There’s something about a plate of spicy chicken wings that just brings people together, right? Whether it’s game day, a backyard BBQ, or just a casual dinner, these wings are always the star of the show. Today, I’m sharing one of my all-time favorite recipes: Spicy Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Dip! These wings are crispy, perfectly seasoned, and pack a punch of heat that’s balanced beautifully with a creamy, tangy blue cheese dip. Trust me—this recipe will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds!).
Ingredient And Preparation Of Spicy Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Dip
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
For the Blue Cheese Dip:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How To Make Spicy Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Dip
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper until evenly coated.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until wings are crispy and fully cooked.
- While the wings are baking, prepare the blue cheese dip by mixing mayonnaise, sour cream, crumbled blue cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the hot sauce and melted butter.
- When the wings are done baking, toss them in the hot sauce mixture until evenly coated.
- Serve the spicy wings immediately with the blue cheese dip on the side for dipping.
Details And Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Serving Size: 6-8 wings with dip
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 830mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 26g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Storage for Spicy Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Dip
Leftover Chicken Wings:
To store leftover wings, first let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When it’s time to reheat, the best method is using the oven to maintain their crispiness. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spread the wings out on a baking sheet. Heat for 10-15 minutes, or until they’re warmed through and crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the wings soggy.
Blue Cheese Dip:
The blue cheese dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Give it a good stir before serving, as some separation might occur. If you want to make the dip ahead of time, this storage method works perfectly, and the flavors actually get better as they sit.
Freezing:
While the wings can technically be frozen, they tend to lose their crispiness once reheated, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh. If you do freeze them, make sure they’re fully cooled and stored in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven to regain some crispiness.
If you’re a fan of quick and delicious recipe like these Spicy Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Dip, you’ll love trying some of my other easy recipes. Be sure to check out my Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers in Air Fryer . This recipe is just as simple to make and perfect for any occasion!
FAQs About Spicy Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Dip
How do I get the wings extra crispy without frying?
The secret to crispy wings lies in drying them thoroughly before baking. Pat the wings dry with paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible. For even better results, let the wings sit uncovered in the refrigerator for about an hour before seasoning and baking. This extra step allows the skin to dry out, leading to a crispier texture when baked.
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, you can use frozen wings, but make sure they are fully thawed before cooking. Thaw the wings in the refrigerator overnight and pat them dry to remove any excess moisture. Cooking wings from frozen can result in uneven cooking and a less crispy finish, so it’s worth taking the time to thaw them properly.
How do I adjust the spice level of the wings?
You can easily tweak the heat level to your liking. The cayenne pepper in the recipe is the main source of heat—add more if you love a fiery kick or reduce it for a milder flavor. For a more intense heat, you can also sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
What can I substitute if I don’t like blue cheese?
If blue cheese isn’t your thing, ranch dip is a great alternative. You can buy it pre-made or whip up a quick homemade version using sour cream, mayonnaise, and a blend of fresh or dried herbs like dill, chives, and parsley. It’s a versatile swap that still gives you that creamy, cooling contrast to the spicy wings.
Can I make the wings in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air fryers are perfect for making crispy wings. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the wings for 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This method delivers crispiness similar to frying, but without the excess oil.
How long does the blue cheese dip last?
The blue cheese dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to give it a good stir before serving, as some separation may occur while it’s stored.
How do I store and reheat leftover wings?
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best results, reheat them in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until they’re hot and crispy again. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the wings soggy.
Conclusion
There you have it—an easy, delicious recipe that’s perfect for any gathering! These spicy chicken wings with blue cheese dip are a crowd-pleaser every time. Give them a try, and let me know how they turn out!