Dinner

Hot and Spicy Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe

ByLila Prescott August 16, 2026August 16, 2026

Introduction

Enjoy the fiery kick and crispy texture of these hot and spicy baked Buffalo chicken wings. Perfectly simmered in a flavorful sauce then baked to golden perfection, they make an irresistible appetizer or game-day snack.

The image shows a close-up of several chicken wings covered in a sticky, shiny reddish-brown glaze. The wings have crispy, charred edges with a rich texture from the sauce coating them. The wings are laid out in a scattered way on a surface that has a white marbled texture, with some sauce drips visible around them. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 pounds chicken wings, cut
1 cup chicken broth or water

3/4 cup hot sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar or honey

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking spray (for the baking sheet)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F. Coat a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray or lightly brush it with oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a deep pan or skillet, combine chicken broth, hot sauce, butter, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.

Step 3: Add the chicken wings to the simmering sauce and cook for 15 minutes. Then transfer the wings to the prepared baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer. Keep the sauce in the pan for later use.
Step 4: Bake the wings on the upper rack of the oven. Turn them once after 15 minutes, then continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until the skin is golden and crisp.
Step 5: While the wings bake, return the reserved sauce to medium-low heat and simmer until slightly thickened, about 10 to 12 minutes.

Step 6: Toss the baked wings in the thickened sauce until well coated. Serve immediately with blue cheese dip and celery sticks for a classic Buffalo wing experience.

Tips & Variations

For more heat, add cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the simmering mixture.
Use honey instead of brown sugar for a sweeter glaze with a subtle floral note.

To make these wings extra crispy, pat them dry before simmering and consider broiling for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
Serve with ranch dressing as an alternative to blue cheese for a different flavor profile.

Storage

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 375 degrees F for about 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy skin.

How to Serve

A close-up view of several chicken wings coated in a shiny, sticky orange-brown sauce with charred and crispy edges, lying directly on a white marbled surface. The texture shows a mix of smooth and rough areas where the sauce has caramelized, with some glossy highlights reflecting light, giving the wings a juicy and freshly cooked appearance. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the wings before cooking to ensure even simmering and baking.

How spicy are these wings, and can I adjust the heat level?

The wings have a moderate heat from the hot sauce and paprika. You can easily adjust the spice by choosing a milder hot sauce or adding extra cayenne pepper for more kick.