Buffalo chicken wings are a ubiquitous part of American cuisine. These spicy, shareable appetizers have been around for over 50 years, and are now featured at almost every sports bar and Super Bowl party in the country. Here’s a history of this special method of preparing wings that has grown from one bar in Buffalo, NY to become one of the nation’s favorite dishes.

The Creation of the Buffalo Chicken Wing

Until the early 60s, the chicken wing was considered one of the least desirable cuts of meat, usually reserved for making stock or simply thrown away. This all changed in 1964, when the proprietor of the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, Teressa Bellissimo, snapped some wings in half, deep-fried them, and served them up slathered in hot sauce.

Later, her husband claimed that she was trying to find a way to use up an order of chicken wings the bar had gotten by mistake. However, her son Dominic stated that his mother improvised the dish as a late-night snack for him and his friends. Whatever the motivation, this technique quickly spread across the country.

The Popularity of Buffalo Chicken Wings

Throughout the 60s and 70s, chicken wings spread like wildfire across the city of Buffalo, with different restaurants serving up their own variations. Soon, several national chains began introducing this regional favorite to a national audience. In the 90s, major chains like Domino’s, McDonald’s and KFC added hot wings to their menus, which triggered an explosion of popularity that eventually led to Buffalo chicken wings being featured at restaurants and bars across the country. Today, this regional dish has cemented its place as a vital part of American culinary culture.

If you’re in the mood for delicious, fiery Buffalo chicken wings, visit Wingz American Grill in Raleigh and Durham, NC. This family-owned business specializes in serving up exceptional food made with the freshest ingredients in a friendly atmosphere. Take a look at their menu online now and call (919) 500-8319 to reach their location in Durham, or call (984) 202-5996 to place an order at their Raleigh location.