Ah, summer gatherings! There’s nothing quite like a backyard barbecue filled with laughter, good vibes, and delicious food. When the grill is sizzling, I can’t help but think of a dish that always steals the show: Buffalo Wild Wings drumsticks.
Imagine a plate overflowing with these spicy, crunchy delights. As you devour them, you might be tempted to pair them with a refreshing Italian pasta salad with chickpeas and colorful veggies. It’s the perfect balance!
What are Buffalo Wild Wings Drumsticks?
Buffalo Wild Wings drumsticks are a popular game-day treat or party snack. They are chicken drumsticks, seasoned and baked until crispy, then tossed in a rich, spicy buffalo sauce.
They are served hot, often accompanied by blue cheese dressing or ranch for dipping. Soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, they offer a sweet and spicy kick that makes them stand out.
The Ingredients
Ready to set your taste buds ablaze? Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chicken:
- 10 medium-sized chicken drumsticks (about 3 pounds)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (Diamond Crystal preferred, or ¼ teaspoon of any other salt)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for that warm, smoky hint)
- Olive oil spray (for greasing)
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or your favorite)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional for a tangy twist)
- ½ teaspoon honey (optional for a touch of sweetness)
How to Make Buffalo Wild Wings Drumsticks?
I promise you’ll never look at drumsticks the same way again. Are you ready to take a deep dive into this culinary endeavor? Let’s roll up our sleeves and break it down step by step.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
Start by rinsing the chicken drumsticks under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels. This step is essential. It helps the skin become nice and crispy.
Step 2: Seasoning the Chicken
Place the drumsticks in a large bowl. Add kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Toss everything until the chicken is evenly coated. The spices are the first touch of magic.
Step 3: Prepping the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack on top. This setup allows hot air to circulate, giving the drumsticks that ideal crispy texture.
Step 4: Arranging the Drumsticks
Spray the wire rack lightly with olive oil. Arrange the seasoned drumsticks on the rack, leaving space between each piece. This ensures they cook evenly.
Step 5: Baking Time
Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for about 35-40 minutes until the chicken reaches a golden brown and internal temperature of 165°F. If you remember to flip them halfway, you’re golden.
Step 6: Preparing the Buffalo Sauce
While the chicken is baking, it’s time to whip up the buffalo sauce. In a small bowl, mix the hot sauce, melted butter, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Blend until smooth. This concoction adds the flavor punch to your crispy drumsticks!
Step 7: Tossing in Buffalo Sauce
Once the drumsticks are done, take them out of the oven and place them in a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over them and toss them until they’re coated in spicy goodness. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
Step 8: Final Bake
Return the sauced drumsticks to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This step allows the sauce to set and caramelize slightly, enhancing the flavor.
Step 9: Enjoy!
Remove from the oven and serve hot. Garnish with celery sticks and a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing. You might want to prepare for some intense finger-licking.
Notes
Here’s a little cheat sheet of tips I’ve picked up along the way:
- Choose Quality Chicken: Always opt for organic or free-range chicken if available. It makes a difference in flavor.
- Crispy Perfection: For extra crunch, let the chicken sit uncovered in the fridge for an hour after seasoning. It helps dry out the skin.
- Experiment with Spice: Spice it up! Add cayenne pepper if you want some serious heat.
- Sauce Variations: Feel free to mix in some barbecue sauce for a sweet twist.
- Safety First: Always use a meat thermometer to check that chicken is cooked through. Better safe than sorry!
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? (If you can believe that!) Let the drumsticks cool down to room temperature. Then, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
To reheat, pop them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes at 350°F until warmed through. Crispiness might dip, but the flavor remains on point!
Serving Suggestions
Pairing Buffalo Wild Wings drumsticks with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience. Here are some delightful options!
- Bold Blue Cheese Dressing: Nothing feels more classic than a creamy blue cheese dip that complements those fiery drumsticks.
- Crunchy Celery Sticks: The cool crunch of celery sticks balances the heat. It’s a classic combo for a reason.
- Zesty Cucumber Salad: A salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions drizzled with olive oil and vinegar is refreshing and adds a light touch.
- Guacamole & Chips: Spice meets cool with a side of guacamole. It’s a little unexpected but so delicious!
- Potato Wedges: Roasted seasoned potato wedges are a filling side that stands strong against the spice of the chicken.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Buffalo Wild Wings Drumsticks?
Feeling adventurous or maybe just out of supplies? Here are some great alternatives:
- Turkey Drumsticks: These can be a leaner option if you want to cut calories. They work wonderfully with the same marinade.
- Cauliflower Wings: For a vegetarian twist, try cauliflower florets tossed in the same spices and baked. They’ll be a hit!
- Tempeh or Firm Tofu: Marinate and bake them like chicken drumsticks. They’ll soak up all the flavors beautifully.
- Spicy BBQ Sauce: Prefer a different sauce? Switch the buffalo sauce to your favorite BBQ for a sweet and smoky version that’ll have everyone raving.
- Chicken Thighs: Swap drumsticks for thighs if you prefer dark meat. They stay juicy while getting that crispy finish.
Buffalo Wild Wings Drumsticks Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
Ingredients
- 10 medium-sized chicken drumsticks about 3 pounds
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt Diamond Crystal preferred, or ¼ teaspoon of any other salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for that warm, smoky hint
- Olive oil spray for greasing
- 4 tablespoons hot sauce such as Frank’s RedHot or your favorite
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar optional for a tangy twist
- ½ teaspoon honey optional for a touch of sweetness
Instructions
- Start by rinsing the chicken drumsticks under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels. This step is essential. It helps the skin become nice and crispy.
- Place the drumsticks in a large bowl. Add kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Toss everything until the chicken is evenly coated. The spices are the first touch of magic.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack on top. This setup allows hot air to circulate, giving the drumsticks that ideal crispy texture.
- Spray the wire rack lightly with olive oil. Arrange the seasoned drumsticks on the rack, leaving space between each piece. This ensures they cook evenly.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for about 35-40 minutes until the chicken reaches a golden brown and internal temperature of 165°F. If you remember to flip them halfway, you’re golden.
- While the chicken is baking, it’s time to whip up the buffalo sauce. In a small bowl, mix the hot sauce, melted butter, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Blend until smooth. This concoction adds the flavor punch to your crispy drumsticks!
- Once the drumsticks are done, take them out of the oven and place them in a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over them and toss them until they’re coated in spicy goodness. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
- Return the sauced drumsticks to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This step allows the sauce to set and caramelize slightly, enhancing the flavor.
- Remove from the oven and serve hot. Garnish with celery sticks and a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing. You might want to prepare for some intense finger-licking.
Notes
- Choose Quality Chicken: Always opt for organic or free-range chicken if available. It makes a difference in flavor.
- Crispy Perfection: For extra crunch, let the chicken sit uncovered in the fridge for an hour after seasoning. It helps dry out the skin.
- Experiment with Spice: Spice it up! Add cayenne pepper if you want some serious heat.
- Sauce Variations: Feel free to mix in some barbecue sauce for a sweet twist.
- Safety First: Always use a meat thermometer to check that chicken is cooked through. Better safe than sorry!
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Making Buffalo Wild Wings drumsticks at home is a game-changer. It’s an easy way to impress friends and family while satisfying your taste buds. This recipe can be tweaked to suit any palate, making it versatile enough for everyone! Whether hosting a spirited game-night or just craving something real, these drumsticks will satisfy your hunger and elevate any gathering. Get ready for some serious flavor and excitement!
So, what are you waiting for? Fire up that oven (or grill) and treat yourself to a platter of spicy bliss that will have everyone asking for seconds (or thirds!). Happy cooking!
