drink, and get ready for everyone to ask for seconds.