Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious recipe to spice up your next gathering, look no further than these Honey Buffalo Wings with Homemade Ranch. This dish combines crispy chicken wings with a sweet and spicy honey buffalo sauce, complemented by a creamy, homemade ranch dipping sauce. Perfect for game day or a cozy night in, these wings are sure to be a hit!
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
For the Wings:
– 3 pounds chicken wings or drumettes
– Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– 1½ tablespoons baking powder
– ½ cup tomato sauce
– ⅓ cup hot sauce (such as Cholula)
– ¼ cup honey
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Ranch Dipping Sauce:
– ½ cup sour cream
– ¼ cup buttermilk
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– ⅓ cup chopped fresh chives
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
– ¼ teaspoon onion powder
– ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
– Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
1 hour
Total Time
1 hour 15 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6
Enjoy your crispy, sticky, and finger-licking Honey Buffalo Wings with Homemade Ranch!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
– Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
– Coat a wire rack with nonstick spray and place it on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil; set aside.
Prepare the Chicken Wings
– Using paper towels, pat the wings dry to remove excess moisture.
– In a large bowl, combine the wings with 1½ teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of pepper, and the baking powder. Toss until the wings are evenly coated.
Bake the Wings
– Arrange the wings on the prepared wire rack in a single layer.
– Bake for 40-45 minutes, turning the wings halfway through the cooking time using metal tongs, until they are crispy and cooked through.
Prepare the Honey Buffalo Sauce
– In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the tomato sauce, hot sauce, honey, butter, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder.
– Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened, about 15-20 minutes.
Coat the Wings with Sauce
– Transfer the baked wings to a large bowl. Pour half of the honey buffalo sauce over the wings and toss to coat evenly.
– Place the coated wings back onto the wire rack and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, turning once, until they are glossy and lightly caramelized.
– Remove from the oven and toss the wings with the remaining sauce.
Prepare the Ranch Dipping Sauce
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, buttermilk, mayonnaise, chives, dill, onion powder, and garlic powder.
– Season with salt and pepper to taste.
– Refrigerate the sauce until ready to serve.
Serve
– Serve the honey buffalo wings immediately with the homemade ranch dipping sauce on the side.
Notes
Wings
– Ensure wings are completely dry before baking for maximum crispiness.
Hot Sauce
– Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your spice preference.
Storage
– Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Ranch Sauce
– The ranch sauce can be made a day in advance for improved flavor.
Cook techniques
Patting the Wings Dry
Patting the chicken wings with paper towels before seasoning is crucial for achieving a crispy texture. Removing excess moisture helps the wings crisp up during baking.
Baking Powder for Crispiness
Using baking powder is a key technique that helps to create a crispy skin on the wings. It raises the pH level of the chicken skin, promoting browning and crisping.
Arranging Wings on a Rack
Placing the wings on a wire rack above a lined baking sheet allows air to circulate around the wings, ensuring even cooking and preventing sogginess.
Simmering the Sauce
Simmering the honey buffalo sauce allows the flavors to meld together and thickens the sauce, giving it a perfect coating consistency for the wings.
Tossing the Wings in Sauce
Tossing the baked wings in half of the sauce before a final bake allows the sauce to adhere well, creating that glossy, sticky finish that buffalo wings are known for.
Whisking Ranch Ingredients
Whisking together the ingredients for the ranch dipping sauce ensures a smooth and well-combined texture. This guarantees an evenly flavored dip for the wings.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings. Just make sure to thaw them completely before patting them dry and following the recipe.
What can I substitute for buttermilk in the ranch?
You can substitute buttermilk with a mixture of regular milk and a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes to sour.
How can I make the wings spicier?
To make the wings spicier, you can increase the amount of hot sauce in the sauce mixture or add a splash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Can I make the ranch sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the ranch sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to develop even more.
What should I serve with honey buffalo wings?
Honey buffalo wings pair well with celery sticks, carrots, and additional dipping sauces like blue cheese or extra ranch for a complete appetizer spread.
Conclusion
The Honey Buffalo Wings with Homemade Ranch are a perfect blend of sweet and spicy, delivering a deliciously addictive flavor that is sure to impress your guests and family alike. The crispy texture of the wings complements the sticky sauce, while the creamy ranch dipping sauce adds a refreshing balance. This dish is ideal for game days, parties, or any casual gathering where great food is a must. Dive into the finger-licking goodness and enjoy every bite!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spicy Garlic Parmesan Wings
Swap the honey buffalo sauce for a mixture of garlic, parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper to create a savory and zesty alternative that will tickle your taste buds.
Crispy Asian BBQ Wings
Marinate the wings in a combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil before baking for an Asian-inspired twist that delivers a sweet and tangy flavor profile.
Teriyaki Glazed Wings
Coat the baked wings with a homemade teriyaki sauce, made from soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic, for a rich and sticky finish that adds an Asian flair.
Lemon Pepper Wings
Season the wings with lemon zest, black pepper, and a touch of salt to create a zesty and aromatic option that is light and refreshing compared to traditional buffalo flavors.
Maple Mustard Glazed Wings
Blend maple syrup with Dijon mustard and a hint of apple cider vinegar for a sweet and tangy glaze that will add a unique flavor twist to your chicken wings.
Vegetable Platter with Dips
Serve a variety of fresh vegetables alongside individual portions of the homemade ranch sauce and other dips like hummus or guacamole for a healthy and complementary side option.
