Franks Red Hot Buffalo Wing Recipe, With A Smoked Paprika & Maple Glaze And Creamy Blue Cheese Drizzle

I’ve often found myself craving those perfectly crispy, tangy buffalo wings from my favorite spot, wishing I could recreate that magic easily at home. This ultimate franks red hot buffalo wing recipe promises a glorious aroma of spicy, sweet paprika and the irresistible sight of golden, glossy wings. Designed for busy families and comfort food enthusiasts, this guide is for you! It’s perfect for game day, a cozy weekend, or any time you need a crowd-pleasing snack that’s also an easy dinner idea. With a busy week, I usually make a big batch on Saturday to enjoy throughout the weekend, making it an ideal family meal prep recipe. Get ready for authentic flavor with a simple, fail-proof method that will make you a wing hero!

What You’ll Need for the Best Franks Red Hot Buffalo Wing Recipe

Chicken wings (1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs), patted very dry, separated into drumettes and flats: The essential base for your hearty meal.
Cornstarch (15 g / 1 tablespoon): For an extra crispy crust.
Garlic powder (5 ml / 1 teaspoon): Adds savory depth to the wings.
Onion powder (5 ml / 1 teaspoon): Another aromatic layer.
Fine sea salt (2.5 ml / ½ teaspoon): Enhances overall flavor.
Freshly ground black pepper (1.25 ml / ¼ teaspoon): A classic seasoning touch.
Olive oil (15 ml / 1 tablespoon): Helps coating adhere and crisp.
Frank’s Red Hot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce (120 ml / ½ cup): The iconic heat and tang for our franks red hot buffalo wing recipe.
Unsalted butter (85 g / 6 tablespoons), melted: Adds richness to the glaze.
Pure maple syrup (60 ml / ¼ cup): Balances heat with a touch of sweetness (or use honey for a similar sweet note).
Smoked paprika (15 g / 1 tablespoon): For a warm, smoky aroma.
Apple cider vinegar (5 ml / 1 teaspoon): A bright, tangy note in the glaze.
Garlic powder (2.5 ml / ½ teaspoon) (for glaze): Extra savory punch for the sauce.
Blue cheese (60 g / 2 oz), crumbled: The traditional cool, creamy counterpoint.
Mayonnaise (60 ml / ¼ cup), vegetable-sourced: Forms the creamy drizzle base (Greek yogurt also works for a lighter option).
Sour cream (30 ml / 2 tablespoons): For extra tang and creaminess in the drizzle.
Apple cider vinegar (15 ml / 1 tablespoon) (for drizzle): Brightens the blue cheese.
Garlic powder (1.25 ml / ¼ teaspoon) (for drizzle): Subtle flavor for the finish.
Milk or buttermilk (30 ml / 2 tablespoons), as needed: Adjusts drizzle consistency.
Pinch of fine sea salt (for drizzle): Seasoning for the creamy top.
Pinch of freshly ground black pepper (for drizzle): A final flavor flourish.
Fresh chives (15 g / ¼ cup), finely chopped: A fresh, herbaceous garnish.

How to Make Franks Red Hot Buffalo Wings Step by Step

Prepare the Chicken for Crisping: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set an oven-safe wire rack on top; this setup allows air to circulate, guaranteeing crispiness. Pat the chicken wings extremely dry with paper towels; this is my personal trick for the crispiest skin.
Season and Arrange the Wings: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, 5 ml (1 teaspoon) garlic powder, 5 ml (1 teaspoon) onion powder, 2.5 ml (½ teaspoon) fine sea salt, 1.25 ml (¼ teaspoon) freshly ground black pepper, and 15 ml (1 tablespoon) olive oil. Add the dried chicken wings and toss thoroughly until each piece is evenly coated. Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on the prepared wire rack, ensuring ample space between each wing for optimal airflow.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake the wings for 45-55 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. They should turn golden brown and feel wonderfully crispy to the touch when ready, reaching an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). If your wings aren’t as crispy as you like, increase the oven temperature to 220°C (425°F) for the last 5-10 minutes, keeping a close eye on them.
Craft the Smoked Paprika & Maple Glaze: While the wings bake, prepare the delicious Smoked Paprika & Maple Glaze. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the 120 ml (½ cup) Frank’s Red Hot Original sauce, melted unsalted butter, pure maple syrup, smoked paprika, 5 ml (1 teaspoon) apple cider vinegar, and 2.5 ml (½ teaspoon) garlic powder. Whisk constantly, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze is slightly thickened and fragrant, then remove from heat. This glaze is what truly makes this franks red hot buffalo wing recipe unique.
Glaze and Coat for Maximum Flavor: Once the wings are perfectly cooked and crispy, transfer them immediately to a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm Smoked Paprika & Maple Glaze over the wings and toss gently until every wing is thoroughly coated in the glossy, flavorful sauce. This step transforms them into the iconic franks red hot buffalo wing recipe you crave.
Prepare the Creamy Blue Cheese Drizzle: In a small bowl, combine the crumbled blue cheese, vegetable-sourced mayonnaise, sour cream, 15 ml (1 tablespoon) apple cider vinegar, 1.25 ml (¼ teaspoon) garlic powder, a pinch of fine sea salt, and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Use a fork or whisk to mash and blend the ingredients until mostly smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk or buttermilk, 5 ml (1 teaspoon) at a time, until the mixture reaches a smooth, pourable, and drizzling consistency. This creamy counterpoint is essential to a full franks red hot buffalo wing recipe experience.
Final Plating and Garnish: Arrange the glazed wings artfully on a dark, rustic ceramic platter or a clean, simple white serving bowl. Using a spoon or a squeeze bottle, drizzle the Creamy Blue Cheese Drizzle generously over the top of the wings, allowing it to pool slightly and create visible ribbons and striking contrast against the deep red glaze. Finish by sprinkling the finely chopped fresh chives evenly over the wings and drizzle for a fresh pop of color and herbaceous note, completing your amazing franks red hot buffalo wing recipe.

Best Ways to Enjoy Your Franks Red Hot Buffalo Wing Recipe

Everyday Feasts

Quick Weeknight Dinner: Serve these delightful wings with a simple side salad or some fluffy rice for an easy family meal. It’s a hearty option that comes together faster than takeout.
Elevated Lunch: Leftover wings from your favorite buffalo sauce recipe make a fantastic, satisfying lunch. Just reheat them in an air fryer for renewed crispness.
After-School Snack: Offer these protein-packed wings as a treat for hungry kids and teens. They’re a much-loved, energy-boosting option.

Game Day & Gatherings

The Ultimate Party Appetizer: A classic buffalo wing recipe is always a crowd-pleaser for game day, parties, or any casual gathering. They disappear fast!
Potluck Star: Bring a big batch to your next potluck and watch them become the most popular dish.

Perfect Pairings

Classic Dips: Balance the heat with cool ranch or creamy blue cheese dressing.
Fresh Veggies: Crisp celery sticks and carrot sticks provide a refreshing crunch.
Sides: Serve alongside sweet potato fries, a homemade coleslaw, or a fresh green salad for a complete family-friendly meal.
Drinks: A cold sparkling cider or refreshing soda complements the wings wonderfully.

Nutrition & Everyday Wellness with Your Franks Red Hot Buffalo Wing Recipe

Chicken wings offer a great source of lean protein, making them perfect for easy high-protein meals that keep you full and energized. When prepared well, your franks red hot buffalo wing recipe can fit into a balanced eating plan.

Paired with fresh veggies and a light dip, these wings can be a more wholesome snack alternative. You can easily transform this into healthy recipes for dinner by adding a generous side of roasted vegetables or a substantial fresh salad. Portion control is simple, especially if you opt for baking or air frying, supporting your wellness goals and making them ideal for family meal prep ideas.

How This Franks Red Hot Buffalo Wing Recipe Solves Common Needs

Time-Saving Convenience: My method streamlines the cooking process, making delicious wings achievable even on busy weeknights, perfect for quick meals.
Better-for-You Option: With baking or air frying, you get crispy wings without deep-frying, supporting healthier eating goals for the whole family.
Budget-Friendly Fun: Making a franks red hot buffalo wing recipe at home is significantly more economical than ordering takeout, offering budget meals that don’t skimp on flavor.
Versatile & Customizable: Easily adjust spice levels and cooking methods to suit everyone’s preferences, making it a truly versatile family meal prep idea.

Expert Pointers and Smart Variations for Your Franks Red Hot Buffalo Wing Recipe

Achieve Ultimate Crispness: Don’t skip patting the wings very dry! A little baking powder (not baking soda) tossed with the wings before cooking also helps render fat and crisp the skin.
Make-Ahead Magic: Cook wings ahead of time and store. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer until crispy right before serving, then toss with freshly warmed sauce. This is a great family meal prep idea.
Kid-Friendly Tweaks: For younger palates, I sometimes toss a few cooked wings in a milder BBQ sauce before coating the rest in the classic buffalo wing sauce. Consider boneless chicken bites for easier eating.
Flavor Boosts: Add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the sauce for a touch of sweet heat. A squeeze of lime juice at the end brightens everything wonderfully.
Dietary Swaps: Experiment with different hot sauces if you’re looking for a new flavor profile beyond the classic Frank’s RedHot flavor. For gluten-free needs, Frank’s is already safe.

Common Questions About This Franks Red Hot Buffalo Wing Recipe

Q: Can I freeze this buffalo wing recipe for later?

Yes, you can freeze cooked, unsauced wings for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Thaw them overnight in the fridge, reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until crispy, then toss with fresh, warm sauce. Sauced wings can also be frozen, but may lose some crispness.

Q: What’s the healthiest way to make Frank’s RedHot wings?

Baking or air frying wings significantly reduces fat compared to deep frying, making it a healthier eating choice. Serve your wings with plenty of celery and carrot sticks, and a lighter dip like Greek yogurt ranch, for added nutrition and a balanced meal.

Q: Which ingredients are best for meal prepping these buffalo wings?

Prep your sauce ahead and keep cooked wings plain. Cook wings as needed for fresh crispness throughout the week. Celery and carrot sticks can be prepped days in advance and stored in water in the fridge, making this an ideal component for healthy family meal prep ideas.

Q: Can I use different parts of the chicken for this classic wing recipe?

While wings are traditional, boneless chicken thighs or breasts cut into 1.5-inch chunks also work great. Adjust cooking time accordingly; for instance, boneless pieces might bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes. This creates a versatile, high-protein meal.

Q: How spicy is this franks red hot buffalo wing recipe?

Frank’s RedHot Original is moderately spicy for most palates. For less heat, use a 1:1 ratio of sauce to butter instead of a 2:1 ratio. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of spicier hot sauce to your buffalo wings.

Q: What if I don’t have Frank’s RedHot?

While Frank’s is key to an authentic buffalo wing flavor, you can use other cayenne pepper sauces as a substitute. Be aware the flavor profile will vary, as each brand has its unique blend. I recommend sticking to Frank’s for the true classic experience.

Conclusion

You’ve mastered the ultimate franks red hot buffalo wing recipe! This easy, flavorful recipe promises crispy wings and quick family dinners. Don’t wait – pin this recipe, share it with friends, and enjoy these family-friendly, budget meals tonight!