Tips for Tasty Super Bowl Chicken Wings

Crispy, juicy wings are a must-have for the big game

Jan. 28, 2026 at 7:47pm

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With the Super Bowl just around the corner, fans are gearing up for the big game and the equally anticipated snacks. Chicken wings have become a staple of Super Bowl Sunday, and this article provides tips for making the perfect batch at home. From drying out the wings to using mayo for a crispy crust, the article offers hacks to rival even the best bar wings. It also explores the history of how chicken wings became the iconic Super Bowl food.

Why it matters

Chicken wings are a beloved Super Bowl tradition, and this article equips readers with the knowledge to make restaurant-quality wings at home. By understanding the science behind achieving the perfect texture and flavor, home cooks can impress their guests and enjoy the game without being stuck in the kitchen.

The details

The key tips include: 1) Drying out the wings before cooking to ensure a crispy skin, 2) Using mayo as a coating to tenderize the meat and create a golden-brown crust, and 3) Mixing the mayo with Sriracha or other hot sauce for an extra kick. The article also explains how chicken wings rose to prominence as a Super Bowl staple, tracing their origins to Buffalo, New York in the 1960s.

  • The Super Bowl will take place on February 2, 2026.

The players

Beth Dooley

The author of the article, a food writer for the Minnesota Star Tribune.

Young's

A bar in Buffalo, New York that is credited with originating the spicy Buffalo-style chicken wing in the 1960s.

Anchor Bar

Another Buffalo, New York bar that also claims to have invented the iconic Buffalo chicken wing in the 1960s.

Buffalo Bills

The NFL team that made multiple Super Bowl appearances in the 1990s, further boosting the popularity of chicken wings as a Super Bowl food.

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What they’re saying

“Super Bowl Sunday is synonymous with wings. Lots of them: the classic spicy Buffalo, plus Asian, Italian and Mexican variations. Wings are easy to eat, easy to share and easy to prep ahead so that the cook can actually enjoy the game (or at least the halftime show).”

— Beth Dooley, Food Writer (Minnesota Star Tribune)

What’s next

With the Super Bowl just a few weeks away, home cooks should start planning their wing recipes and prepping the ingredients to ensure a stress-free game day.

The takeaway

Chicken wings have become an integral part of the Super Bowl experience, and this article provides the tips and tricks to make them taste better than anything you'd find at a sports bar. By understanding the science behind achieving the perfect texture and flavor, home cooks can impress their guests and enjoy the game without being stuck in the kitchen.