Buffalo chicken wings

Buffalo chicken wings, often simply referred to as buffalo wings, are a popular American dish consisting of deep-fried chicken wings coated or doused in a sauce composed of a vinegar-based cayenne pepper hot sauce and melted butter. Originating from Buffalo, New York, these wings have become an iconic American snack food, commonly served in bars, restaurants, and gatherings across the country, especially during sports events like the Super Bowl.

History

The creation of buffalo wings is commonly attributed to the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York, with several accounts of its invention in 1964. The most popular story suggests that Teressa Bellissimo, co-owner of the Anchor Bar, invented the dish by deep-frying leftover wings and tossing them in a homemade hot sauce as a late-night snack for her son and his friends. The wings were an instant hit, leading to their regular inclusion on the bar's menu and eventual spread in popularity across the United States.

Preparation

Buffalo wings are prepared by first deep-frying the wings without any breading until they are well browned and crispy. After frying, the wings are then tossed in a sauce made from a mixture of hot sauce and melted butter. The ratio of hot sauce to butter can vary depending on desired spiciness. The wings are often served hot, accompanied by celery sticks and blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing for dipping.

Variations

While the classic buffalo wing sauce is a simple blend of hot sauce and butter, numerous variations have emerged. These include different levels of spiciness, the addition of ingredients like garlic, honey, or mustard to create unique flavors, and even alternative cooking methods such as baking or grilling. Despite these variations, the essential characteristics of buffalo wings—spicy, buttery, and tangy flavors combined with crispy chicken—remain consistent.

Cultural Impact

Buffalo wings have had a significant impact on American food culture. They are a staple of sports bar menus and are particularly associated with watching American football. The popularity of buffalo wings has also led to the creation of events like National Buffalo Wing Festival, held annually in Buffalo, New York, which celebrates the dish with wing-eating contests and the showcasing of various wing flavors and preparations.

See Also

• Chicken as food
• American cuisine
• Hot sauce
• Bar food