Ina Garten Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe

If you love bold flavors and easy entertaining, Ina Garten’s Buffalo Chicken Wings are a must-try. Her version skips the fryer in favor of a more hands-off, oven-baked method that still delivers crispy skin and juicy meat, all tossed in a tangy homemade Buffalo sauce. Perfect for game days, parties, or casual dinners.

What Are Ina Garten’s Buffalo Chicken Wings?

This dish features chicken wings baked until golden and crispy, then tossed in a classic Buffalo sauce made with butter, hot sauce, garlic, and seasonings. They’re served with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks—just the way you’d expect from a pub-style platter, but with Ina’s elegant, foolproof touch.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Turkey Burger
• Ina Garten Turkey Gravy
• Ina Garten Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast
• Ina Garten’s Whole Perfect Roast Chicken
• Ina Garten’s Turkey Chili with Beans

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Buffalo Chicken Wings

• Oven-baked, not fried – Less mess and more convenience
• Full-flavored homemade sauce – Bold, buttery, and spicy
• Crowd-pleaser – Perfect for gatherings and family nights
• Crispy skin without deep frying – Thanks to high-heat roasting
• Pairs with classic dips and sides – Easy to round out a meal
• Adaptable spice level – Use more or less hot sauce
• Barefoot Contessa-tested – Simple and dependable

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Buffalo Chicken Wings

For the wings:

• 2½ pounds chicken wings (split at joints, tips removed)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Optional: ½ teaspoon garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor

For the Buffalo sauce:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• ½ cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for more heat)
• Salt to taste

To serve:

• Celery sticks
• Blue cheese or ranch dressing

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Buffalo Chicken Wings

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top.

Step 2: Season and Arrange the Wings

Pat the wings dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings. Arrange them in a single layer on the prepared rack.

Step 3: Roast the Wings

Bake for 40–45 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the wings are golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Make the Buffalo Sauce

While the wings roast, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, garlic, and cayenne (if using). Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

When the wings are done, transfer them to a clean bowl. Pour the Buffalo sauce over and toss until evenly coated.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Serve the wings hot with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing on the side.

What to Serve With Buffalo Chicken Wings

• Celery and carrot sticks – Classic cooling sides
• Blue cheese or ranch dip – For balance and creaminess
• French fries or potato wedges – Hearty and satisfying
• Mac and cheese or coleslaw – Southern-style comfort sides
• Crispy onion rings – Crunchy contrast
• Garlic bread or biscuits – For soaking up sauce
• Chilled beer or iced tea – Refreshing beverage pairing

Expert Tips for Mastering the Recipe

• Dry wings thoroughly before baking – This ensures crisp skin
• Use a wire rack over a baking sheet – Allows air to circulate and fat to drip away
• Add cornstarch to wings (optional) – Enhances crispiness
• Toss in sauce just before serving – Keeps them crisp
• Customize heat by adjusting cayenne or hot sauce – Mild or fiery
• Use real butter for the sauce – Margarine won’t deliver the same richness
• Keep warm in a low oven – If serving later

Variations of the Recipe

• Make honey-Buffalo wings – Add 1 tablespoon of honey to the sauce
• Try garlic-Parmesan instead – Toss with butter, garlic, and parmesan instead of hot sauce
• Use boneless chicken tenders – For easier eating
• Add chipotle or smoked paprika to the sauce – For smoky depth
• Serve over a salad – For a lighter meal
• Make it keto-friendly – Skip the honey and pair with ranch
• Top with green onions or chives – For a fresh garnish

How to Store Leftovers

• Refrigerate in an airtight container – Best eaten within 2–3 days
• Reheat in oven or air fryer – Restores crispness better than microwaving
• Don’t freeze sauced wings – Sauce may separate
• Freeze plain baked wings – Then reheat and toss in fresh sauce
• Store sauce separately if prepping ahead – Better texture
• Label and date containers – For easy meal planning
• Avoid stacking while cooling – To preserve crisp texture

How Do I Reuse Leftover Buffalo Wings?

• Chop and toss into salads – Adds protein and spice
• Make Buffalo chicken wraps or tacos – With lettuce and ranch
• Shred and use in quesadillas – Great for lunch
• Serve with eggs or hash browns – Savory breakfast option
• Mix into mac and cheese – For a spicy upgrade
• Top pizzas or flatbreads – With blue cheese crumbles
• Stuff into baked potatoes – With sour cream and chives

Nutritional Value (per 4–5 wings with sauce)

• Calories: 430
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Sugar: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

FAQs

Can I make Ina Garten’s Buffalo chicken wings ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the wings in advance and store them in the fridge. Reheat in the oven to crisp them up, then toss with warm Buffalo sauce before serving.

How do I get crispy wings without frying?

Pat the wings very dry, use a wire rack over a baking sheet, and roast at a high temperature (425°F). These steps help render fat and create crisp skin.

Can I use store-bought Buffalo sauce?

Yes, but Ina’s homemade version with butter, hot sauce, and garlic offers fresher flavor. If using bottled sauce, warm it up with a little butter for best results.

What’s the best dip to serve with these wings?

Blue cheese dressing is the traditional pairing, but ranch dressing also works well for a milder, creamy contrast.

Final Words

Barefoot Contessa’s Buffalo Chicken Wings are the perfect mix of spicy, buttery, and crispy—all baked in the oven for convenience and ease.

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