My Secret Crispy Buffalo Wings Recipe Will Upgrade Every Summer Party

With summer now just around the corner, it's time to start planning for this season's outdoor parties. There'll be great food, great drinks and even better company, but there is one very easy way to improve on last year's effort. Is it really a party if you don't serve my gorgeous Buffalo wings?
Every good party needs two things at the very least: great wings and your favorite beer. So if you want to impress your guests, check out this easy, convenient, crispy oven-baked chicken wing recipe. This is great if you don't have a deep fryer or must make large batches of wings.
Another perk of using the oven is that it's a healthier alternative. Now, just because it's healthy doesn't mean you're sacrificing flavor or that satisfying crispy chicken crunch. Here's everything you need to know to make these tasty bites for game day.
Read more: Clever Cleaning Hacks for the Hardest-to-Reach Crevices in Your Kitchen
Everything you need to make oven-baked chicken wings
Porter Road Raw ingredients Porter Road wings from Jolly Barnyard
Start with high-quality chicken wings. Jolly Barnyard's pasture-raised birds have room to move, get fresh air and eat a varied diet free of added hormones and antibiotics. The shipment of 1 to 1.5 pounds of wings arrives frozen. $24 at Porterroad
How to make crispy chicken wings in the oven
1. Decide how many wings you need. Generally speaking, budgeting six to eight wings per person is wise, depending on what else is being served. A variety of sauces and dips will keep things interesting.
2. Make sure the wings are washed and patted completely dry. Preparing the wings beforehand is as important as anything to achieve crispy results, so don't skip the drying step.
3. To lock in moisture and also help the skin develop crispiness, most chefs encourage a light coating of baking powder and/or white flour. If you're trying to avoid those two ingredients, trusted food nerd Alton Brown suggests lightly steaming the wings for 10 minutes to render the fat, which naturally helps to crisp skin during cooking.
4. If you're doing a dry rub like Cajun seasoning or jerk spices, apply to the wings before cooking. Otherwise, wings are tossed in a wet sauce afterward (but never before).
5. Place the wings in a single layer on a nonstick baking sheet. Feel free to line it with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, and place the wings on a wire rack set within the pan so the fat drips down (optional).
6. Bake the wings at 350 degrees for 1 hour, turning them over halfway through. This helps the skin crisp relatively quickly without drying out the inside. Optional: A good, if slightly more caloric tip comes from Mark Bittman who suggests a little extra fat to baste the wings while they cook, still flipping them partway through. Not only do they stay moist, according to Bittman, but they get beautifully browned, too.
7. For truly crispy skin, turn the oven up to 425-450 degrees during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking. Or, broil the wings for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. If you're basting per Mark Bittman or the wings are baking in some of their own juices in a tray, you may cook them for longer without the risk of them drying out. Just look for a crispy skin to develop and don't exceed 90 minutes of total cooking time.
8. You can follow these same basic rules and processes to make frozen chicken wings crispy in the oven, too. Just make sure to pat them dry, especially well before cooking, as ice may have formed on the skin.
9. Once cooked, it's saucin' time. There are a million and one sauce (and dip) recipes to try, from classic Buffalo with blue cheese to international flavors like soy, garlic, teriyaki, ginger and even curry.
Is your summer party really a party without buffalo wings?
Gettys Images/ repinanatoly
Fan favorite chicken wing recipes:
Crispy oven-baked Buffalo wings
This clip from RecipeTin Eats' Nagi Maehashi teases the use of a rack to drain juices for less fat and more crispiness. Get Maehashi's recipe for truly crispy oven-baked Buffalo wings.
Smoky rubbed wings with molasses
Smoky rubbed wings with molasses.
Quentin Bacon
Beauty & Essex chef Chris Santos' recipe uses molasses, honey and bourbon. A smoky spice rub and a doctored barbecue sauce make his baked-then-broiled wings irresistible.
Soy-glazed wings
Soy-glazed chicken wings.
CNET
These sweet wings are great as is, but add some fresh chives, sesame, crushed red pepper or diced garlic for a multilayered sauce. Tasting Table's recipe uses rice flour to dredge the chicken, giving it the added bonus of being airy, crispy and gluten-free.
Maple-mustard barbecue wings
Maple mustard barbecue wings.
CNET
Christine Gallary's recipe is easily adapted to the oven-baked method. Just brush the wings with the sauce in the last few minutes of cooking so it caramelizes a bit but doesn't burn.
Chicken wing recipe FAQs
When should I season my chicken wings?
If you want to season your wings, apply any dry seasonings or rubs before you cook them in the oven. However, if you're using any sauces, those are going to go on after you're done cooking the wings.
How can I make sure my wings are moist and crispy?
In order to make sure the moisture is locked into your wings and they don't get dry in the oven, apply a thin coating of baking powder or white flour before you cook the chicken wings.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Fox News

an hour ago

• Fox News

Denim styles for every look this summer

Whether dressing up for a night out or dressing down with sneakers for a casual daytime look, denim offers versatility that few other fabrics can match. The adaptability of denim allows it to transcend seasonal trends, making it a go-to choice year-round and is evident in its myriad of forms: classic jeans, chic skirts, structured jackets, and trendy vests. Here are 10 must-have denim pieces to add to your lineup this summer: This Elleven cropped denim vest is super on trend and brings a touch of Western flair to your wardrobe. Its V-neck design and lightweight fabric make it perfect for layering over dresses or pairing with wide-leg linen pants. Colored denim has reemerged from decades past, and you can get this style in fun colors like pink or just go with a summery white or acid-washed black. If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today. Fidelity's Lily jeans offer a flattering mid-rise fit, boot cut design suitable for various body shapes, a light wash and a cropped length perfect for summer. These will be your go-to jeans to pair with everything from a crisp white blouse and heels to a light tee and casual sneakers. If you're looking to spend a little less, a similar pair of jeans is available on Amazon for less than $40. This Levi's floral bustier at Macy's offers a fresh take on denim, blending femininity with classic elements. It's a versatile addition to any wardrobe, ideal for spring and summer outings. Take it a step further and sport your own version of the Cowboy Tuxedo with the matching jeans for $98. This Opal swing denim jacket by Free People introduces a playful twist to the traditional jean jacket. Its swingy silhouette and defined pleating at the back add movement and style. It looks great layered, or on its own over a simple tank or tee. If you are looking for a more classic denim jacket, Old Navy has you covered with its aptly named 'Classic' jean jacket. Original price: $44.99 Old Navy's mid-rise jean maxi skirt combines comfort with a classic pencil skirt design. Its high-waisted fit and maxi length make it suitable for various occasions, from casual days to more dressed-up events. It's a versatile addition to your closet that can be styled in many different ways. If you'd rather keep it short for summer, a mini version is also available at Old Navy in two different washes. Original price: $98 In recent years, we've been introduced to a shirt/jacket hybrid trend known as the 'shacket.' This oversize denim shacket offers a fit that's both comfortable and on-trend. It's ideal for layering during transitional seasons and the relaxed style adds a laid-back vibe to any outfit. Walmart also offers this light-washed fringe-trimmed version that's a similar style. Original Price: $189 This wide-leg denim jumpsuit from Avec Les Filles at Nordstrom adds a touch of glamour to your denim ensemble, with its flattering and feminine zip-up corset bodice design, making it a statement piece for special occasions or a night out. If you're looking for something just as cute but a little more casual, consider this Jayde jumpsuit from Free People. Denim doesn't always have to be blue and this Free People Madison City jacket offers a relaxed and effortless look in colors like olive and tan. With its button-down style and chest pocket details, it's a versatile piece that complements various outfits. Pair with contrasting colored denim on the bottom, like the tan jacket worn with a white tee or nautical striped tee over these olive skinny jeans. This babydoll-style denim dress on Amazon features a tiered design that adds a playful and girly touch to classic denim. Its relaxed fit ensures comfort, while the short sleeves and above-the-knee length make it suitable for warmer days. It also comes in more than a dozen different washes and colors. Pair it with sandals for a casual day out or dress it up with heels for an evening gathering. If you really want to commit to the trend and go head-to-toe in denim, grab these Chinese Laundry platform sandals at Zappos. For more deals, visit Who says denim can't be daring? This Yoeasy sleeveless maxi dress on Amazon sports a figure-flattering silhouette and plunging halter neckline while offering the comfort that denim provides. Its simple design also allows for easy accessorizing. Pair it with platform wedge sandals and a statement necklace for a chic summer look.

Vogue

3 hours ago

• Vogue

Maria McManus Resort 2026 Collection

Earlier this year, Maria McManus began experimenting with lace after coming across an Irish linen tablecloth her Aunt Bibi had made. 'I'm not a super floral crochet person, but I was like 'OK, this is meaningful,'' she said at the time, and three seasons later, it's been a thrill to see how that discovery begat a round of experimentation and pushing of the creative boundaries for the designer. 'I think it allowed me to think about sustainability differently, not being like, 'Oh my God, it has to be recycled,' but that there can be more things to the story.' she explained during an appointment at her Tribeca home which often doubles as a showroom. Artisanal French Dentelle de Calais-Caudry lace, which is 'certified and protected by the French government' continued to play a starring role in her resort collection, trimming slinky slip dresses made from her favorite Naia Renew fabric, and in delicate floral-patterned skirts. But its influence could also be felt elsewhere, as in the light-as-air cardigan knitted with three different floral patterns inspired by the lace itself, or even in the pair of organic cotton jeans with a 'shredded' detail on the waistband and pockets. They were still beautifully finished, and lined in her trademark grosgrain ribbon, but the layers had been left unfinished, fraying—a kind of proof of the handwork that goes into actually making them. But that doesn't mean McManus has stopped her tireless search for new materials and new sustainable technologies. This season she introduced a recycled polyester curly 'shearling,' used on a very cool—and glamorous—long statement coat; and a biodegradable nylon with a scuba-like feel that became extra-long leggings turned-wardrobe-essential thanks to the addition of belt loops(!). 'Most nylon comes from the fossil fuel industry—specifically coal—and can take anywhere from a hundred to a thousand years if not longer to biodegrade,' she explained. 'This is made from a fruit polymer, so it reacts more like a paper or a cotton, and will biodegrade in five years in an industrial landfill. The mill was started by this woman named Regina and she is amazing, everything she does is sustainable in some way.'

Forbes

3 hours ago

• Forbes

The Weekend Habit For Happier, More Productive Workweeks

Making leisure crafting a weekend habit, like playing golf with friends, can recharge your mind and ... More fuel a happier, more productive workweek. It's Sunday night, and despite spending the weekend binge-watching Netflix, scrolling through social media and catching up on sleep, you feel just as drained as you did on Friday afternoon. Sound familiar? You're not alone. Most working professionals default to passive recovery as a weekend habit, hoping that rest alone will recharge their batteries for the week ahead. What you should consider instead is "leisure crafting." A study published in the Journal of Leisure Research reveals that leisure crafting, a powerful weekend habit, can boost energy and well-being by more than 150% while also improving work performance, creativity, productivity and job satisfaction. Here's what it is and how you can use this powerful weekend ritual to transform your entire workweek. What Is Leisure Crafting? Leisure crafting involves approaching free time with intentionality and a growth mindset, focusing on goal-setting, human connection, learning and personal development. Unlike passive leisure activities like watching TV or scrolling through social media, this approach actively engages your mind and builds skills. The problem with passive leisure activities is that they don't provide the psychological resources we need to truly recharge. We're essentially running in place, maintaining our current state rather than enhancing it. This approach works because it provides three key psychological benefits that passive activities don't: According to research by occupational health psychologist Dr. Sabine Sonnentag, the ability to mentally detach from work during leisure time is essential for reducing stress, preventing burnout and enhancing both well-being and job performance. As Sonnentag explains, 'detachment from work during non-work time is crucial for employee well-being and performance.' Active, engaging leisure activities—especially those that foster mastery and a sense of autonomy—are significantly more effective at promoting psychological recovery than passive rest. The Benefits of Leisure Crafting So, what exactly can you expect from this weekend habit? Here's how adopting a growth mindset in your leisure time transforms your well-being and productivity: Creative weekend activities build what psychologists call "psychological resources." When you approach leisure with a growth mindset and complete a creative project or learn a new skill, you're building confidence that fundamentally changes how you feel about yourself and your capabilities. You approach Monday morning with a stronger sense of your own abilities and a more positive mindset. Beyond the confidence boost, these activities provide immediate weekend satisfaction that passive activities don't. Instead of ending Sunday night feeling like you've wasted your time, you finish the weekend with a tangible sense of accomplishment and personal growth. The cognitive flexibility required for creative activities enhances problem-solving abilities at work. When you're used to thinking creatively during leisure time, you naturally bring that same innovative thinking to professional situations. Research shows that the positive emotions, enhanced creativity and increased self-efficacy generated through leisure activities spill over into work performance and productivity. Employees who engage in structured creative activities report higher levels of work engagement, increased innovation and greater job satisfaction. This spillover effect works both ways—when you're more engaged and productive at work, you bring that energy back to your personal creative pursuits, creating a positive feedback loop. Research participants experienced a 1.6 times greater increase in overall well-being compared to the control group. Beyond immediate satisfaction and work performance, this weekend habit addresses critical aspects of modern well-being by providing psychological detachment from work concerns, which is essential for preventing burnout. Regular creative engagement builds resilience by providing alternative sources of identity and self-worth beyond professional achievements. Dr. Petrou, the lead researcher on the leisure crafting studies, found that leisure crafting helps individuals improve their overall quality of life while also serving as a resource that enhances their performance in domains where it matters, such as at work. How To Put Leisure Crafting Into Practice The key is choosing activities that are physically and mentally engaging while providing a sense of accomplishment. These are just some examples: How To Make Leisure Crafting A Weekend Habit Building a sustainable weekend habit requires planning and a growth mindset: Schedule It: Block out specific time slots in your weekend schedule for creative activities. Treat this time as non-negotiable. Many people find Saturday or Sunday mornings work well when energy levels are high, and you can set yourself up for a productive week ahead. Create An Accessible Space: Keep your supplies visible and easily accessible. Whether it's a dedicated craft room or simply a basket of art supplies on your kitchen table, reducing friction makes follow-through more likely. Start Small: Begin with just 30 minutes of creative time per weekend. This feels manageable and helps establish the routine. As the habit becomes natural, you can gradually extend the time. Embrace Flexibility: Whether you live in a small apartment, have young children, or work irregular hours, you can adapt creative activities to fit your circumstances. For busy parents, creative activities can turn into family bonding time. For those with limited space, focus on activities requiring minimal equipment. Transform Your Next Weekend Small, intentional changes in how you spend your downtime can have significant payoffs in your work life and overall well-being. Leisure crafting as a weekend habit isn't about adding more obligations to your already busy life. It's about making your existing downtime more restorative so that you can have a more productive and satisfying workweek.