There’s something magical about the aroma of chicken wings sizzling in the oven, isn’t there?
Hot Honey Buffalo Wings with Cucumber Ranch are not just a meal; they’re an experience.
Whether you’re hosting a game night or simply craving a delicious snack, these wings deliver a perfect balance of sweet and spicy.
They’re easy to whip up, making them a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Trust me, your friends and family will be begging for seconds, and you’ll love how simple it is to impress them with this crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Buffalo Wings with Cucumber Ranch
These Hot Honey Buffalo Wings are a game-changer for any home cook.
They come together quickly, making them perfect for those busy evenings when you want something delicious without the fuss.
The combination of sweet honey and spicy hot sauce creates a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing.
Plus, the refreshing cucumber ranch dip balances the heat, ensuring every bite is a delight.
You’ll find yourself making these wings again and again!
Ingredients for Hot Honey Buffalo Wings with Cucumber Ranch
Creating the perfect Hot Honey Buffalo Wings with Cucumber Ranch starts with gathering the right ingredients.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Chicken Wings: The star of the show! Choose fresh or frozen wings, but if you go frozen, make sure to thaw them first.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, these two bring out the natural flavors of the chicken.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These spices add depth and a savory kick to the wings.
Smoked Paprika: This gives a subtle smokiness that complements the heat of the sauce.
Hot Sauce: A must-have for that classic buffalo flavor. Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice, but feel free to experiment with your favorite brand.
Honey: This sweetener balances the heat, creating that irresistible hot honey glaze.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps it cling to the wings.
Plain Greek Yogurt: A healthier base for the cucumber ranch, providing creaminess without the extra calories.
Mayonnaise: This adds a smooth texture to the ranch dip, making it extra luscious.
Cucumber: Finely chopped for a refreshing crunch in the ranch dip.
Fresh Dill and Chives: These herbs brighten up the ranch, adding a burst of flavor.
Additional Seasonings: Feel free to add cayenne pepper for extra heat or other spices to customize your wings.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re on your way to creating a dish that will have everyone coming back for more!
How to Make Hot Honey Buffalo Wings with Cucumber Ranch
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F.
This temperature is key for achieving that crispy texture we all crave.
While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet.
This allows air to circulate around the wings, ensuring they cook evenly and get that perfect crunch.
Step 2: Season the Wings
In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
Make sure every wing is coated evenly; this is where the flavor begins!
Feel free to get your hands in there; it’s the best way to ensure the seasonings stick.
Once seasoned, arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack.
This helps them cook uniformly and stay crispy.
Step 3: Bake the Wings
Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the wings for 40-45 minutes.
Halfway through, flip the wings to ensure they brown evenly on both sides.
You want them to be golden brown and crispy, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes.
If you like extra crunch, consider broiling them for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.
That’s the secret to wings that are truly irresistible!
Step 4: Make the Cucumber Ranch
While the wings are baking, it’s time to whip up the cucumber ranch dip.
In a medium bowl, combine plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, finely chopped cucumber, dill, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Mix everything together until well combined.
This dip is refreshing and balances the heat of the wings perfectly.
Refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine hot sauce, honey, and unsalted butter.
Stir the mixture until the butter melts and everything is well blended.
This sauce is the star of the show, bringing that sweet and spicy kick to your wings.
Once it’s ready, set it aside until the wings are done baking.
You’ll want to toss the wings in this sauce while they’re hot for maximum flavor.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Once the wings are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven.
Carefully transfer them to a large bowl and pour the hot honey sauce over the wings.
Toss them gently until they are evenly coated in that delicious glaze.
Serve the wings hot alongside the cucumber ranch dip.
Trust me, this combination will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Tips for Success
For extra crispy wings, make sure they are completely dry before seasoning.
Use a wire rack to elevate the wings while baking; this allows air circulation for even cooking.
Don’t skip the flipping halfway through; it’s crucial for that golden-brown finish.
Let the hot honey sauce cool slightly before tossing the wings for better adhesion.
Feel free to adjust the heat level by adding more or less hot sauce.
Equipment Needed
Baking Sheet: A standard sheet works, but a rimmed one prevents spills.
Wire Rack: Essential for crispy wings; if you don’t have one, use a cooling rack.
Medium Bowl: For mixing the ranch dip; any mixing bowl will do.
Small Saucepan: Needed for the hot honey sauce; a small skillet can work too.
Variations
Spicy Garlic Wings: Add minced garlic and a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for an extra kick.
Honey Mustard Wings: Swap out the hot sauce for a mix of honey and Dijon mustard for a tangy twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Ensure your hot sauce and mayonnaise are certified gluten-free for a safe and delicious meal.
Vegetarian Alternative: Use cauliflower florets instead of chicken wings for a tasty plant-based version.
Herb-Infused Ranch: Experiment with different herbs like parsley or cilantro in the cucumber ranch for a fresh flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Classic Celery and Carrots: Serve with crunchy celery sticks and baby carrots for a refreshing crunch.
Beer Pairing: A cold lager or pale ale complements the spicy wings perfectly.
Presentation: Arrange wings on a large platter, garnished with fresh herbs for a pop of color.
Side Dishes: Consider serving with potato wedges or a simple green salad for balance.
FAQs about Hot Honey Buffalo Wings with Cucumber Ranch
Can I make Hot Honey Buffalo Wings in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air frying is a fantastic way to achieve crispy wings without the oven. Just season the wings and cook them in the air fryer at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt in the cucumber ranch?
If you’re not a fan of Greek yogurt, you can use sour cream or even buttermilk for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the texture will vary slightly.
How spicy are these wings?
The heat level can be adjusted based on your preference. If you like it milder, reduce the amount of hot sauce. For those who crave more heat, add extra cayenne pepper or use a hotter sauce.
Can I prepare the cucumber ranch ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, making the cucumber ranch a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
How do I store leftover wings?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven to maintain their crispiness before serving again.
Final Thoughts
Creating Hot Honey Buffalo Wings with Cucumber Ranch is more than just cooking; it’s about bringing people together.
The sweet and spicy flavors dance on your palate, while the cool ranch dip offers a refreshing contrast.
Whether it’s game day or a casual get-together, these wings are sure to impress.
I love how simple ingredients can transform into a dish that sparks joy and laughter around the table.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and dive into this delicious adventure.
Trust me, these wings will become a staple in your home!
Deliciously crispy chicken wings coated in a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce, served with a refreshing cucumber ranch dip.
Ingredients
Scale
2 pounds chicken wings
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup cucumber, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika until evenly coated. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack.
Bake the wings for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown.
While the wings are baking, prepare the cucumber ranch. In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, chopped cucumber, dill, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine hot sauce, honey, and butter. Stir until the butter is melted and the mixture is well combined.
Once the wings are done, remove them from the oven and toss them in the hot honey sauce until evenly coated.
Serve the wings hot with the cucumber ranch on the side.
Notes
For extra crunch, broil the wings for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.
Try adding different spices to the wing coating, such as cayenne pepper for extra heat or paprika for a smoky flavor.
