Buffalo Chicken Wings with Peri Peri Sauce

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Buffalo chicken wings are a game-day staple, a pub favorite, and a treat for anyone who loves a little heat. But when you combine the fiery zest of Buffalo sauce with the exotic tang of Peri Peri, you elevate this classic finger food into a mouthwatering fusion of flavors. This Buffalo Chicken Wings with Peri Peri Sauce recipe is an adventure for the taste buds, a daring dance between the heat of cayenne and the zing of citrusy herbs. Whether you’re gearing up for a sports event or simply indulging in a spicy craving, this dish is sure to score big.

The Heritage of Heat

The Buffalo Wing was born in Buffalo, New York, and has been a symbol of American cuisine since the 1960s. Peri Peri sauce, or Piri Piri, hails from regions of Africa and Portugal and is known for its spicy blend of chili peppers, garlic, lemon, and herbs. Bringing these two titans of taste together is not just a fusion—it’s a flavor revolution.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Wings:

  • 2 lbs chicken wings, tips removed, drumettes and flats separated
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Buffalo Peri Peri Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup hot sauce (traditional Buffalo-style)
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons Peri Peri sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • A pinch of sugar (optional, to balance heat)

Instructions:

Preparing the Wings:

  1. Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure they get as crispy as possible.
  2. Season: In a large bowl, toss the wings with vegetable oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Bake: Arrange the wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven until the skin is crispy and the meat is no longer pink at the bone, flipping the wings halfway through about 45 minutes to an hour.

Making the Sauce:

  1. Combine Ingredients: While the wings are baking, whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, Peri Peri sauce, apple cider vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, and sugar (if using) in a bowl.
  2. Simmer: Transfer the mixture to a small saucepan and simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Coating the Wings:

  1. Toss: Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the Buffalo Peri Peri sauce over the wings, tossing to ensure they are fully coated.

Serving:

  1. Serve Immediately: Serve the wings hot, garnished with celery sticks and a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping. The cooling dip complements the spicy, tangy wings for a perfect balance.

Conclusion

The Buffalo Chicken Wings with Peri Peri Sauce recipe is a testament to the beauty of culinary experimentation. The spicy, buttery heat of the Buffalo sauce seamlessly integrates with the earthy, smoky notes of Peri Peri, delivering a dish that’s both familiar and thrillingly new. This recipe is more than just a way to satiate hunger—it’s a celebration of global flavors that come together in a harmonious, fiery feast. So, roll up your sleeves, grab a wing, and let the flavors transport you to the crossroads of tradition and innovation.

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