Blazin' Carolina Reaper Wings from Buffalo Wild Wings feature crispy chicken wings tossed in a fiery Carolina Reaper pepper sauce, delivering an intense, smoky heat balanced by a tangy buffalo flavor and a vibrant red glaze.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Baking sheet (optional for finishing)
- Wire rack (for draining)
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Thermometer
- Serving platter
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) chicken wings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot or similar)
- 2 tablespoons Carolina Reaper pepper hot sauce or paste
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Chicken wings should be patted dry before coating with the seasoned flour mixture to ensure maximum crispiness when fried. Use a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot to maintain a consistent oil temperature around 350degF (175degC) for perfectly cooked wings. Carolina Reaper pepper hot sauce or paste is extremely potent; adjust the quantity based on your heat tolerance to manage the fiery intensity. Incorporate honey and apple cider vinegar to balance the strong heat with sweetness and tang. You can recreate the Blazin' Carolina Reaper Wings from Buffalo Wild Wings at home by carefully following these ingredients and techniques to achieve that signature smoky, spicy flavor.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Toss wings in the flour mixture until evenly coated.
- Place wings on a wire rack and let them rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Heat oil in the deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry wings in batches for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Drain wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in hot sauce, Carolina Reaper hot sauce or paste, honey, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and onion powder until smooth.
- Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Place fried wings in a clean mixing bowl.
- Pour sauce over wings and toss with tongs until evenly coated.
- Transfer wings to a serving platter.
- (Optional) Finish in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Blazin' Carolina Reaper Wings from Buffalo Wild Wings copycat recipe captures the intense heat and smoky flavor of the original by using Carolina Reaper pepper sauce combined with a tangy buffalo base. If Carolina Reaper pepper sauce is unavailable or too intense for your heat tolerance, you can substitute with habanero or ghost pepper hot sauce to maintain a fiery kick with slightly less heat. Using a deep fryer ensures wings are perfectly crispy, but baking the wings on a wire rack inside the oven at 425degF (220degC) for 40-45 minutes is a good alternative for a healthier option. Adjust honey or apple cider vinegar amounts to balance sweetness and tanginess according to your taste preferences. Always use a thermometer to check oil temperature, ideally between 350degF and 375degF, for optimal frying results without greasy or undercooked wings.
Tips
Ensure the chicken wings are thoroughly dried before coating to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent oil splatter during frying. Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at a steady 350degF (175degC) for perfectly cooked wings with a crispy exterior and juicy interior. When tossing the wings in the sauce, coat them evenly with tongs to balance the intense heat of the Carolina Reaper pepper while preserving the tangy buffalo flavor. Resting the flour-coated wings on a wire rack before frying allows the coating to set, which helps your wings retain their crispy texture after cooking.
Nutritions
Blazin' Carolina Reaper Wings are high in protein from the 2 lbs (900g) of chicken wings, supporting muscle repair and growth. The use of flour and deep frying adds carbohydrates and fats, contributing to the calorie content. The hot sauce and Carolina Reaper pepper introduce capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and provide antioxidants. Your intake will also include sodium from salt and spices, so balance these wings with nutrient-rich sides for a more balanced meal.
Storage
To store leftover Blazin' Carolina Reaper Wings, place the cooled wings in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. When reheating, use an oven or air fryer at 350degF (175degC) for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness while retaining the intense smoky heat of the Carolina Reaper sauce. Avoid microwaving as it can make the wings soggy and diminish the bold flavors you love.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute smoked paprika with chipotle powder to enhance the smoky depth and add a slightly sweet heat to the sauce. For a milder version, reduce the amount of Carolina Reaper pepper paste and increase honey to balance the heat with sweetness. Instead of deep frying, try baking the wings at 425degF (220degC) for 40-45 minutes, turning halfway through for a crispy texture without excess oil. Adding a splash of lime juice to the sauce before tossing can brighten the overall flavor and complement the spicy profile.
Allergies
Blazin' Carolina Reaper Wings contain common allergens such as wheat from the all-purpose flour and dairy from the unsalted butter, which may trigger reactions in individuals with gluten or milk allergies. The hot sauces and spices, including garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce, could also cause sensitivities for those prone to allergies or intolerances. Be sure to check ingredient labels and consult with your healthcare provider if you have food allergies before enjoying these wings.
Why this recipe?
Blazin' Carolina Reaper Wings from Buffalo Wild Wings are prized for their intense heat derived from the Carolina Reaper pepper, one of the hottest peppers in the world. The wings balance fiery spice with a crispy, juicy texture that excites spicy food lovers seeking an adrenaline rush. Trying to make a copycat version allows you to customize the heat level and ingredients while recreating the iconic flavor experience at home. Your passion for bold flavors and heat challenges makes this spicy dish worth the effort and experimentation.