Buffalo Chicken Wings with Peri Peri Sauce
If you are craving a thrilling twist on classic wings, look no further than Buffalo Chicken Wings with Peri Peri Sauce. This mouthwatering recipe combines the spicy, tangy kick of traditional Buffalo wings with the vibrant, citrusy heat of Peri Peri sauce, bringing a new zest to your game day or anytime snack. Perfectly crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside, these wings offer layers of flavor that will delight your taste buds and keep you coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A flavor explosion: The combination of Buffalo and Peri Peri spices delivers a bold and unforgettable taste sensation.
- Perfectly crispy texture: These wings boast a crunch on the outside while remaining juicy inside for a satisfying bite every time.
- Easy to customize: Adjust the level of heat and seasoning for your personal preference or dietary needs.
- Great for any occasion: Whether it’s game day, a casual party, or just a craving, these wings are always a crowd-pleaser.
- Impressive yet simple: Requires straightforward ingredients but delivers gourmet-level flavor and presentation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, quality ingredients that each play an essential role in achieving the perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and savory. From fresh chicken wings to the essential Peri Peri sauce components, these ingredients bring color, texture, and mouthwatering flavor to your plate.
- Chicken wings: Fresh or thawed wings are the star, providing juicy meat and crispy skin when cooked correctly.
- Peri Peri sauce: Made from African bird’s eye chili, garlic, lemon, and herbs, this sauce introduces a vibrant fiery tang.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps to mellow the heat for that classic Buffalo wing flavor.
- Hot sauce: A good-quality cayenne-based hot sauce amps up the spice while complementing the Peri Peri’s citrus notes.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a subtle savory depth that enhances the wings’ flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out every ingredient’s nuance.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with a fresh, zesty finish.
- Olive oil: Helps the wings crisp up perfectly while adding a light, fruity undertone.
Variations for Buffalo Chicken Wings with Peri Peri Sauce
Feel free to make this dish your own by tweaking flavors, heat levels, or cooking methods. This flexibility makes the recipe suitable for a wide range of palates and occasions, whether you want mild or wild, baked or fried.
- Grilled version: For a smoky flavor, try grilling the wings instead of baking or frying.
- Mild Peri Peri option: Use fewer chilies or swap for milder peppers to reduce spice without losing flavor complexity.
- Extra crispy wings: Double-dip wings in flour or cornstarch for an irresistible crunch.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour or omit flour for coating to keep this recipe safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
- Vegan alternative: Swap chicken wings with cauliflower florets and follow the same sauce application for a plant-based delight.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Wings with Peri Peri Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Wings
Start by patting the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This is crucial for achieving that coveted crispiness during cooking. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to build a flavorful base.
Step 2: Cook the Wings
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the wings on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet to allow even heat circulation. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the wings are golden-brown and crispy, flipping halfway through for even cooking. Alternatively, deep-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
Step 3: Make the Peri Peri Buffalo Sauce
While the wings cook, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the Peri Peri sauce, cayenne-based hot sauce, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir until all ingredients combine into a smooth, velvety sauce that’s spicy, tangy, and buttery. Adjust the heat by adding more hot sauce if desired.
Step 4: Toss the Wings in the Sauce
Once the wings are cooked, immediately toss them in the warm Peri Peri Buffalo sauce until thoroughly coated. This step ensures every bite bursts with flavor and heat.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Buffalo Chicken Wings with Peri Peri Sauce hot with your choice of garnishes and sides. Get ready for the compliments to pour in!
Pro Tips for Making Buffalo Chicken Wings with Peri Peri Sauce
- Pat wings dry: Ensuring the wings are dry before cooking dramatically improves the crispiness.
- Use a wire rack: Baking wings on a wire rack prevents sogginess by letting air circulate around the wings.
- Temperature control: Cook wings at a high heat to get crispy skin without drying out the meat.
- Fresh sauce: Make the Peri Peri Buffalo sauce right before serving for the freshest, most vibrant flavor.
- Double sauce dip: Toss the wings twice in the sauce for an extra bold coating, but be careful not to overpower the crunch.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Wings with Peri Peri Sauce
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro or parsley add a pop of color and subtle freshness that balances the heat. Thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds also add a pleasant crunch and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Complement your wings with classic sides such as crunchy celery and carrot sticks with creamy blue cheese or ranch dip. For a heartier meal, pair with garlic mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a refreshing cucumber salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve wings in a rustic wooden platter for a cozy feel or in individual cups with dipping sauces for a party-ready presentation. Wrapping each wing with a small strip of parchment or parchment cones makes them perfect for handheld snacking at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cooked wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to retain flavor and moisture.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze cooked and sauced wings in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Freeze wings separately before saucing if you want to maintain crispiness upon reheating.
Reheating
Reheat wings in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to regain crispiness without drying out the meat. Avoid microwaving to keep the skin from becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Wings with Peri Peri Sauce without a deep fryer?
Absolutely! Baking the wings on a wire rack in the oven at high heat is a great alternative that still produces crispy skin and juicy meat.
Is Peri Peri sauce very spicy for beginners?
Peri Peri sauce has a bright and moderate heat level, but you can easily adjust the spice by using fewer chilies or combining with milder hot sauces for a gentler kick.
How long should I marinate the wings for extra flavor?
While this recipe works great without marinating, allowing the wings to sit in the dry seasoning for 30 minutes to an hour enhances the depth of flavor.
Can these wings be made gluten-free?
Yes! Ensure that any coatings or sauces used are gluten-free, and avoid flours with gluten if you choose to add a crispy coating.
What drinks pair well with Buffalo Chicken Wings with Peri Peri Sauce?
Crisp beers like lagers or IPAs, citrusy cocktails, or even non-alcoholic sparkling lemonade complement the wings’ spicy and tangy profile beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken Wings with Peri Peri Sauce are the ultimate bold-flavored dish that will spice up any meal or gathering. Whether you’re feeding friends on game day or treating yourself to a flavor-packed snack, this recipe combines the best of fiery heat and tangy zest in an irresistibly crispy wing. Dive in and enjoy the thrill of every delicious bite!
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Buffalo Chicken Wings with Peri Peri Sauce
Buffalo Chicken Wings with Peri Peri Sauce combine the spicy, tangy kick of classic Buffalo wings with the vibrant citrusy heat of Peri Peri sauce. Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, these wings deliver a bold and unforgettable flavor, perfect for game day or any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes (baking) or 8-10 minutes (deep frying)
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion (American-Afrikaans influence)
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds fresh or thawed chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Peri Peri Buffalo Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup Peri Peri sauce (made from African bird’s eye chili, garlic, lemon, and herbs)
- 2 tablespoons cayenne-based hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for crispiness. Lightly season them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to build a flavorful base.
- Cook the Wings: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the wings on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet for even heat circulation. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden-brown and crispy, flipping halfway through. Alternatively, deep-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes until crisp and cooked through.
- Make the Peri Peri Buffalo Sauce: While the wings cook, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add Peri Peri sauce, cayenne hot sauce, lemon juice, and salt. Stir until smooth and velvety. Adjust heat if desired by adding more hot sauce.
- Toss the Wings in the Sauce: Immediately after cooking, toss the wings in the warm sauce until thoroughly coated to ensure every bite is flavorful and spicy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot with your choice of garnishes and sides. Enjoy the bold flavors and crispy texture.
Notes
- Pat wings dry before cooking to improve crispiness.
- Bake wings on a wire rack to prevent sogginess and allow air circulation.
- Cook at high heat for crispy skin without drying the meat.
- Make the Peri Peri Buffalo sauce fresh before serving for best flavor.
- For extra bold coating, toss wings twice in the sauce but avoid overpowering the crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5-6 wings
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: Buffalo wings, Peri Peri sauce, spicy wings, game day snack, crispy wings, appetizer, gluten free wings
