Welcome, wing enthusiasts! Get ready to elevate your wing game with the speed and precision of the Instant Pot. In this blog post, we’re diving into the world of mouthwatering Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Wings – a spicy, saucy delight that’ll have your taste buds dancing.
What is Buffalo Chicken Wings
Buffalo chicken wings, often simply referred to as “buffalo wings,” are a popular American dish consisting of deep-fried chicken wing segments coated in a flavorful sauce. These bite-sized, tender, and crispy wings are typically known for their spicy and tangy taste, and they’re a staple in sports bars, restaurants, and casual gatherings.
Key Elements:
Chicken Wings: Buffalo wings use a specific part of the chicken, the wing, which is split into two parts, the drumette and the flat. These are traditionally deep-fried to achieve a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
Buffalo Sauce: The signature element of buffalo wings is the buffalo sauce. This sauce is a combination of hot sauce (like cayenne pepper sauce), melted butter, and other seasonings. It delivers a spicy, tangy, and slightly buttery flavor.
Serving: Buffalo wings are often served with a side of cool and creamy blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing. They are also commonly accompanied by celery and carrot sticks to provide a crunchy and fresh contrast to the spiciness of the wings.
Heat Levels: The heat of buffalo wings can vary from mild to extremely spicy, depending on the type and quantity of hot sauce used in the buffalo sauce. Some variations include additional ingredients like garlic, honey, or vinegar for unique flavors.
Popularity: Buffalo chicken wings are a favorite appetizer, snack, or party food, particularly during sports events like football games. They’re known for their addictive quality and are often ordered by the dozen.
How To Make Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Wings
Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe
Course: Appetizers, Main, Lunch, DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes25
minutes250
kcalMake perfect Buffalo chicken wings with this simple recipe. Ideal for game days or family dinners, these wings are flavorful and easy to make.
Ingredients
2 pounds of chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
1/2 cup of all-purpose flour (for coating, optional)
Cooking oil (for frying)
1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter
1/2 cup of hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (for extra heat, optional)
Directions
- Prep the Wings:
Dry the Wings: Start by thoroughly patting the chicken wings with paper towels. This helps achieve crispy results when frying.
Season the Wings: In a large mixing bowl, season the chicken wings with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss them to ensure even seasoning - Prepare the Instant Pot:
Place a trivet in the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water. - Pressure Cook the Wings:
Arrange the seasoned chicken wings on the trivet inside the Instant Pot.
Seal the Instant Pot and set it to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode for 5 minutes on high pressure. Ensure the vent is sealed.
Once the cooking is complete, perform a quick pressure release. - Make the Buffalo Sauce:
Melt Butter: In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over low heat.
Mix with Hot Sauce: Stir in 1/2 cup of hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot) and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (for extra heat, if desired). Combine the ingredients well to create the buffalo sauce.
Toss the Wings: In a large mixing bowl, toss the fried chicken wings with the prepared buffalo sauce. Ensure each wing is evenly coated. - Coat the Wings:
Preheat your oven’s broiler to high.
Place the cooked chicken wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Brush or drizzle the buffalo sauce over the wings.
Broil in the oven for about 3-5 minutes, turning the wings halfway through to achieve a nice crispiness. - Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Wings hot with blue cheese dressing, ranch dressing, and celery sticks.
Serving Suggestions for Your Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Wings
Classic Dipping Sauce: Offer a classic dipping sauce alongside your buffalo wings. Blue cheese dressing and ranch dressing are the traditional choices. These cool and creamy dressings balance the heat of the wings.
Fresh Vegetable Sticks: Serve celery and carrot sticks on the side. The crispness of these veggies provides a refreshing contrast to the spicy wings and offers a healthier option for your guests.
Dip Variation: Provide additional dip options for those who want to explore different flavors. Salsa, guacamole, or tzatziki can add a unique twist to the dipping experience.
Crisp Coleslaw: Coleslaw, with its creamy texture and slight sweetness, complements the heat of buffalo wings. It’s a fantastic side dish to serve alongside the wings.
French Fries or Onion Rings: If you’re hosting a party, offer classic comfort foods like french fries or onion rings. These sides are perfect for dipping in buffalo sauce.
Beer and Refreshments: Buffalo wings pair exceptionally well with a cold beer. Provide a selection of beers or refreshing beverages to quench your guests’ thirst.
Lemon Wedges: Offer lemon wedges or slices to squeeze over the wings. The acidity of lemon can cut through the richness and spice, brightening up the flavors.
Variety of Sauces: If you’re making a large batch of wings, consider offering an array of sauce options. You can have multiple levels of spiciness or different flavors, like BBQ or garlic Parmesan, to cater to various taste preferences.
Buffalo Chicken Sandwich: Turn your buffalo wings into a meal by placing them in a sandwich. Add some coleslaw and extra buffalo sauce for a lip-smacking buffalo chicken sandwich.
Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, chives, or green onions over the wings for a burst of color and an appealing presentation.
Family-Style Platter: If you’re serving a crowd, present your buffalo wings on a large, family-style platter. It creates a communal atmosphere and encourages sharing.
Flavor Variations for Your Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Wings
Classic Buffalo Bliss: Stick to the timeless buffalo sauce made with a perfect blend of hot sauce, butter, and a hint of garlic for that signature kick.
Sweet Heat: Mix honey or maple syrup into your buffalo sauce for a sweet and spicy twist that’ll tantalize your taste buds.
Garlic Parmesan Perfection: Add grated Parmesan and minced garlic to your buffalo sauce for a savory, cheesy flavor explosion.
Asian Fusion: Infuse soy sauce, ginger, and a dash of sesame oil into your buffalo sauce for an Asian-inspired twist.
Zesty Lemon Pepper: Squeeze fresh lemon juice and sprinkle cracked black pepper into your buffalo sauce for a zesty and aromatic variation.
Smoky Chipotle Kick: Blend chipotle peppers in adobo sauce into your buffalo sauce for a smoky, bold flavor that’s sure to impress.
Mango Habanero Extravaganza: Puree ripe mango and habanero peppers into your buffalo sauce for a tropical and fiery combination.