Buffalo Ranch Wings are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any Superbowl party food idea or game day gathering. These crispy, tangy, and slightly spicy wings combine the classic buffalo heat with cool, creamy ranch flavors for a winning combination that guests will devour faster than a quarterback sneak. Whether you’re hosting a full-scale football party or just looking for delicious Super Bowl snacks, these wings deserve a spot on your menu lineup.
Nutritional Benefits
These Buffalo Ranch Wings offer more than just incredible flavor. Chicken wings provide a good source of protein while the spices offer various health benefits. The ranch seasoning adds a delicious flavor profile without excessive calories when prepared properly.
| Nutrition (per serving – 4 wings) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 24g |
| Carbohydrates | 2g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Sodium | 620mg |
| Fiber | 0g |
Ingredients & Substitutions
The beauty of these wings lies in their simple yet flavor-packed ingredient list. You can customize the heat level and ranch intensity to suit your taste preferences.
| Ingredient | Role | Possible Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| 3 lbs chicken wings | Main protein | Chicken drumettes, boneless chicken thighs |
| 2 tbsp baking powder | Crisping agent | Cornstarch (1 tbsp) |
| 1 tsp salt | Flavor enhancer | Garlic salt (reduce amount) |
| 1/2 cup buffalo sauce | Base sauce | Hot sauce + butter (3:1 ratio) |
| 2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix | Flavor component | 1 tbsp each dried dill and garlic powder |
| 2 tbsp melted butter | Richness | Olive oil or ghee |
| 1 tbsp honey | Balances heat | Maple syrup, agave nectar |
Equipment Needed
– Large mixing bowl
– Baking sheet with wire rack
– Parchment paper
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Kitchen tongs
– Small saucepan (for sauce)
– Whisk
– Serving platter
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the wings: Pat chicken wings dry thoroughly with paper towels. Place in a large bowl.
2. Season the wings: In a small bowl, mix baking powder and salt. Sprinkle over wings and toss until evenly coated. This key step ensures your Buffalo Ranch Wings become perfectly crispy—essential for Super Bowl party food ideas that won’t disappoint.
3. Arrange for baking: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Arrange wings in a single layer on the rack.
4. Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake wings for 30 minutes, then flip and bake for another 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
5. Prepare the sauce: While wings are baking, combine buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, melted butter, and honey in a small saucepan. Heat on low, whisking until well combined and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Coat the wings: When wings are done, transfer to a large clean bowl. Pour the buffalo ranch sauce over them and toss gently until evenly coated.
7. Final crisp (optional): For extra crispy wings, return the sauce-coated wings to the wire rack and bake for another 5 minutes.
8. Serve: Arrange on a platter alongside celery sticks, carrot sticks, and additional ranch dressing for dipping.
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
– Wings not crispy enough? Make sure to dry them thoroughly before coating with baking powder, and don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.
– Too spicy? Increase the honey to 2 tablespoons or add more ranch seasoning to mellow the heat.
– Not spicy enough? Add 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture.
– For extra flavor, marinate the wings overnight with a tablespoon of ranch seasoning before the baking powder step.
– Air fryer option: Cook at 380°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
– Make ahead: Season the wings with baking powder and salt up to 24 hours in advance. Store uncovered in the refrigerator for extra crispiness.
– Sauce prep: The buffalo ranch sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
– Leftover storage: Refrigerate leftover wings in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
– Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes until hot and crispy again. Avoid microwave reheating as it makes the wings soggy.
– Freezing: Cooked wings can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
These Buffalo Ranch Wings represent the perfect marriage of tangy buffalo sauce and creamy ranch flavors, making them an irresistible option for your Superbowl party food spread. The balance of heat, creaminess, and crunch will have everyone reaching for seconds and asking for your recipe. Perfect for game day gatherings, casual get-togethers, or anytime you’re craving a delicious wing fix, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
FAQ
Can I make these wings in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 380°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Toss in the sauce after cooking.
How can I make these wings milder for kids?
Reduce the buffalo sauce to 1/4 cup and increase the ranch seasoning to 3 tablespoons for a milder, more ranch-forward flavor.
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, but thaw them completely and pat them very dry before proceeding with the recipe for best results.
What sides pair well with these wings?
Classic options include celery and carrot sticks with ranch or blue cheese dressing. For more substantial Super Bowl snacks, consider serving these alongside cheesy baked quesadillas or potato wedges.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Try using cauliflower florets instead of chicken wings. Bake until tender and crispy, then coat with the sauce.
How many wings should I make per person?
Plan for about 6-8 wings per person if serving as an appetizer, or 10-12 wings per person if serving as a main dish alongside other party snack finger foods.
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