Rockin' Wings from Hard Rock Cafe feature tender chicken wings tossed in a bold, smoky BBQ sauce, garnished with fresh herbs and served with crunchy celery sticks and creamy ranch dip, delivering a perfect blend of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Serving platter
- Small bowls (for ranch dip)
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) chicken wings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup smoky BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 2 celery stalks (cut into sticks)
- 1 cup ranch dressing
You should use fresh chicken wings weighing about 2 pounds for the best texture and flavor. Choose a smoky BBQ sauce that balances sweetness and heat, as it is central to achieving the authentic Rockin' Wings taste. Fresh parsley enhances the garnish, adding a bright contrast to the bold sauce, while crunchy celery sticks provide a refreshing crunch alongside creamy ranch dip. Make sure to measure spices like paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder accurately to recreate the classic seasoning blend. This copycat menu recipe helps you bring the signature Rockin' Wings from Hard Rock Cafe right into your kitchen.
Instructions
- Preheat the deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Dredge chicken wings in the seasoned flour mixture and shake off excess.
- Arrange coated wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
- Working in batches, fry wings in hot oil for 8–10 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
- Use tongs to transfer wings to a clean wire rack to drain.
- In a saucepan, combine BBQ sauce, butter, honey, and hot sauce; whisk over medium heat until butter is melted and sauce is smooth.
- Toss fried wings in the warm BBQ sauce mixture until evenly coated.
- Transfer sauced wings to a serving platter.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Arrange celery sticks on the platter.
- Pour ranch dressing into small bowls for dipping.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Rockin' Wings from Hard Rock Cafe copycat menu feature chicken wings coated in a seasoned flour mixture, deep-fried until crispy, then tossed in a smoky BBQ sauce blended with butter, honey, and hot sauce for that signature bold flavor. If you don't have a deep fryer, using a heavy-bottomed pot for frying works well--just monitor oil temperature carefully to ensure crispiness. When fresh herbs like parsley are unavailable, dried herbs can be substituted, though fresh herbs provide a brighter garnish and flavor. You can adjust the heat level by modifying the amount of hot sauce or swapping it with your favorite chili paste to match your taste preferences. For a lighter option, baking the wings on a wire rack in the oven can achieve a crispy texture without deep frying.
Tips
Ensure wings are thoroughly dried before coating to achieve maximum crispiness during frying. Maintain the oil temperature at 350degF (175degC) to cook wings evenly without becoming greasy or burnt. Use a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil, preventing soggy wings. When tossing wings in the BBQ sauce, do so gently and evenly to coat without breaking the crispy exterior, so your Rockin' Wings have the perfect balance of smoky and savory flavors.
Nutritions
Rockin' Wings from Hard Rock Cafe provide a rich source of protein from the chicken wings, essential for muscle repair and growth. The smoky BBQ sauce adds flavor but also contributes sugars and calories, mainly from honey and the sauce base, which should be consumed in moderation. Celery sticks offer a low-calorie crunch and add fiber and vitamins, promoting digestion and immunity. Your meal balance improves with the creamy ranch dip, but be mindful of its fat content when enjoying this flavorful dish.
Storage
To store your Rockin' Wings, place the cooled wings in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. Separate the celery sticks and ranch dip in different containers to prevent sogginess. Reheat the wings in a preheated oven at 350degF (175degC) for 10-12 minutes to restore their crispiness before serving again.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap out the traditional smoky BBQ sauce for a Korean gochujang-based glaze to add a spicy, umami twist to your Rockin' Wings. Instead of deep frying, try baking the wings at 400degF (200degC) on a wire rack for 35-40 minutes to achieve crispiness with less oil. For a different flavor profile, replace celery sticks with crunchy carrot sticks and serve with a blue cheese dressing in place of ranch dip.
Allergies
Rockin' Wings contain common allergens such as dairy from the unsalted butter and ranch dressing, and wheat from the all-purpose flour used for coating the wings. The BBQ sauce and hot sauce may also include ingredients like soy or preservatives that could trigger allergic reactions. If you have food allergies, it's important to verify specific ingredient details before consuming this dish.
Why this recipe?
Rockin' Wings from Hard Rock Cafe are loved for their bold flavors and perfectly crispy texture, offering a satisfying blend of spicy, tangy, and savory notes. The menu features a variety of signature sauces that cater to different taste preferences, making each wing experience unique and memorable. Making a copycat version allows you to recreate the same mouthwatering taste at home, saving money while enjoying a restaurant-quality snack. Your homemade Rockin' Wings can become a hit at parties or family gatherings, delivering that iconic Hard Rock Cafe flavor whenever you want.