Buffalo wings

What is Buffalo wings?

Buffalo wings are sections of chicken wings, usually the drumette or flat, that are deep-fried without any breading. After frying, they are tossed in a sauce made from cayenne pepper hot sauce, melted butter, and vinegar, giving them a spicy and tangy flavor. They are typically served hot, accompanied by celery and carrot sticks, and a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping. The wings are crisp on the outside and coated in a bright orange-red sauce.

Where does Buffalo wings come from?

Buffalo wings were created in Buffalo, New York, in the 1960s, though the exact story is debated. One account credits Teressa Bellissimo at the Anchor Bar, who is said to have fried leftover wings and tossed them in hot sauce as a quick snack. Another version involves John Young, who served breaded wings in a tomato-based sauce at his Buffalo restaurant in the early 1960s. The dish gained local popularity and spread across the United States, becoming widely associated with Buffalo.

How is Buffalo wings made?

To make Buffalo wings, chicken wings are first separated into drumettes and flats. The pieces are deep-fried in oil until browned and crisp, with no breading or flour. The classic sauce is a blend of cayenne pepper hot sauce, melted butter, and vinegar, sometimes with garlic powder or Worcestershire sauce. Once cooked, the wings are tossed in the sauce to coat them evenly before serving.

How and when is Buffalo wings eaten?

Buffalo wings are usually eaten as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, especially in bars and casual restaurants. They are served hot, with celery and carrot sticks on the side, and a dip of blue cheese or ranch dressing. People often eat them with their hands, and they are a popular choice for gatherings, sports events, and parties. Some restaurants offer extra-hot versions for eating challenges.

Kinds of Buffalo wings

Many versions of Buffalo wings exist. Some places serve boneless wings, made from chicken breast pieces, coated and fried like nuggets but tossed in the same sauce. Other foods, such as shrimp, cauliflower, and pizza, are sometimes prepared with Buffalo-style sauce. Restaurants have also created new wing sauces inspired by global cuisines or with unusual flavors like blueberry BBQ or maple bacon.

What Buffalo wings means

Buffalo wings have become a symbol of American bar food and are especially popular during sports events and gatherings. The city of Buffalo celebrates Chicken Wing Day each July. Wing-eating contests and festivals are common, including the National Buffalo Wing Festival. The dish's popularity has led to many restaurant chains specializing in wings, and the term "Buffalo" is now used for a variety of spicy, sauced foods.

Questions people ask about Buffalo wings

Good reading and sources

• A Brief History of the Buffalo Chicken WingSmithsonian Magazine, Article
• 37 Best Asian Appetizers and Finger FoodsSaveur, Recipe

• Buffalo wing on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data