Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings

By DreiFromBK

Most of us think of Buffalo wings as bar food, but with their accompaniment of celery sticks and creamy blue-cheese dressing, they make a fine casual meal. These wings are hot, but if you like them incendiary, pass extra Tabasco sauce at the table.

Ingredients

• 4 pounds chicken wings
• 3 tablespoons cooking oil
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 3/4 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne
• 2/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1/4 pound blue cheese, crumbled (about 1 cup)
• 2 scallions including green tops, chopped
• 5 teaspoons vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Tabasco sauce
• 8 ribs celery, cut into sticks

Preparation

Step 1

Heat the oven to 425°. In a large bowl, combine the wings, oil, garlic, 1 1/2 teaspoons of the salt, and the cayenne. Arrange the wings in a single layer on two large baking sheets. Bake until just done, about 25 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a medium glass or stainless-steel bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, blue cheese, scallions, 1 teaspoon of the vinegar, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and the black pepper.
In a large bowl, combine the ketchup, the remaining 4 teaspoons vinegar, and the Tabasco sauce. Add the wings and toss to coat. Serve the wings with the celery sticks and blue-cheese dressing alongside.

Serve With Pair these wings with more finger food. Corn on the cob would go nicely. Roasted potato wedges are a good alternative and can be cooked alongside the wings.
Suggested Pairing

Beer is a no-brainer with the salt, spice, and heat of this barfly classic. For a more festive alternative, serve a crisp sparkling wine; it will refresh the palate and tame the heat of the dish.