Buffalo Chicken Dinner

Ingredients

• 3 lbchicken wings$10.77
• 1 tbspbaking powder$0.08
• 1 tspkosher salt$0.02
• 0.5 tspblack pepper$0.07
• 0.5 cupFrank's RedHot sauce$0.49
• 4 tbspunsalted butter$0.53
• 0.75 cupblue cheese dressing$2.44
• 8 eachcelery sticks$1.45
• Total for 4 servings$15.85

Most of the cost is chicken wings ($10.77) and blue cheese dressing ($2.44). With oil, spices and staples already at home, the shop drops to about $12.82. Prices are estimated for the amount used, at average US grocery prices (November 2026).

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil, placing an oven-safe wire rack on top. Thoroughly pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps properly.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the baking powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken wings and toss until evenly coated on all sides.
3. Arrange the chicken wings skin-side up in a single layer on the wire rack, leaving slight space between each piece. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 30 minutes.
4. Flip the chicken wings over and continue baking at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes, until the skin is deep golden brown and crackling-crisp, and the meat registers at least 165°F (74°C) with no pink remaining.
5. While the wings finish in the oven, combine the Frank's RedHot sauce and unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk for 2 to 3 minutes until the butter melts and the sauce is fully blended.
6. Transfer the hot baked chicken wings to a large heatproof bowl, pour the warm buffalo sauce over them, and toss until every piece is thoroughly coated.
7. Divide the sauced wings among plates and serve immediately with the celery sticks and blue cheese dressing on the side.