Buffalo Ranch Wings

Introduction

Buffalo Ranch Wings are a mouthwatering blend of bold flavors that bring together the classic heat of buffalo sauce with the tangy richness of ranch seasoning. These wings are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfectly coated in a zesty, spicy glaze that delivers a crowd-pleasing bite every time. Whether you’re hosting a game-day party or simply indulging in a savory snack, these wings are guaranteed to be the star of the table.

The irresistible combination of buttery hot sauce and herby ranch flavors creates a harmony that’s equal parts indulgent and comforting. I still remember the first time I made these for a family gathering—it was an instant hit, with guests licking their fingers and reaching for seconds. The smell alone, as they bake or fry to golden perfection, is enough to make anyone’s mouth water.

What makes these Buffalo Ranch Wings even better is how customizable they are. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste, garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese, and pair them with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese for an extra layer of flavor. With just the right balance of heat and tang, these wings are bound to become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection!

Perfect For

These Buffalo Ranch Wings are perfect for game day, parties, BBQs, or any casual gathering. They also work wonderfully for a special dinner or whenever you’re craving an indulgent, flavorful treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold Flavors: A perfect blend of spicy buffalo sauce and creamy ranch dressing gives these wings an unbeatable flavor.
Crispy & Juicy: The wings are perfectly crispy on the outside while staying tender and juicy on the inside.
Simple Preparation: You only need a few ingredients and easy steps to make this mouthwatering dish.
Crowd-Pleaser: These wings are always a favorite at parties, with their irresistible flavor and spicy kick.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories Per Serving: Approximately 450 calories (based on 10 wings per serving and specific ingredients)
Key Nutrients Per Serving:
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g

Ingredients

For the Wings:

10-12 chicken wings, tips removed
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce
1/4 cup ranch dressing (or homemade ranch)
1 tbsp melted butter
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder

Garnish:

Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

Buffalo Sauce: The spicy and tangy buffalo sauce adds the perfect kick to these wings.
Ranch Dressing: The creamy and cool ranch dressing complements the heat from the buffalo sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
Chicken Wings: A classic favorite, wings are tender and crispy, making them the ideal vehicle for absorbing all the delicious flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Wings:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove any moisture, which helps the wings get extra crispy.
Toss the wings in olive oil and season them with salt and pepper. Arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through the cooking time, until golden brown and crispy.

Making the Sauce:

In a small bowl, combine the buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Stir until the ingredients are well-mixed and smooth.

Tossing the Wings:

Once the wings are done baking, place them in a large bowl.
Pour the buffalo ranch sauce over the wings and toss them to coat evenly.
If desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for added color and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve these Buffalo Ranch Wings hot and fresh from the oven. Pair them with crunchy veggies like carrots and celery, and a side of extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. They make an excellent appetizer, party food, or even a fun main dish.

Additional Tips

For Extra Crispy Wings: You can broil the wings for the last 2–3 minutes to achieve an even crispier exterior.
Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat it before tossing with cooked wings.
Frying Option: If you prefer fried wings, heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or large pot, and fry the wings until golden and crispy.

Recipe Variations

Lemon Pepper Wings:
- For a refreshing and tangy twist, skip the buffalo sauce and toss your wings in lemon pepper seasoning. This blend of zesty lemon and bold black pepper offers a bright yet savory flavor profile that’s irresistibly delicious. To enhance the flavor, drizzle the wings with a bit of melted butter or olive oil before adding the lemon pepper seasoning. Toss thoroughly to coat each wing evenly, and bake or fry as usual for crispy, flavorful wings. For added zing, serve with lemon wedges on the side, allowing guests to squeeze fresh juice over their wings for an extra citrusy kick. These lemon pepper wings are perfect for those who enjoy a lighter, zestier option with just the right amount of seasoning.
Honey BBQ Wings:
- If you’re in the mood for something sweeter and smokier, swap out the buffalo sauce for honey BBQ sauce. The combination of rich, tangy barbecue flavors with a hint of honey creates a sticky, caramelized glaze that pairs beautifully with crispy wings. You can either use store-bought honey BBQ sauce or make your own by blending your favorite barbecue sauce with honey to taste. Brush the sauce generously onto the wings after they’re cooked and give them a quick broil to make the glaze set and get slightly caramelized. These honey BBQ wings are a guaranteed hit for those with a sweet tooth and are a fantastic option for kids or anyone looking for a milder flavor.
Spicy Option:
- For heat lovers, turn up the spice by adding a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the buffalo ranch sauce. This simple addition amps up the heat, taking your wings to the next level of spiciness. Whether it’s classic Tabasco, smoky chipotle hot sauce, or extra fiery habanero sauce, choose one that matches your preferred heat level. Mix it into the sauce until it reaches your desired level of spiciness, then toss your wings generously to coat. To take it a step further, sprinkle the wings with red pepper flakes or a dusting of cayenne powder before serving. These spicy wings are perfect for those who crave bold, fiery flavors and love a little extra kick in every bite!

Freezing and Storage

Storage:
- To keep leftover wings fresh and flavorful, let them cool to room temperature before storing. Once cooled, transfer the wings to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper if needed to prevent them from sticking together. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. When ready to reheat, use the oven or air fryer to help restore the wings’ crispy texture. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), spread the wings out on a baking sheet, and heat them for about 10–12 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat the wings in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil, flipping them occasionally for even crispness. Avoid reheating them in the microwave if possible, as it can make the wings soggy.
Freezing:
- For long-term storage, wings can be frozen after cooking for up to 2 months. Start by fully baking or frying the wings according to the recipe. Allow them to cool completely, as freezing hot wings can cause ice crystals to form, affecting their texture. Once cool, place the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they do not touch. Freeze them for about 2–3 hours, or until solid. Once frozen, transfer the wings to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, removing as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn.
- When ready to enjoy, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the frozen wings on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even reheating. This method will help revive the wings’ crispy exterior and warm them thoroughly. If you prefer saucy wings, brush them with fresh sauce during the last 5 minutes of reheating for an extra burst of flavor. These steps make it easy to prepare wings ahead of time for quick and tasty meals or gatherings!

Special Equipment

Baking sheet
Parchment paper or foil
Small bowl for sauce
Tongs or a spoon for tossing wings

FAQ Section

Q: Can I make these wings in an air fryer?
A: Yes! Simply arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 380°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Toss in the sauce after air frying.

Q: Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can substitute boneless chicken chunks or tenders for the wings. Just adjust the cooking time according to the size of the chicken pieces.

Q: How can I make a healthier version of this recipe?
A: Opt for baking or air frying the wings without the extra butter, and use a low-fat ranch dressing to reduce calories and fat.

Conclusion

Buffalo Ranch Wings are a zesty and crowd-pleasing dish, combining the bold heat of buffalo sauce with the creamy tanginess of ranch seasoning. These wings are perfect for game day, parties, or any casual gathering, delivering a punch of flavor in every bite.

Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, they are easy to prepare and versatile. Customize your level of heat or serve with a side of celery, carrots, and extra ranch dressing for dipping. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, these wings are sure to be a favorite at your table.

Try this recipe today and wow your guests with a dish that’s as effortless as it is delicious! Share your wings on social media and tag me—I’d love to see your mouthwatering creations! Enjoy the spice!