Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings

Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings

from therealfooddietitians.com

One simple ingredient gives these wings the crispy skin you crave without frying. Tossed with a 5-ingredient Buffalo sauce, they’re every bit as good as the real thing - only healthier!

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs. chicken wings, ‘flats’ and ‘drummies’ (About 36 pieces; thawed if frozen, then drained and patted dry)
  • 1 Tbsp. baking powder (NOT BAKING SODA) – **Whole30 substitute: 1 tsp. baking soda + 2 tsp. cream of tartar**
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • ⅓ cup ghee or butter* (use coconut oil for dairy-free)
  • ½ cup hot pepper sauce (such as Frank’s Red Hot)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional; adds more heat)

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 250℉. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil. Place a baking/cooling rack on the baking sheet and set aside.

  2. 2

    Place the chicken wing parts in a large bowl. Sprinkle with baking powder and salt. Toss well to coat.

  3. 3

    Arrange the chicken pieces on the baking/cooking rack in a single layer so that pieces are not touching one another (use a second pan with a rack, if needed).

  4. 4

    Place the pan in the oven and cook for 30 minutes at 250℉.

  5. 5

    After 30 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 425℉ and continue cooking for another 20 minutes.

  6. 6

    After 20 minutes, rotate the pan and cook an additional 20 minutes or until the chicken is crispy and lightly browned.

  7. 7

    While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce by combining the ghee, hot pepper sauce, vinegar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and cayenne (if using) in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once the ghee or butter is melted, whisk to combine and remove from heat.

  8. 8

    Transfer cooked chicken pieces to a shallow container (such as a 9×13-inch pan) and drizzle with ½ of Buffalo sauce. Toss to coat.

  9. 9

    Serve remaining sauce with wings or save for another use. May also serve with Homemade Paleo Ranch Dressing for extra dipping pleasure.