History Of Buffalo Wings
Save the endangered winged buffalo..
Wait, what?? I’ve never seen a Buffalo with wings. In fact, that’s kind of scary actually. Can you imagine one of these guys flying right at you? No thanks.
Obviously, flying buffaloes don’t exist. Too bad, because Bison is apparently ‘healthier’ for you. So why do we call Chicken Wings covered in hot sauce Buffalo wings?
Well if you haven’t guess already, the origins of this staple American past time food come from Buffalo, New York. While there is some controversy to the claim, legend states this tasty treat was invented at Anchor Bar in 1964 by Teressa Bellissimo.
Back then, chicken wings and legs were inexpensive, mainly used for creating stock or soup. You wouldn’t see them severed alone as they were perceived as an unwanted poultry byproduct full of fat most likely leading to your heart’s downfall.
The idea was born when one-night Teressa’s son stop by the bar with a pack of his hungry college friends. She needed something quick and easy to make with the limited supplies and minimal effort.
After a fast scan of the kitchen, a quick drop of the fryer basket, a little bit of vinegar, cayenne pepper, and butter this ‘winged up’ creation was served. The rest.. History. This cheap, quick, tasty bar food was a hit. Soon, other neighboring bars in Buffalo did the same. As more and more made their own version of wings, the category ‘Buffalo Wings’ was born.
However, it wasn’t until recently did it become popular across the states. Starting with the birth of ‘Buffalo Wild Wings’ and Hooters in the 80s highlighting wings as the main ‘come on down’ meal.
Boneless wings?
As Buffalo Wings became popular, the price started to increase with it. Resulting in the need for Boneless Wings. Again, another misleading name. Can you imagine what foreigners must think? Buffalo wings? Boneless wings which are just breast meat? Those crazy Americans..
Even now, chicken breast is cheaper then bone-in. Not to mention the huge difference in the amount of meat you get. Personally, even though its more food for the buck, I’m a bone-in guy.
What’s the difference between Hot Sauce and Buffalo sauce? Good question.. Not much.
Hot Sauce -Typically contains
- Hot peppers
- Vinegar (to help preserve)
Buffalo Sauce
- Cayenne pepper (Varying amounts for Mild, Medium, and Hot)
- Vinegar
- Butter
Obviously there are other recipes that are way more involved but that’s all you need to call it Buffalo style.
Our favorite Hot Sauce and Buffalo Sauce?
For a homemade sauce, check out our recipe here : Mild Buffalo Sauce
Rather grab something at the store? Below are our favorites: ( As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Support the New England Wingmen at no cost to you!)
So there you have it folks..
- Buffalo’s don’t fly
- Boneless was born from the rising cost of bone-in (Damn you BWW and Hooters!)
- Hot sauce is almost buffalo sauce, just add the butter!
- And don’t be surprised if your foreign friends are totally confused.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are chicken wings called Buffalo wings?
It has nothing to do with the animal (buffalo definitely don't fly!). The name comes from Buffalo, New York, where legend says Teressa Bellissimo first served them at the Anchor Bar in 1964, though that claim comes with some controversy. Other Buffalo bars soon made their own versions, and the category 'Buffalo wings' was born.
How were the original Buffalo wings made?
As the story goes, Teressa needed something quick for her son and his hungry college friends, so she dropped wings in the fryer and tossed them in a simple sauce of vinegar, cayenne pepper and butter. Back then wings were a cheap cut mostly used for stock or soup. No deep fryer at home? Our Crispy Baked Wings get you crispy wings straight from the oven.
What's the difference between hot sauce and Buffalo sauce?
Not much! Hot sauce is typically hot peppers plus vinegar, while Buffalo sauce is cayenne pepper, vinegar and butter, with the amount of cayenne deciding mild, medium or hot. In other words, hot sauce is almost Buffalo sauce, just add the butter. For a homemade version, try our Mild Buffalo Wing Sauce.
Are boneless wings actually chicken wings?
Nope, boneless wings are pieces of chicken breast meat. They caught on after Buffalo wings took off across the country in the 1980s, helped along by Buffalo Wild Wings and Hooters, and bone-in wing prices climbed. You get more meat for your money with boneless, but our vote still goes to bone-in.
