📝 About This Recipe
Experience the ultimate game-day staple reimagined with the speed and tenderness of pressure cooking. These wings are first infused with flavor under pressure to ensure the meat literally falls off the bone, then finished under a broiler for that quintessential Buffalo crunch. Tossed in a velvety, buttery cayenne sauce, these wings deliver the perfect balance of heat, tang, and indulgence that made the original Anchor Bar recipe a global phenomenon.
🥗 Ingredients
The Wings
- 3 pounds Chicken Wings (split into flats and drumettes)
- 1 cup Chicken Broth (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar (adds a bright tang to the steaming liquid)
- 1/2 teaspoon Liquid Smoke (optional, for a grilled flavor profile)
Dry Rub
- 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder
- 1 tablespoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
Signature Buffalo Sauce
- 2/3 cup Frank's RedHot Original Sauce (the classic choice for authentic Buffalo flavor)
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (melted and high quality)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce (for umami depth)
- 1 tablespoon Honey (to balance the acidity)
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (adjust for extra heat)
For Serving
- 4 pieces Celery Stalks (cut into sticks)
- 1/2 cup Blue Cheese Dressing (or Ranch if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Chives (finely chopped for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create your dry rub.
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2
Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels; removing moisture is the secret to getting them crispy later.
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3
Place the wings in a large bowl and toss thoroughly with the dry rub until every piece is evenly coated.
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4
Pour the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke into the inner pot of the Instant Pot.
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5
Place a steamer basket or the metal trivet inside the pot. Arrange the seasoned wings on the trivet, stacking them in a 'Lincoln log' pattern to allow steam to circulate.
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6
Secure the lid and set the valve to 'Sealing'. Select 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' on High Pressure for 10 minutes.
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7
While the wings cook, prepare the Buffalo sauce by whisking the hot sauce, melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, honey, and cayenne in a medium bowl until emulsified.
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8
Once the timer beeps, perform a Quick Release by carefully turning the valve to 'Venting'. Use tongs to remove the wings and place them on a large baking sheet lined with foil and a wire rack.
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9
Preheat your oven broiler to High. Gently pat the cooked wings dry one more time to remove any rendered fat or moisture from the pressure cooking process.
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10
Lightly brush the wings with a small amount of the prepared Buffalo sauce.
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11
Broil the wings for 3-5 minutes per side, watching closely, until the skin is bubbling, browned, and crispy.
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12
Transfer the hot, crispy wings into a clean large bowl. Pour the remaining Buffalo sauce over them and toss gently to coat.
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13
Garnish with fresh chives and serve immediately while piping hot with celery sticks and dip.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always use a wire rack on your baking sheet when broiling; this allows hot air to circulate under the wings so they crisp on the bottom too. Don't skip the honey; it doesn't make the sauce sweet, but it helps the sauce cling to the wings instead of sliding off. If you prefer 'extra wet' wings, double the sauce recipe and keep half aside for dipping. For the best texture, ensure your wings are fully thawed before pressure cooking to prevent uneven cooking. If you have an Air Fryer lid for your Instant Pot, you can crisp them directly in the pot at 400°F for 10-15 minutes instead of using the oven broiler.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with a cold, crisp Lager or a hoppy IPA to cut through the richness of the butter sauce. Serve alongside classic carrot and celery sticks for a cooling crunch. A side of loaded potato skins or jalapeño poppers makes this a full appetizer feast. For a healthier side, try a wedge salad with extra blue cheese crumbles. Offer both Blue Cheese and Ranch dressings to satisfy all your guests' preferences.