Buffalo Ranch Wings

Introduction

Buffalo Ranch Wings are the perfect combination of spicy, tangy, and creamy flavors, making them a must-have for wing lovers. These crispy, juicy chicken wings are coated in a bold buffalo sauce with a hint of cool ranch seasoning, creating an irresistible balance of heat and flavor. Whether you’re hosting a game night, having a casual gathering, or just craving some delicious wings, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results at home.

I remember the first time I made these for a casual get-together with friends. The wings were the star of the show, and everyone was hooked on that perfect blend of spicy buffalo sauce and creamy ranch. The aroma filled the house, and there was a steady stream of compliments all evening long. What’s great about Buffalo Ranch Wings is how customizable they are—you can adjust the heat level to suit your taste, whether you like them mild or extra spicy. Plus, they’re a total crowd-pleaser, so they’re perfect for serving at parties or gatherings where you want to make a delicious impression.

These wings are surprisingly easy to make too. With just a few ingredients, you can toss them in buffalo sauce and ranch seasoning, bake them to crispy perfection, and serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a small group or a larger crowd, these wings will always be a hit!

Perfect for:

• Game days
• Parties and gatherings
• Family dinners
• Wing lovers
• Snack time

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Buffalo Ranch Wings will become your new favorite go-to dish:

• Crispy and Juicy: Perfectly crispy on the outside while staying tender and juicy inside.
• Bold Flavor Combination: The heat from buffalo sauce pairs beautifully with the creamy, tangy ranch seasoning.
• Oven-Baked or Air-Fried: You can choose to bake or air-fry these wings for a crispy texture without deep frying.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this a quick and delicious recipe.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether for a party or a weeknight meal, these wings are always a hit.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 5g, Fat: 22g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Buffalo Ranch Wings:

For the Wings:

• 2 lbs chicken wings (drums and flats, separated)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Buffalo Ranch Sauce:

• ½ cup buffalo sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning mix
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for slight sweetness)

For Serving:

• Ranch dressing (for dipping)
• Celery sticks
• Carrot sticks
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken Wings: The star of the dish, ensuring a juicy and crispy bite.
• Buffalo Sauce: Brings the signature spicy kick.
• Ranch Seasoning: Adds a cooling, tangy contrast to the heat.
• Olive Oil: Helps crisp up the wings in the oven or air fryer.
• Butter: Enhances the richness of the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Buffalo Ranch Wings:

Prepare the Wings:

1. Preheat the Oven or Air Fryer:

• For oven baking: Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack.
• For air frying: Preheat to 380°F (190°C).

1. Season the Wings:

• Pat the wings dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture (this helps them crisp up).
• In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Cook the Wings:

3. Bake the Wings:

• Oven Method: Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
• Air Fryer Method: Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes for even cooking.

Make the Buffalo Ranch Sauce:

4. Combine the Sauce Ingredients:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the buffalo sauce, melted butter, and ranch seasoning mix. If you like a touch of sweetness, add a teaspoon of honey.

4. Coat the Wings:

• Once the wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo ranch sauce over the wings and toss until fully coated.

Serve and Garnish:

6. Plate the Wings:

• Arrange the wings on a serving platter.
• Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for an extra touch of color (optional).

6. Add Dipping Sauces and Sides:

• Serve with ranch dressing for dipping.
• Add celery and carrot sticks on the side for a refreshing crunch.

How to Serve

• With Extra Ranch Dressing: Perfect for balancing out the heat.
• As a Meal: Pair with a side of roasted potatoes or a simple salad.
• For a Party: Serve with other appetizers like nachos, sliders, or mozzarella sticks.
• With Different Sauces: Try blue cheese dressing for a classic pairing.

Additional Tips

• Pat the Wings Dry: This ensures the crispiest texture when baking or air frying.
• Use a Wire Rack for Baking: This helps air circulate around the wings for even crispiness.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cook in batches if needed to get the best results.
• Adjust the Heat: Add extra buffalo sauce for more spice or a little honey for a milder kick.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Buffalo Ranch Wings – Add cayenne pepper to the seasoning for extra heat.
2. Garlic Parmesan Buffalo Ranch Wings – Toss in garlic parmesan sauce after baking.
3. Honey Buffalo Ranch Wings – Increase the honey for a sweet and spicy balance.
4. Lemon Pepper Buffalo Ranch Wings – Add lemon zest and pepper for a citrusy twist.
5. BBQ Buffalo Ranch Wings – Mix in BBQ sauce with the buffalo sauce for a smoky touch.
6. Asian-Inspired Buffalo Ranch Wings – Add a drizzle of sesame oil and soy sauce.
7. Crispy Fried Buffalo Ranch Wings – Deep fry the wings for a crunchier texture.
8. Buffalo Ranch Drumsticks – Use the same recipe with drumsticks instead of wings.
9. Buffalo Ranch Tenders – Swap wings for boneless chicken tenders.
10. Mild Buffalo Ranch Wings – Reduce the buffalo sauce and add more ranch seasoning.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes or in an air fryer for 5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to keep them crispy.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked wings in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.

Special Equipment

• Baking sheet with a wire rack (for oven method)
• Air fryer (optional, for air frying)
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs for tossing the wings

FAQ Section

1. Can I make these wings ahead of time?

• Yes! Bake them ahead and reheat before serving.

1. Are these wings too spicy?

• The spice level is moderate, but you can adjust by adding more or less buffalo sauce.

1. Can I use boneless chicken?

• Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time for boneless chicken tenders.

1. Can I make these dairy-free?

• Yes! Use dairy-free butter and a dairy-free ranch mix.

1. Can I grill these wings?

• Yes! Grill over medium heat for about 20 minutes, flipping occasionally.

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Conclusion

Enjoy the bold, spicy, and tangy flavors of these Buffalo Ranch Wings! With a perfect balance of heat from the buffalo sauce and creamy coolness from the ranch, these wings are a flavor-packed treat that everyone will love. Whether baked or air-fried, they’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, delivering a satisfying crunch with every bite.

This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it the perfect choice for game day, casual get-togethers, or a fun family dinner. Customize the level of spice to suit your taste, whether you like it mild or fiery hot, and serve with your favorite dipping sauces on the side.

I’d love to see how your Buffalo Ranch Wings turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your mouthwatering creations. Happy cooking!