Crispy Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe with Tangy Hot Sauce

Buffalo Chicken Wings (Whole30 and Delicious!)

Crispy, tangy, salty and crunchy — these buffalo chicken wings are as satisfying as they are simple. Made with just a few ingredients, they deliver the classic bold flavor you expect from wings while remaining Whole30 compliant when served with a compliant dipping sauce.

This recipe essentially uses three main ingredients: ghee (or a neutral oil), hot sauce and chicken wings. If you prefer, substitute avocado oil or grapeseed oil for ghee; avoid regular butter since it can smoke at high oven temperatures. For an extra kick, add 1/4–1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, depending on how fiery you want the wings.

Though buffalo wings are often served with bleu cheese dressing, they pair equally well with a Whole30 ranch or another compliant dip. Serve with fresh carrot and celery sticks for a classic presentation and a sugar-free, dairy-free, gluten-free appetizer.

To get the crispiest skin, bake the wings on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet. Lining the sheet with foil or parchment makes cleanup quick. If your oven has a convection setting, use it — the circulating heat promotes even browning and crispness. If you need to use two pans, rotate them halfway through cooking, swapping top and bottom and turning front to back for the most even results.

These wings are perfect for game day, parties, or a casual weeknight treat. They’re easy to make in batches, but watch your portions — they’re irresistible!

Thanksgiving week meal plan

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Buffalo Chicken Wings

Made with ghee and Whole30-compliant hot sauce, these wings are flavorful and hard to resist. Serve with a compliant ranch for dipping to keep the appetizer sugar-free, dairy-free and gluten-free.
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Author: Marcia W. Smart

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup ghee or avocado oil
  • 3/4 cup Frank’s Red Hot or other compliant hot sauce
  • 1/4–1/2 tsp cayenne pepper optional for extra heat
  • 3 pounds chicken wings

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). If available, use the convection setting to circulate heat for crispier wings.
  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the ghee (or oil) and hot sauce. Stir until the ghee melts and the mixture is smooth. Add cayenne if you want extra spice.
  • Arrange the chicken wings in a single layer on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet. Use two sheet pans if needed and make sure the wings are not touching. Line the sheet with foil or parchment for easier cleanup.
  • Brush the wings with the melted ghee and hot sauce mixture, coating them evenly. A silicone basting brush works well and won’t shed bristles.
  • Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the wings, baste again with the remaining sauce, then return them to the oven. Rotate pans and switch racks if using multiple sheets. Bake another 15–20 minutes until wings are golden brown and edges are crisp.
  • Serve hot with celery and carrot sticks and a Whole30-compliant ranch or your preferred dip on the side.