Hot wings are one of our favorite snacks for a holiday gathering or family game night. You can’t go wrong when you put out a huge plate of the wings, and there are so many different ways in which you can prepare these wings and different sauces to go with them.
Today we’re going to answer some of your top questions about making the popular appetizer and share 50 different hot wings recipes to help you create the best dish for your next party.
Who Invented Hot Wings?
As with many popular American foods, there are various different stories about who invented hot wings. These deep-fried chicken wings have been part of Southern cooking for a long time. However, the concept of these wings first came about in 1964 at the Anchor Bar, which was located in Buffalo, New York.
The co-owner of the restaurant, Teressa Bellissimo, had some leftover wings, which she cooked one night for her son and his friends. One night led to the oh-so-loved appetizer we know and love today, and this is why some wings are referred to as Buffalo wings.
How To Make Hot Wings
As with any type of food item, there’s not just one way in which you can make hot wings. However, when it comes to making classic hot wings, we recommend using the frying method first then putting them in the oven to finish off.
You’ll start by heating a few inches of oil in a heavy pot while also preheating the oven. Add the chicken wings in batches to the oil and fry them until they look golden brown and are cooked throughout. The process should take about five to seven minutes.
Once they are cooked, you’ll remove them and place them on paper towels to drain the oil. From here, you can start creating your sauce in a pan before placing the wings covered in sauce in the oven.
These are cooked for roughly fifteen minutes, which allows them to get that crispy coating hot wings are known for. While there are other methods for cooking hot wings, this is one of the most tried and tested options that will guarantee great results each time.
How to Make Hot Wing Sauce
The sauce is a critical part of the hot wings recipes we’ll share below, and you’ll find variations on a similar theme when comparing different dishes. When it comes to hot wing sauces, one of the best recipes requires you to use cayenne sauce and butter. These are cooked in a saucepan on medium-low heat.
To add a kick to your sauce, you then add in Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce. After allowing them to bubble up, you’ll turn off the heat and place the sauce over the wings before cooking them in the oven.
We know that not everyone has the same tolerance for heat, and that’s why we recommend adding hot sauce slowly if it’s your first time using this hot wings recipe. You can then add more after if it’s not hot enough instead of making it too hot to eat in the first place.
How to Make Hot Wings in the Oven
If you don’t have the time or energy to dedicate to the recipe we shared above, then you can also cook the wings using your oven. Using the oven is also a great option for anyone who doesn’t like frying food in fat, which can sometimes feel dangerous for more nervous chefs.
Here’s how to cook hot wings using your oven:
- Heat your oven to 250°F/120°C
- Line a tray with foil and then spray the rack with oil to stop the wings from sticking
- Season your wings and place them on the rack skin side up
- Cook for 30 minutes on the lower shelf of the oven
- Move your wings up to the higher shelf and turn the oven up to bake them at 425°F/220°C for a further 40 to 50 minutes
- You’ll know your wings are ready to eat when they have dark golden brown skin. Toss them in the sauce, and they’ll be ready to serve.
While this method does take more time than the first option we shared above, it’s a great way to cook wings in the oven without worrying about frying them beforehand.
50 Hot Wings Recipes
1. Classic Hot Wings
You can’t go wrong with this classic recipe for hot wings, which uses the frying and oven-baking technique we shared above. In this classic recipe, you’ll use oil, to begin with, which you’ll drain from the chicken before crisping it up in the oven.
It offers a traditional hot wing sauce recipe, which includes butter to add extra creaminess and silkiness to the sauce. If you’ve never tried to make hot wings at home before, this would be a good place to start.
2. Crispy Buffalo Chicken Wings
We really enjoy the texture and crunch of crispy buffalo chicken wings. You’ll find these are a good option for a family gathering, and they are a little less spicy than some of the other hot wings recipes we’ll share here today. The wings are tossed in a delicious Buffalo sauce, which is the finishing touch you need to complete this recipe before serving it.
3. Simple Hot Wings
When you need a quick and easy appetizer for your next dinner party, check out this simple recipe for hot wings. During this recipe, you’ll use the roasting approach to cook your chicken wings, making them a good starter for your family gathering as they aren’t too messy to share. They are crunchy wings that are glazed with soy and Sriracha, offering a unique taste when compared to some of the classic hot wings recipes.
4. Restaurant-Style Buffalo Chicken Wings
If you are looking to save money next year on cooking, we encourage you to search online for restaurant-quality recipe ideas. These restaurant-style buffalo chicken wings will be much more cost-effective than dining out on a regular basis, and they’ll make you feel like you are dining in your favorite local joint.
5. Juicy Hot Wings
When you think of the best hot wings, they should be tender on the inside but have a delicious and crunchy coating on the outside. These hot wings from Life Made Simple pack a punch and would be great served alongside ranch or buffalo sauce.
You could also add carrot and celery sticks on the side, adding a few more nutrients to your appetizer. There are many great appetizer recipes on our site which you could pair with this, and this would be a good option for a holiday party this year when you don’t fancy serving a sit-down meal.
6. Frank’s RedHot Original Chicken Wings
If you aren’t familiar with Frank’s RedHot sauce, it’s one of the most popular sauce options on the market. It is ideal for adding to your hot wing sauce, and it will pack a punch like no other recipe. In this recipe, you’ll use Frank’s Red Hot sauce in the dish and create some of the best chicken wings you could possibly make at home.
7. Truly Crispy Oven Baked Buffalo Wings
You don’t have to fry your chicken wings if you don’t want to when making the best hot wings recipes. These baked buffalo wings are made in the oven, and they use a popular technique to ensure the skin is crisp.
You won’t believe they aren’t fried, as they are so quick and easy to make in the oven. The video offers a great guide to this recipe and helps inexperienced cooks to feel more in control when cooking.
8. Sticky Hot Chicken Wings Recipe
While most of the focus on chicken wings is on the sauce and cooking technique, you also need to think about how you serve them. These hot sticky chicken wings are great for a movie night or game day and are served with a zesty garlic hot sauce. Make sure you have a stack of napkins for your guests, as these can get quite messy if you aren’t careful.
9. Simple Spiced Baked Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are a great menu option for your next game day, and these simple spiced baked chicken wings offer an easy recipe for your use. The seasoning contains basic ingredients such as salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika, which you’ll likely already have in your kitchen.
It’s a slightly healthier recipe than some of the other heavily seasoned dishes on our list, and it’s a good option for a flavorful appetizer for your next gathering.
10. Hot and Spicy Chicken Wings
For those of you who are looking for a really fiery chicken wing recipe, check out these hot and spicy chicken wings. One thing to keep in mind when following this recipe is what hot sauce you use within this dish. You’ll find that the heat level for hot sauces varies quite a bit, so make sure you don’t overdo it if you are at all sensitive to spice.
11. Baked Hot Wings
With so many different ways to cook hot wings, it can be a challenge to know which is the best technique. These baked wings from Healthy Recipes can also be made extra crispy if you like, which you’ll achieve by leaving them in the oven for an additional 30-60 minutes following the recommended cooking time.
12. Grilled Chicken Wings
Another good option when it comes to cooking hot wings is to grill them. In this grilled chicken wings recipe you’ll find there’s very little fuss or skill needed, and you’ll find it creates heaps of juicy chicken wings for your next game day gathering. They have the classic flavor of hot wings that we know and love, and you’ll find they go down a treat with anyone you serve them to.
13. Buttery Hot Wings
Adding butter to your hot wing sauce is a good way to recreate the taste of restaurant hot wings. It adds more smoothness and silkiness to the dish and completely transforms the sauce you are making. We recommend trying out this buttery hot wings recipe from Taste of Home if you like rich and buttery hot wings, as it adds a generous amount of butter to the sauce during the cooking process.
14. Nashville Hot Baked Wings
Head to Nashville to check out this hot baked wings recipe which is inspired by the flavors of the city. It uses Tabasco sauce to add heat to the dish and creates a huge serving of chicken wings for your family and friends to enjoy.
15. Miso-Grilled Hot Wings
While we often think about hot wings having a particular flavor, it’s good to try out new recipes and sauces. These miso-grilled hot wings from Great British Chefs add a miso-based hot sauce with gochujang onto the wings before serving. They are ideal for your summer barbecue and are inspired by the tastes of Japan.
16. Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Wings
If you already have a favorite hot wing sauce you enjoy cooking with, try out this crispy oven baked chicken wings recipe. It’s a simple method that offers great results each time, and you’ll find seven different flavor options to try out.
17. Hot Chicken Wings
When you think of hot wings, you might not consider these as an Asian-inspired dish. However, this hot chicken wings recipe creates spicy and crispy wings that would be ideal for serving with steamed or boiled rice.
They make a quick and easy weekday dinner, and you can prepare the chicken the night before to allow all of the flavors to soak into the skin before cooking.
18. Emeril’s Oven-Roasted Chicken Wings
Just because you are short of time, it doesn’t mean you can’t make a huge batch of chicken wings for your next party. The recipe comes from none other than Emeril Lagasse and needs only 15 minutes to prepare the dish. Your kids will love helping out in the kitchen, and you can then serve the hot wings with your dip of choice.
19. Hot and Spicy Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings
When you think of the best chicken wings, they need to be crispy on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside. These hot and spicy wings are baked in the oven, and they have the texture you are looking for when you think of the highest quality wings.
They are seasoned with the right amount of flavor, thanks to the rich and buttery sauce they are topped with.
20. Easy Chicken Wings
With all of the different ways to prepare chicken wings, it can sometimes feel like this is a job that should be left to the experts. You’ll find this easy chicken wings recipe can be followed by anyone and doesn’t require any special equipment or cooking experience for you to succeed.
Follow the step-by-step instructions to ensure you get the best results each and every time.
21. Hot Honey Wings
Honey is one of our favorite ingredients to add to these hot honey wings, and it helps to combat some of the intense flavors of the sauce. They offer you the ideal combination of spicy and sweet tastes in every bite, making a good appetizer for your family gathering this holiday season.
Your efforts will make about 34 hot wings, so you can enjoy generous portions of this dish when sharing them with a smaller group.
22. Hot Wings with Ranch Dressing
If you are someone who loves hot wings but struggles with the intense flavor of the sauce, we recommend these hot wings with ranch dressing from SBS. While the hot wings are incredibly spicy, you’ll find that the ranch dressing helps to cool off the chicken and finishes off the dish.
Of course, you could choose almost any type of dip or dressing to serve the dish with. It’s all about finding the right combination to fit you and your family’s tastes and preferences when cooking, and with a little experimentation, you’ll enjoy these hot wings each and every time.
23. Tex-Mex Chicken Wings
For a slight variation on your typical chicken wings recipe, try out these Tex-Mex chicken wings. The seasoning of this dish is much simpler than you would expect and combines a Tex-Mex blend, garlic, red wine vinegar, and sea salt. It goes to show that you don’t have to add a huge amount of ingredients in order to bring out the flavor of your chicken wings.
24. Air Fryer Chicken Wings
If you’ve been around here for a while, you’ll know we love handy kitchen devices. The air fryer is one of the best resources for anyone who is looking to make healthier meals and save time in the kitchen.
For anyone who is worried about cooking chicken properly, the air fryer will take care of that, so you never have to worry about whether your chicken is cooked through. With this air fryer chicken wings recipe, you’ll use one teaspoon of oil and it will be ready to serve within 30 minutes.
25. Louisiana Hot Wings
Head to Louisiana with this hot wings recipe from Gold’n Plump which uses plump chicken wings, which are then fried in oil. You’ll start by coating the wings in all-purpose flour, which gives them the crispy coating they are so well known for.
From there, it’s time to make the sauce, which uses cayenne pepper sauce or any of your favorite hot sauces. It also uses a fair amount of butter or margarine, which adds to the richness of the recipe.
26. Hot Wings with Blue Cheese Dip
Mix things up with this hot wings recipe from Bord Bia Irish Food Board which comes served with a blue cheese dip. The wings are covered in a sticky sauce, which works well alongside the blue cheese dip to offer you a variety of textures. It will soon become one of your favorite recipes in no time at all, offering you a dish you’ll come back to over and over again in the future.
27. Keto Baked Wings
For anyone on the keto diet, you don’t have to miss out on the fun of hot wings. Try out this keto-friendly recipe from Wholesome Yum for baked hot wings recipe, which uses two simple tricks which make the wings both saucy and crispy. It would be a good recipe to keep handy when catering to anyone on the keto diet, so they don’t feel they have to miss out at your next gathering.
28. Honey And Sriracha Hot Wings
If you love both sriracha and honey, you can’t go wrong with this honey and sriracha hot wings recipe from Felly Bull. They are cooked in the oven instead of being deep-fried, so they are slightly healthier and less greasy than other wings we’ve featured so far.
29. Baked Thai Chicken Wings
These Thai chicken wings are the ideal combination of sticky, sweet, and spicy. They’ll soon become your favorite game day recipe, yet they are easy to make and healthier than many other hot wings. The recipe uses Asian soy sauce and sriracha to create a low-carb, dairy-free, and gluten-free snack that everyone can enjoy.
30. Honey BBQ Chicken Wings
While these honey BBQ chicken wings might not sound as hot and spicy as other recipes, you’ll be impressed by how rich and hot they really are. The dish uses honey and BBQ sauce to create even more richness, and you’ll find this is a good way to introduce your teens to hot wings if they’ve never tried them before.
31. Chinese Baked Hot Wings
From the comfort of your home, you can enjoy making these Chinese baked hot wings from Omnivore’s Cookbook. They have a crisp outside and a savory and spicy heat. You’ll brush them with a homemade honey hot sauce to finish them off, making the ideal appetizer for game days and simple weekday dinners.
32. Nashville Hot Chicken Wings
These Nashville hot chicken wings combine the taste of Nashville hot chicken and buffalo wings. You’ll enjoy smoked chicken wings, which are topped with a hot pepper sauce. As well as their smoky and spicy flavor, you’ll appreciate the addition of brown sugar, which gives a little more sweetness to the dish.
33. Easy Homemade Chicken Wings
Although this recipe recommends setting aside two hours to prepare and cook the wings, you’ll be surprised how easy it is to make homemade chicken wings. You’ll add a dusting of cornstarch to the dish before deep-frying the wings, and the pressure cooker you use before will help to make the dish more tender.
You can finish them off with any sauce that you like, offering you the chance to customize your wings to your preferences.
34. Classic Homemade Hot Wings
Add more heat and flavor to your hot wings with this classic wings recipe from Mashed. You’ll enjoy tender pieces of chicken that are seasoned to perfection each and every time. As well as enjoying these hot, you could serve them cold for lunch the next day or take them out with you on a camping trip for a delicious snack.
35. Sweet and Sour Chicken Wings
One of the best ways to serve chicken wings on game days is to add a variety of different flavors into the mix on a large serving plate. These sweet and sour chicken wings will help to offer a little variety to your typical hot wings recipes. They are baked in the oven until they are crispy, and then they are generously covered in the sauce for more flavor.
36. Hot Wings in a Sweet and Spicy Glaze
Enjoy a classic appetizer with these hot wings in a sweet and spicy glaze. First, you’ll marinate the wings in brine before coating them in a sweet and spicy sauce.
They are best served warm, and we recommend finding some delicious dipping sauces to serve them with. A tangy blue cheese dip would go down a treat, as it will help to balance out the spice of the wings.
37. Salt and Pepper Hot Wings
You’ll be surprised to learn how easy these chicken wings are to make, and you’ll return to these salt and pepper chicken wings many times again in the future. They are generously seasoned with salt and pepper, and then you’ll bake them until they are ready to serve with the dip of your choice.
38. Indian Style Buffalo Wings With A Coriander Raita Dipping Sauce
For something truly different from your typical hot wings, try out these Indian style buffalo wings. They are served with a cooling coriander raita dipping sauce, which combats the hot and spicy flavor of the wings.
You will be surprised to learn this dish is actually a little lighter than your typical hot wings, so you won’t feel as guilty about enjoying these wings on a regular basis.
39. Hot Wings with Blue Cheese Dressing
Blue cheese dressing helps to reduce the intensity of this hot wings recipe from Weber. They are created using the classic techniques and sauce, and you’ll find that it’s a simple recipe that you’ll return to each time you need a mountain of food to feed your family and friends in a rush.
40. Fire-Eater Chicken Wings
As the name suggests, these are going to be some of the hottest chicken wings you’ve ever tried. The recipe creates 30 chicken wings each time, so it’s a good option for a barbecue or gathering. In total, it takes one hour to make these wings, with a short amount of hands-on time required in the kitchen.
41. Family-Friendly Hot Wings
It’s never too early to start offering your kids hot wings to try. A Family Feast offers us this hot wings recipe which follows a classic recipe idea and makes a large serving for your family to all enjoy. Every bite is packed with flavor and is as rich and juicy as you could imagine.
42. Classic Mega Hot Wings
Impress even the pickiest of eaters with your culinary skills when you cook these classic mega hot wings from Epicurious. They have a crispy skin, tender meat, and a zesty sauce.
If you ever have a craving for hot wings, you’ll want to try out this recipe, as you’ll soon feel satisfied. To serve the dish, we recommend adding celery sticks on the side. It offers a complete dish and makes for a slightly healthier dinner for your family.
43. Baked Hot Wings
Enjoy this video tutorial from Carlsbad Cravings which will soon become the only baked hot wings recipe you ever need again. They are coated in a flavorful rub before being smothered in honey and molasses. These two ingredients help to minimize the intensity of the spicy, but you could also try out the traditional recipe they share as well if you prefer.
They’ll soon fly off your family’s plates, so make sure you make more than enough to go around. Baking is a good option for anyone who is worried about eating greasy baked wings, and it’s one of our favorite techniques for making chicken wings at home.
44. Simple Chicken Wings
When it’s time for the college football season, use this simple chicken wings recipe to wow your whole family. They are much easier than you could imagine to make and offer a full eight servings with the one round of this recipe.
For the sauce, you’ll use butter and Frank’s Red Hot sauce while also adding Tabasco sauce to taste. Canola oil is used in the dish, but you’ll find that this recipe isn’t too heavy or greasy once it’s fully prepared. You don’t need to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen to make the best chicken wings, as this simple recipe goes to show.
45. Insane Hot Wings
Are you ready to try the best hot wings you’ve ever had? The Spice House offers us this insanely hot recipe for wings that live up to their name, and you’ll really struggle to find a better classic recipe.
The recipe is both hot and tasty, but not too hot that you struggle to take another bite of the dish. If you do find that you struggle with the intensity of some of these wings, make sure you have some cooling dips to hand when you serve them.
46. Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Wings Recipe
You don’t need to deep fry chicken wings for them to taste like they come from a restaurant. You’ll find that the taste and crunch of fried chicken are still present with this recipe, and it has a simple spice mix that anyone can enjoy.
You’ll only need a few tools to create this simple baked chicken wings recipe, and you’ll bake them in the oven before serving. Make sure you offer a selection of your favorite dips and side dishes alongside the wings to complete a full appetizer for your family to enjoy.
47. Low-Fat Crispy Chicken Wings
If you think that chicken wings are going to ruin your healthy diet, think again with these low-fat crispy chicken wings. It’s a dish that isn’t as heavy as some of the other options we’ve shared but still has that classic hot wings taste.
While they are a healthier dish, they still contain soy, sesame, gluten, and wheat, so make sure you are careful if you are serving this recipe to anyone with allergies.
48. Whole30 Crispy Buffalo Chicken Wings
When catering to anyone on the Whole30 diet, you might be wondering if you can offer them your favorite hot wings. Try out this Whole30 crispy buffalo chicken wings recipe, which everyone in your family will enjoy.
As well as being suitable for anyone on this diet, you’ll find that they are paleo-friendly and naturally gluten-free. You only need a few simple ingredients to get started, most of which you probably have in your home.
49. Classic Simple Wings
You don’t have to be the most confident chef to try out this classic simple hot wings recipe from Going My Wayz. It’s a simple dish that you can serve for a basic dinner on a weeknight or enjoy as a large appetizer when you have your family over. Don’t worry too much if it’s your first time cooking wings at home, as you’ll be guided through the process with these simple instructions.
50. Skinny Wings
When you are catering to a wide range of dietary requirements, you might want to find a lighter option for your family and friends who are more health-conscious. These are ideal for a quick dinner or family party, and the skinny baked buffalo wings don’t have to be fried before serving them.
You can serve them alongside some light and fresh vegetables and your favorite dips for a complete and healthy meal. Find some other light recipes of your favorite dishes in order to make a full spread for your next party, and you’ll find that everyone will thank you for your consideration when preparing healthier dishes.
FAQs About Hot Wings Recipes
Where Can I Buy Hot Wings?
If you don’t have the time or effort to cook any of these wings recipes yourself, you might be wondering where you can buy them instead. You’ll find that most classic American restaurants serve these wings, but there are locations around the country that are known for their high-quality hot wings.
Your local grocery store might even have a counter which offers hot wings, and these are a good inexpensive option when you don’t fancy going to the effort of cooking them for yourself.
How Can You Make Hot Wing Sauce Less Spicy?
Firstly, one of the easiest ways to make your sauce less spicy is to add less hot sauce into the mixture. However, you could also add sugar, honey, or molasses, which all minimize the spiciness of any sauce.
When you’ve cooked your hot wings, you might bring them out of the oven and find they taste too spicy. If that’s the case, serve them with cooling sauces and dips on the side, such as a ranch dressing or sweet barbecue sauce. It will help to compensate for the spicy sauce and make them more enjoyable for everyone.
How Many Calories Are in One Hot Wing?
While the answer to this question will vary depending on which recipe you use, you’ll find that each chicken wing has between 45 and 50 calories. They can be quite a protein-rich and healthy food option for serving at parties, but be careful what type of sauces you serve them with.
When you add fatty and sugary sauces, this makes them a more unhealthy snack and takes away from the goodness of the chicken.
What is the Difference Between Buffalo and Hot Wings?
When comparing buffalo wings and hot wings, the main difference is how spicy they are. Buffalo wings are quite hot, but you’ll find that hot wings are extremely hot in most cases.
You’ll find these two terms are often used to describe the same menu item though, which makes it challenging to know how hot and spicy your dinner really is going to be. Some menus really help you out by adding spice levels, which make it easier to know what you can expect from your order.
Why Do You Add Butter to Hot Wing Sauce?
In some of the recipes we shared above, you’ll find that butter is often added to the sauce. It makes the sauce richer, silkier, and smoother, so it’s similar to that which you’d be served in a restaurant. It also helps to reduce the heat of the dish, which makes it ideal for serving to your family and friends at home.
All of the hot wings recipes we shared today are easy for you to try out at home. They make a good finger food option to serve at parties and family gatherings and would be ideal to try out this holiday season.
We recommend playing about with different sauces to find one that suits your tastes and spice preferences so that you have an option that fits your whole family’s needs. With a little experimentation, you’ll soon find a recipe that you’ll come back to over and over again in the future and enjoy serving to everyone on a regular basis.
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