Few foods embody the spirit of American sports and celebrations quite like Buffalo wings. Whether it’s game day, a party, or just a casual dinner, these spicy, flavorful chicken wings are a staple on menus across the country. But how did Buffalo wings become such a beloved dish, and what are their origins? We’ll dive into the delicious history of this iconic snack—and why premium ingredients like Jidori Chicken® can elevate this beloved classic.
The Birthplace of Buffalo Wings
The story begins in 1964 at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York. Teressa Bellissimo, who co-owned the bar with her husband Frank, is credited with creating the original Buffalo wing. As the legend goes, Teressa needed a quick snack for her son Dominic and his friends. Using the chicken wings that were typically reserved for stock or discarded, she deep-fried them and tossed them in a tangy, buttery hot sauce. To balance the heat, she served the wings with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing—a combination that has stood the test of time.
Anchor Bar's wings are legendary, but to truly capture that original flavor and quality in modern recipes, you need to start with a top-notch starting ingredient like Jidori Chicken®.
The Rise of an American Classic
Buffalo wings began gaining national attention in the 1980s when large chain restaurants like Buffalo Wild Wings and Hooters added them to their menus. The dish’s association with sports culture further cemented its place in American cuisine. Super Bowl Sunday, in particular, has become synonymous with Buffalo wings, with millions of pounds consumed every year during the big game. According to the National Chicken Council's annual Wing Report, around 1.45 billion chicken wings are expected to be devoured during this Sunday’s Super Bowl game!
Beloved Buffalo Wings
Buffalo wings are more than just a snack—they’re a cultural phenomenon. Their bold flavor, crispy texture, and endless customization options make them a crowd favorite. Whether you prefer them mild or mouth-burning hot, the combination of crispy chicken, tangy sauce, and cooling dips offers something for everyone.
As we enjoy this iconic dish, it’s worth remembering its humble beginnings at a small bar in Buffalo, New York. The next time you bite into a perfectly sauced wing, consider how using premium ingredients like Jidori Chicken® elevates this dish to new heights.
Classic Buffalo Wings Recipe
Here’s how to recreate the original Buffalo wings at home:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs Jidori Chicken® wings (split into flats and drumettes)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
Buffalo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions:
- Prep the Wings: Pat the Jidori Chicken® wings dry with a paper towel. In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the wings in the flour mixture until evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Fry the Wings: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C). Fry the wings in batches for about 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the hot sauce, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well and remove from heat.
- Toss and Serve: Place the fried wings in a large bowl and pour the sauce over them. Toss until evenly coated. Serve immediately with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.
Options:
- Try using Jidori whole wings if you're feeling adventurous
- Use our Chef's Cut Tulip Wings to further elevate your dish
These perfectly balanced crispy, tangy, and spicy Buffalo wings made with premium Jidori Chicken® are to please your Super Bowl crowd this Sunday!