Buffalo wings are one of the most popular appetizers worldwide, famous for their spicy, tangy sauce and crispy skin. This American classic is often served with a creamy blue cheese dip to balance out the heat. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching a game, or just craving a savory snack, this recipe for buffalo wings with blue cheese dip will surely satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients:
For the Buffalo Wings:
- 10-12 chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup of hot sauce (preferably Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
For the Blue Cheese Dip:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional, for a thinner dip)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Wings
- Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you’re frying your wings, heat oil to about 375°F (190°C) in a deep fryer or large pot.
- Prepare the chicken wings: If the wings are not already separated into flats and drumettes, use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to cut the wing tips off and separate the two parts. Pat the wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will ensure they get crispy when cooked.
- Season the wings: Place the wings in a large bowl and toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure the wings are evenly coated with the seasoning mix.
- Bake or Fry the Wings:
- To Bake: Arrange the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake them for about 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- To Fry: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot. Fry the wings in batches for about 8-10 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to remove the wings and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 2: Making the Buffalo Sauce
- Prepare the buffalo sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the hot sauce, melted butter, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and heated through. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
- Coat the wings in the buffalo sauce: Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the wings and toss them well, ensuring each wing is evenly coated with the sauce. You can adjust the sauce quantity depending on how saucy you like your wings.
Step 3: Preparing the Blue Cheese Dip
- Make the dip base: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise and sour cream. Stir well until smooth and well-blended.
- Add the blue cheese: Stir in the crumbled blue cheese, ensuring it is well incorporated into the mayo-sour cream mixture.
- Season the dip: Add the lemon juice, chives (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly. If you prefer a thinner dip, you can add a tablespoon of milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Chill the dip: Place the dip in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Step 4: Serving
Once the buffalo wings are coated in the spicy buffalo sauce, transfer them to a serving platter. Serve them hot with a side of the creamy blue cheese dip for dipping. You can also serve them with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or any other fresh vegetables of your choice to balance the spice.
Tips for Perfect Buffalo Wings:
- Crispiness: The key to crispy wings is making sure they are thoroughly dried before cooking. Also, flipping them halfway through baking or frying ensures even crisping.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer milder wings, you can mix the hot sauce with a little bit of butter or even honey to reduce the heat.
- Air fryer method: If you have an air fryer, you can cook the wings at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This method will give you crispy wings with less oil.
How to Make Extra Sauce or Dip: If you’re cooking for a crowd or just want extra sauce or dip, you can easily double the quantities. For the buffalo sauce, adjust the butter-to-hot-sauce ratio to match your preference for heat and richness. For the blue cheese dip, add more blue cheese for a stronger flavor or more sour cream for a creamier texture.
Pairing Ideas:
- Drinks: Buffalo wings pair well with cold beers, especially a nice pale ale or IPA. The bitterness from the beer balances the spiciness of the wings.
- Sides: Serve these wings with sides like French fries, onion rings, or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
- Spicy Option: Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the blue cheese dip for an extra kick or top the wings with a drizzle of ranch dressing if you prefer that over blue cheese.
Conclusion: Buffalo wings with blue cheese dip are the ultimate comfort food, combining heat, flavor, and creaminess. Whether you’re making them for a game night, a party, or just because you’re craving something delicious, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated with a spicy, buttery sauce, these wings are perfect for sharing (or not!). Pair them with the creamy blue cheese dip for the perfect balance of flavors. Enjoy every bite!