Lunch: Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings

Most of us think of Buffalo wings as bar food, but with their accompaniment of celery sticks and creamy blue-cheese dressing, they make a fine casual meal. These wings are hot, but if you like them incendiary, pass extra Tabasco sauce at the table.

Ingredients

4 lb. chicken wings
3 tbsp. Cooking oil
4 cloves garlic
1 3/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. cayenne
.67 c. mayonnaise
1/3 c. sour cream
1/4 lb. blue cheese
2 scallions including green tops
5 tsp. vinegar
1/4 tsp. fresh-ground black pepper
1/4 c. ketchup
1 tbsp. Tabasco sauce
8 ribs celery

Instructions

Heat the oven to 425 °F. In a large bowl, combine the wings, oil, garlic, 1 1/2 teaspoons of the salt, and the cayenne. Arrange the wings in a single layer on two large baking sheets. Bake until just done, about 25 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a medium glass or stainless-steel bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, blue cheese, scallions, 1 teaspoon of the vinegar, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and the black pepper.
In a large bowl, combine the ketchup, the remaining 4 teaspoons vinegar, and the Tabasco sauce. Add the wings and toss to coat. Serve the wings with the celery sticks and blue-cheese dressing alongside.
Menu Suggestions: Pair these wings with more finger food. Corn on the cob would go nicely. Roasted potato wedges are a good alternative and can be cooked alongside the wings.
Wine Recommendation: Beer is a no-brainer with the salt, spice, and heat of this barfly classic. For a more festive alternative, serve a crisp sparkling wine; it will refresh the palate and tame the heat of the dish.

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