Daytona Beach Style Wings from Hooters feature crispy, golden-brown chicken wings tossed in a tangy, cayenne pepper-infused sauce, garnished with fresh celery sticks and served with a cooling side of creamy ranch dressing for a spicy and satisfying bite.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Baking sheet (optional, for finishing)
- Saucepan (for sauce preparation)
- Whisk
- Serving platter
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Small bowls (for ranch and garnishes)
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) chicken wings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup cayenne pepper hot sauce
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh celery sticks
- Ranch dressing
Ensure the chicken wings are fresh and patted dry before coating with the seasoned flour mixture to achieve optimal crispiness. Use a high-quality vegetable oil with a high smoke point for deep frying to avoid burnt flavors. When preparing the tangy sauce, balance the cayenne pepper hot sauce with honey and barbecue sauce to tailor the spice and sweetness to your taste. Fresh celery sticks add a necessary crunch and cooling contrast to the spicy wings, while creamy ranch dressing complements the heat perfectly. Your Daytona Beach Style Wings from Hooters copycat recipe will deliver a bold, spicy bite with a satisfying blend of textures and flavors.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Dredge chicken wings in seasoned flour, coating evenly.
- Shake off excess flour from wings.
- Carefully lower wings into the hot oil in batches; do not overcrowd.
- Fry wings for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove wings from fryer using tongs and drain on paper towels.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
- Add hot sauce, barbecue sauce, and honey to the melted butter.
- Whisk the sauce mixture until smooth and simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Optional: For an extra caramelized finish, transfer fried wings to a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes.
- Toss fried (and broiled, if desired) wings in the prepared sauce using a mixing bowl.
- Arrange sauced wings on a serving platter.
- Cut celery into sticks using a knife and cutting board.
- Add fresh celery sticks to platter as garnish.
- Serve with ranch dressing in small bowls on the side.
Substitution
Daytona Beach Style Wings from Hooters copycat menu rely on a crispy, golden exterior achieved through deep frying, but if you don't have a deep fryer, oven-baking the wings on a lined baking sheet at 425degF (220degC) for 40-45 minutes can yield a similarly satisfying crunch. When substituting cayenne pepper hot sauce, you can use any hot sauce with a tangy, spicy kick to match the flavor profile, adjusting the quantity to suit your desired heat level. For a dairy-free ranch alternative, try serving the wings with a cooling avocado or cashew-based dip to complement the spicy wings. You can also swap butter with margarine or a plant-based alternative if needed for dietary preferences. Make sure to use fresh celery sticks as a classic garnish for added crunch and to balance the heat.
Tips
Ensure the chicken wings are completely dry before dredging to achieve maximum crispiness during frying. Do not overcrowd the fryer; frying in small batches maintains oil temperature and guarantees even cooking. When tossing wings in sauce, use tongs to coat them thoroughly without breaking the crispy coating. You'll enhance flavor and presentation by finishing wings under the broiler for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce.
Nutritions
Daytona Beach Style Wings from Hooters provide a rich source of protein from 2 pounds of chicken wings, essential for muscle repair and growth. The dish contains fats from deep-frying in vegetable oil and the addition of butter in the sauce, contributing to calorie density and flavor. Cayenne pepper hot sauce introduces capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and aid digestion, while fresh celery sticks offer fiber and vitamins like vitamin K. Your serving also includes ranch dressing, adding creaminess but increasing saturated fat and sodium content, so it's best enjoyed in moderation.
Storage
Store leftover Daytona Beach Style Wings in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness. Keep celery sticks and ranch dressing separate in sealed containers to preserve their crispness and flavor. For best taste, consume refrigerated wings within 3-4 days and reheat them in a preheated oven at 350degF (175degC) until warmed through.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap the all-purpose flour for cornstarch or rice flour to achieve an even crispier coating on your wings. Instead of deep frying, try baking the wings at 425degF (220degC) for 40-45 minutes, turning halfway through, for a healthier alternative with a tender interior. Adding smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the flour mix will enhance the smoky, spicy flavor profile of the wings. For a different sauce twist, replace the barbecue sauce with a sweet chili sauce to balance the heat with subtle sweetness.
Allergies
Daytona Beach Style Wings from Hooters contain common allergens such as wheat from the all-purpose flour and dairy from the butter and ranch dressing. The hot sauce and barbecue sauce may contain preservatives or artificial ingredients that could trigger sensitivities in some individuals. If you have allergies to these ingredients, make sure to check product labels or opt for alternatives to keep your meal safe.
Why this recipe?
Daytona Beach Style Wings from Hooters restaurant are renowned for their perfectly crispy skin, juicy interior, and a unique blend of spices that deliver a flavorful kick. The wings feature a signature sauce that balances tanginess and heat, creating an addictive taste experience that keeps customers coming back. You'll appreciate the satisfying texture and bold seasoning that make these wings stand out compared to typical menu options. Trying to create a copycat recipe is worth it because replicating the authentic flavors allows you to enjoy this iconic dish anytime while customizing heat levels and sauce variety.