Easy Buffalo Chicken Wings With Peri Peri Sauce: A Family Favorite
Growing up, the smell of something good wafting through the kitchen was a guaranteed way to get me off the couch, ditch my book, and head straight for the heart of the home. Between the weekends packed with family gatherings and those cozy weeknights with my parents whipping up magic in the kitchen, there was one star that consistently shone bright: chicken wings. My dad always had a vast array of sauces on hand, but it was the spicy kick of buffalo wings that truly stole my heart (and taste buds). Fast forward a few years, and I’ve taken that classic recipe and given it my own twist with a zesty Peri Peri sauce! Trust me; you’re going to love what this brings to the table.
Honestly, there’s just something about chicken wings that feels like a hug in a bowl, especially when paired with the right sauce. It’s all about that comforting vibe—the crispy skin, the spicy heat, and the joys of sinking your teeth into juicy meat. Plus, let’s not forget the element of nostalgia as I serve these buffalo chicken wings with a tangy Peri Peri sauce that’ll take you on a flavor journey.
In those chaotic moments when I’m juggling work, family, and everything in between, being able to whip up a batch of these wings feels like a little miracle. I mean, who wouldn’t want an easy weeknight dinner that hits the spot, right? The best part? It’s a quick family meal that’s budget-friendly too—perfect for anyone looking to bring something special to the table without breaking the bank.
So, if you’re ready to dive into the world of crispy, spicy goodness, grab your apron because it’s time for some serious wing-making action!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Even if you’re a kitchen newbie, this recipe is straightforward and won’t leave you in a cooking bind.
- Crowd Pleaser: These wings are definitely a family favorite! Whether it’s a casual gathering or Game Day, they’re sure to impress.
- Comfort Food: Each bite delivers warmth and familiarity—perfect for those cozy nights in.
- Leftovers Galore: If you have any left, they make for fantastic snacks or lunches, and trust me, they taste even better the next day!
- Customizable: You can tweak the spice level to your liking, making these wings suitable for everyone, even the picky eaters!
- Meal Prep Win: Toss them in the oven while you get other things done—hello, multitasking!
Now that we’ve ignited your appetite, let’s dive into what makes this recipe extra special!
What Makes This Recipe Special?
The unique flavor combination of buffalo sauce and Peri Peri sauce makes these wings stand out from your traditional buffalo wings. The heat of the buffalo sauce pairs beautifully with the tangy, smoky notes of Peri Peri, adding an unexpected twist that’s simply delectable. Each batch comes out with crispy skin and juicy meat, making it feel like a special occasion even in your own living room.
And let’s talk about memories! I can’t help but smile when I think of Saturday evenings with football blaring in the background and my family gathered around the table, passing a platter of these wings. Even the occasional kitchen disaster—like the time I accidentally opened the oven a bit too soon, resulting in the wings lacking that crispy glow—turned into a good laugh and a lesson learned.
Ingredients
To make these succulent wings, you’ll need:
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2 pounds chicken wings: The star of the dish! Look for fresh or frozen wings, and get those ugly, frozen chicken clumps (you know the ones!) out of your mind. Fresh wings will yield the best texture.
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1/2 cup hot sauce: I like using Frank’s RedHot for its classic flavor. It’s versatile, pretty much a staple in most kitchens. However, feel free to explore other brands that you enjoy because variety is the spice of life!
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1/4 cup butter: Melted, of course. It helps mellow out the heat and adds richness. Don’t skip this unless you’re looking for dry wings—in which case, why even bother?
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2 tablespoons peri peri sauce: This is where the magic happens! If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re in for a real treat. It brings a smoky, tangy kick that pairs perfectly with the hot sauce.
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1 teaspoon garlic powder: A must for that umami flavor in your wings.
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1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds depth and sweetness that cut through the spices.
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Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t be shy; season your ingredients! It brings the dish together gloriously.
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Celery sticks and blue cheese dressing: For serving, these classic sides balance the flavors beautifully. The creamy blues are always a top pick to cool things down!
Now, as someone who has been in the trenches of kitchen chaos more times than I’d like to admit, here are some personal tips: make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet with wings because then they won’t crisp up as nicely; and don’t substitute margarine for the butter—just… don’t.
How to Make It Step-By-Step
Okay, let’s get down to business! Here’s how to craft these heavenly wings step-by-step:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first, you want to preheat that oven to 400°F (200°C). The goal is to create an environment where our wings can turn crispy and golden.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl (I recommend a medium-sized one to keep splashes to a minimum), combine:
- 1/2 cup hot sauce
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons Peri Peri sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Whisk it all together until you have a glorious marinade that smells like a flavor bomb ready to happen! The scents mingle and rise, and if you find yourself excited to dip a finger in for a taste… well, let’s just say I won’t judge.
Step 3: Coat the Wings
In a large bowl, toss the 2 pounds of chicken wings with your sauce mixture until every piece is well-coated. I can’t stress enough how satisfying it is to see those wings glistening in that fiery red sauce. Make sure to get your hands in there (gloves are optional, but much appreciated if you don’t want to smell like hot sauce for a week!).
Step 4: Arrange the Wings
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This is crucial for easy cleanup—trust me; no one wants to scrub burnt chicken! Arrange the wings in a single layer on the sheet. Try to give each wing a little space; cramming them together will lead to a soggy texture.
Step 5: Bake Away!
Pop those babies in the oven for about 40-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure an even crisp. You’ll know they’re done when the skin is looking crispy and golden brown. The sound of that sizzling in the oven is like music to a home cook’s ears. Seriously, your kitchen is going to smell like a fantastic wing joint!
Step 6: Serve Hot
Once done, pull them out and let them sit for a couple of minutes (your patience is a virtue). Serve immediately with celery sticks and a side of blue cheese dressing. It’s important to enjoy them while they’re piping hot—nothing beats that first mouthful of crispy, spicy goodness.
And just like that, you’ve got a plateful of deliciousness that will have everyone swirling in like moths to a flame.
Tips for Best Results
To ensure you nail this recipe every time, consider these small changes that make a big difference:
- Pat dry the wings: Before seasoning, make sure they are dry. It helps in achieving a better crisp.
- Use a wire rack: If you really want to go the extra mile, place your wings on a wire rack on top of your baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the wings, promoting even crispiness.
- Adjust spice levels: If your family isn’t as keen on the spice, decrease the hot sauce slightly but don’t skimp on the Peri Peri—it adds a unique flavor that you won’t regret!
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Feel free to play around with this recipe! There are numerous ways to upgrade or tweak it:
- Spices: Add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for added depth and smokiness.
- Ginger: A teaspoon of fresh ginger can elevate this sauce with an aromatic zing.
- Different sauces: If Peri Peri isn’t your vibe, try a honey garlic or teriyaki sauce instead for a sweet twist!
Serving Suggestions
These wings are perfect as a stand-alone dish, but if you want the full culinary experience, pair them with:
- Cold drinks: An iced tea or even a light beer pairs magnificently with the spicy heat.
- Sides: Potato wedges or a fresh veggie platter makes for an excellent pairing.
- Dessert: A light dessert like panna cotta can balance out the spicy meal perfectly.
Honestly, picture this: a movie playing in the background, you curled up with a plate of hot wings and a rom-com in reach. Can you say bliss?
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Let’s keep it real—if you find yourself with leftovers (which, if you’re anything like me, usually doesn’t happen), you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for about 3 days.
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes. You want them piping hot but also retaining that delicious crisp. Microwave might work in a pinch, but you’ll lose out on that crispy texture, which is kind of the whole point, isn’t it?
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
Feeling organized? You can prep these wings ahead of time! Simply season them in advance and store them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag. On busy evenings, just pull them out, let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours, and toss them in the oven when you’re ready. If you want to go a step further, you can even freeze the cooked wings; they’ll hold up pretty well if stored correctly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few rookie mistakes to sidestep:
- Cooking them at a too low temperature helps not achieve that crispy skin—really, crank up the heat!
- Skipping the marinating step might just lead to bland wings, so don’t rush this part.
- Not flipping the wings halfway through is a surefire way to end up with unevenly cooked wings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use frozen wings?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning.
2. How can I make these wings less spicy?
Simply reduce the amount of hot sauce or add more butter to balance the heat.
3. Can I make these on a grill?
Absolutely! Just toss them on a preheated grill and cook until crispy, turning often.
4. What if I don’t have Peri Peri sauce?
You can substitute with another hot sauce, but for that unique flavor, I highly recommend picking up a bottle if you can.
5. Can I bake other parts of the chicken?
Definitely! The same sauce works well with drumsticks or even chicken breast tenders if you want high-protein meals without the wings!
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- A baking sheet: To hold all those delicious wings.
- Parchment paper: For easy cleanup (thank me later!).
- A large bowl: For tossing those wings in sauce.
- A whisk: For mixing the sauce flawlessly.
- An oven: To bake the wings to crispy perfection!
Final Thoughts
Pouring my heart into crafting these Buffalo Chicken Wings With Peri Peri Sauce feels like a nostalgic journey back to those cherished family nights filled with laughter, spice, and full bellies. No matter how chaotic life gets, this recipe delivers comfort and warmth straight to the heart and stomach.
As you embark on this spicy culinary adventure, I’d love to hear all about your version of this recipe, your little tweaks, or that one time you almost burned the wings (we’ve all been there, trust me!). So don’t forget to share your stories, and if you enjoyed this recipe, save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend! Happy cooking!
Buffalo Chicken Wings With Peri Peri Sauce
Ingredients
For the Wings
- 2 pounds chicken wings Look for fresh or frozen wings.
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup hot sauce Frank's RedHot is recommended.
- 1/4 cup butter Melted. Adds richness.
- 2 tablespoons peri peri sauce Brings a smoky, tangy kick.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder For umami flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder Adds depth and sweetness.
- Salt and pepper to taste Season to your preference.
For Serving
- Celery sticks Classic side.
- Blue cheese dressing To balance the flavors.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine hot sauce, melted butter, peri peri sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.
- In a large bowl, toss chicken wings with the sauce mixture until well coated.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the wings in a single layer.
Cooking
- Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
Serving
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving hot with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.



