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Buffalo wild wings drumsticks copycat recipe

Buffalo Wild Wings Drumsticks Recipe

Cora Garcia
Ah, summer gatherings! There's nothing quite like a backyard barbecue filled with laughter, good vibes, and delicious food.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 5
Calories 695 kcal

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

Calories: 695kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 86gFat: 35.3gSaturated Fat: 11.5gCholesterol: 375mgSodium: 757mgSugar: 1g
Keyword Buffalo wild wings drumsticks recipe
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