10 Game-Changing Chicken Wing Recipes for Winning Appetizers

Skillet Chicken Wings
Photo: Carson Downing

Chicken wings are the ultimate appetizer for game days, potlucks, and general everyday snacking. Classic buffalo wings are the traditional choice, but there are plenty of chicken wing recipes featuring different flavors to suit every taste. Saucy or spicy, sweet or tangy, baked or fried, paired with blue cheese or without—there's a chicken wing recipe here for you.

01 of 10

Buffalo Wings

Buffalo Wings
Scott Little

When it comes to classics, this is the best chicken wing recipe you could ask for. The recipe for a traditional blue cheese dip is included, but this smoky version would be equally delicious as a dipper for your wings.

02 of 10

Chicken Wings Five Ways

Chicken Wings Five Ways
Jason Donnelly

When it comes to making the best chicken wings, you can't go wrong with this recipe. There are five different sauces and two different ways to make them (in the slow cooker or pressure cooker), meaning you can always change up the flavors to suit your preferences. The key to getting the chicken wings crispy is giving them a quick go under the broiler before serving.

Buy It: Instant Pot Duo ($64, Walmart)

03 of 10

Spicy Peking Wings

Spicy Peking Wings
Scott Little

These chicken wings are a great way to use up that bottle of plum sauce you tried in a past Asian-inspired takeout recipe. Fresh ginger and Asian chili-garlic sauce also add to the layered flavors here.

04 of 10

Skillet Chicken Wings

Skillet Chicken Wings
Carson Downing

Grab your favorite cast-iron skillet, we're making chicken wings on the stove top. Grab a couple pounds of wings, crisp them in the skillet, then choose a sauce to coat: We've got tasty recipes for Asian-style ginger-soy or pineapple teriyaki sauce.

Buy It: Lodge Cast-Iron Chicken ($25, Walmart)

05 of 10

Air-Fryer Chicken Wings

plate of chicken wings topped with green onions

Skip the oil bath and serve these air-fryer chicken wings at your next football watch party. The chicken wings only need a coating of nonstick spray to get nice and crispy. Instead of a typical spicy buffalo flavor, these drummies are sauced with an Asian-inspired blend of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, lime, honey, and sambal oelek (ground fresh chili paste).

Buy It: Ninja Air Fryer ($120, Target)

06 of 10

Soy Sauce Chicken Wings

Soy Sauce Chicken Wings
Andy Lyons

This delicious chicken wings recipe is made a little different than your average pub appetizer. Instead of fried or baked, the chicken wings simmer in a bath of soy sauce, pepper, leek, ginger, and five-spice powder on the stove top. You can enjoy them right out of the pot or chilled.

07 of 10

Mix 'N' Match Chicken Wings

Mix 'N' Match Chicken Wings
Andy Lyons

These grilled chicken wings pack tons of flavor thanks to marinating a couple of hours in buttermilk and hot sauce. But that's not all, the chicken wings are also sprinkled in a rub of your choice (we've got four tasty options), plus multiple options for homemade sauces and dips to complete your spread.

08 of 10

Thai Chicken Wings with Peanut Sauce

Thai Chicken Wings with Peanut Sauce
Scott Little

Thai chili sauce (Sriracha) brings the heat to this chicken wing recipe. A homemade peanut sauce gets tossed onto the wings for a cooling, nutty finish. Top with chopped peanuts and a squeeze of lime for a kick of flavor and texture.

09 of 10

Spicy Chicken with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce

Spicy Chicken with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce
Andy Lyons

Did you know that you can grill chicken wings? You save on fat by not frying, and you still get crisp, flavorful skin. These wings also feature a lighter yogurt dipping sauce, which helps cool the spice from the chicken wings.

10 of 10

Tandoori Chicken Wings

Tandoori Chicken Wings
Peter Krumhardt

We adore the spice combination in these Indian-inspired wings. Don't skimp on the marinating time; these chicken wings are best at full potency. Keep this baked chicken wings recipe handy for parties as it makes enough to serve 16.

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