Buffalo Wings
Fried and baked buffalo wings are a key ingredient for Super Bowl parties. Getty Images

Buffalo wings are practically synonymous with the Super Bowl. Since i’s typically a favorite food among NFL viewers, it’s one of the top consumed snacks during the big game. That also means Super Bowl Sunday makes it a hard time to find a restaurant that is too busy to make the wings. Instead, opt to create buffalo wings at home this year. Provided below are two different methods—baked and fried—to prepare the beloved football appetizer, courtesy of Food Network Magazine and former “Good Eats” host Alton Brown.

People who want to try a healthier version of buffalo wings should attempt to make baked chicken. The following ingredients are needed:

  • 12 whole chicken wings, cut at the joints and tips removed
  • 1 small clove of minced garlic
  • 3 ounces of unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup of hot sauce
  • ½ teaspoon of kosher salt

1. First add one inch of water to a pot and steam the wings for 10 minutes. Remove them from the pot and cool in the refrigerator for an hour after the wings are steamed. While they chill, preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. After the hour is up, dry the wings with a paper towel. Next, cook them for 20 minutes on a baking tray lined with parchment. Turn the wings and cook for another 20 minutes.

3. While waiting for the wings to cook, prepare the buffalo sauce by combining the butter, garlic and hot sauce in a pan over medium heat. This should take about 10 minutes, or until the butter is melted. Since everyone has a different palate, add salt to taste and then toss the wings in the sauce.

Those who are traditionalists might want to opt for this fried chicken wing recipe with these ingredients:

  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 3 pounds of chicken wings, split at the joints, tips removed
  • 1 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cup of hot sauce (Personal preference)
  • 2 tablespoons of honey
  • 1 stick unsalted butter

1. Put 1 inch of oil into a frying pan and heat it to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While waiting for the temperature to rise, place a cooling rack on top of a baking sheet. The wings will sit there when they are finished cooking.

2. In a bowl, mix flour and paprika together. Dip the wings inside the mixture and shake off extra coating. Fry the wings in small batches. Continue to turn them until they are cooked to a golden brown. This will probably take about 15 minutes per batch. Always make sure the oil is heated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, especially when starting a new batch.

3. As the wings cook, make the buffalo sauce. Combine hot sauce, butter and honey in a pot over medium heat. Like the first recipe, cook it for about 10 minutes, always stirring the mixture. Add the sauce to the wings and enjoy.

The New England Patriots are slated to take on the Atlanta Falcons for Super Bowl 51 Sunday at NRG Stadium in Houston. Kickoff time is at 6:30 p.m. EST.

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