Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! There are some foods that are just synonymous with good times and great company, and crispy chicken wings are definitely one of them. But what if we took that classic buffalo wing and gave it a creamy, zesty upgrade? These Buffalo Ranch Chicken Wings are my answer to that. They’re perfectly crispy, coated in a sticky, spicy sauce that’s balanced beautifully with the cool tang of ranch. This is the kind of recipe that will make you the hero of your next party, and it’s so easy to make that you’ll be making them again and again.
Why I Love This Recipe
What I love most about this recipe is its perfect balance of flavor. The heat from the buffalo sauce is tempered and made creamy by the addition of ranch dressing, creating a sauce that is addictive without being overwhelmingly spicy. The wings themselves are baked, not fried, which makes them a little healthier and a lot less messy to make. They bake up incredibly crispy on the outside, and stay juicy and tender on the inside. This recipe is a fantastic way to satisfy a craving for something savory, spicy, and completely delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Celery sticks and extra ranch dressing for serving
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken Wings: I use a mix of drumettes and flats, but you can use whatever you prefer. Be sure to pat them dry before baking for the crispiest result.
- Buffalo Sauce: Use your favorite brand of buffalo sauce. You can adjust the amount to your desired level of heat.
- Ranch Dressing: While the recipe calls for a pre-made ranch dressing, you can also use a simple homemade version.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is my preference, but you can also use a good quality olive oil for a slightly different flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pat them completely dry. Season them generously with salt and pepper.
- Bake the Wings: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the wings are crispy and fully cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and melted butter until well combined.
- Toss the Wings: Once the wings are cooked, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the sauce mixture over the wings and toss until they are fully coated.
- Finish the Wings: Return the wings to the oven on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. This helps the sauce to thicken and become sticky.
- Serve: Serve the buffalo ranch chicken wings hot with celery sticks and extra ranch dressing on the side for dipping.
Tips for Success
- Pat Them Dry: Patting the wings completely dry before baking is the most important tip for getting a crispy skin. Any moisture will cause them to steam instead of bake.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Bake the wings in a single layer with a little space between each one. This allows the heat to circulate and helps them get crispy.
- Toss in a Big Bowl: Use a large bowl to toss the wings in the sauce. This ensures every wing is evenly coated.
- Serve Immediately: These are best served hot and fresh from the oven while the skin is still crispy.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Buffalo Ranch Chicken Wings are a perfect party appetizer on their own. They’re so fun to eat and a true crowd-pleaser. For a full party spread, you could serve them alongside other great appetizers like a crockpot nacho dip, some totchos, or a platter of easy cheesy chicken sliders.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 2g
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Storage and Leftover Tips
These wings are best enjoyed immediately. They do not store well as the skin will lose its crispness. If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To reheat, you can pop them in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them back up.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy easy, cheesy, and satisfying comfort foods, you might also like these other recipes:
- A light, tangy chicken salad I actually crave (and there’s no mayo in sight)
- Easy Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Wontons with Ranch (Golden, Crunchy, Addictive)
Final Thoughts
These Buffalo Ranch Chicken Wings are a perfect example of a new classic. They’re a simple, clever mashup that delivers on big, comforting flavor every single time. It’s a fun and easy way to get a fantastic snack on the table, and it’s guaranteed to become a new favorite in your home.
What’s your favorite flavor of chicken wings? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below! Be sure to follow me for more recipes that are as simple as they are irresistible.
Buffalo Ranch Chicken Wings: The Ultimate Game Day Snack
Ingredients
- 2 cups buffalo sauce
- 4 cups ranch dressing
- 4 cups butter
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until wings are crispy and golden.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter and mix in the buffalo sauce until combined.
- Once the wings are done, remove them from the oven and toss them in the buffalo sauce mixture.
- Serve with ranch dressing on the side for dipping.
Leave a Reply