Original Hooters Style Wings from Hooters feature tender, juicy chicken wings coated in a bold, tangy buffalo sauce, perfectly crisped to deliver a spicy and flavorful snack with a satisfying crunch.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Baking sheet
- Paper towels
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Wire rack
Ingredients
- 3 lbs (1.4kg) chicken wings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
When preparing the Original Hooters Style Wings, ensure you use fresh chicken wings weighing around 3 lbs (1.4 kg) for the best texture and juiciness. The flour mixture, seasoned with paprika, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, is essential for achieving a crispy coating during deep frying. Use vegetable oil with a high smoke point to maintain the perfect frying temperature without burning the wings. The sauce, a blend of unsalted butter, hot sauce like Frank's RedHot, white vinegar, cayenne pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, must be whisked thoroughly for a balanced, tangy flavor that clings well to the wings. Your homemade Original Hooters Style Wings from Hooters copycat menu will capture that signature spicy, crunchy taste when all these key ingredients and equipment are used correctly.
Instructions
- Preheat deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, paprika, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels.
- Dredge wings in the flour mixture, coating evenly.
- Place wings on a baking sheet with a wire rack; let rest for 10 minutes.
- Fry wings in batches, 8-10 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain wings on paper towels.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
- Add hot sauce, white vinegar, cayenne pepper, and Worcestershire sauce; whisk to combine.
- Place fried wings in a clean mixing bowl.
- Pour sauce over wings; toss to coat thoroughly.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Original Hooters Style Wings from Hooters copycat recipes rely on a precise balance of spices and a hot, tangy buffalo sauce for authenticity. You can substitute chicken wings with drumettes or flats depending on availability or preference without sacrificing flavor. If deep frying is not an option, baking the wings at a high temperature until crispy works as a healthier alternative. For the buffalo sauce, you can adjust the cayenne pepper and hot sauce levels to match your desired heat intensity. Using unsalted butter allows better control over the saltiness in your wing sauce.
Tips
Make sure to pat your chicken wings completely dry before dredging them in the flour mixture to ensure a crispy texture. Use a wire rack on your baking sheet to let the wings rest after coating, which helps the flour adhere better and prevents sogginess. Fry the wings in small batches at 375degF (190degC) to maintain oil temperature and achieve even cooking. Toss the wings in the buffalo sauce immediately after frying for the best flavor absorption and to keep them hot and juicy.
Nutritions
Original Hooters Style Wings provide a rich source of protein from the chicken wings, supporting muscle repair and growth. The buffalo sauce, made with butter and hot sauce, adds flavor but also contributes saturated fat and sodium. Flour coating increases the calorie content due to added carbohydrates and frying in vegetable oil further raises the fat content. You can balance your meal by pairing these wings with vegetables or a light salad to maintain a nutritious diet.
Storage
Store leftover Hooters Style Wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their flavor and texture. Reheat in an oven at 350degF (175degC) for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness without drying out the buffalo sauce. Your wings will stay safe to eat for up to 3-4 days when properly stored.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute chicken drumettes and wingettes with boneless chicken tenders for a less messy, finger-friendly option. Instead of deep frying, try baking the wings at 425degF (220degC) for 25-30 minutes to reduce oil use while maintaining a crispy texture. For a milder sauce, reduce the cayenne pepper and substitute half the hot sauce with honey or maple syrup to introduce a hint of sweetness. Experiment with smoked paprika in the flour mixture to add a subtle smoky flavor that complements the buffalo sauce.
Allergies
Original Hooters Style Wings contain common allergens such as wheat from the all-purpose flour and dairy from the unsalted butter. Your consumption may also need to be cautious due to potential sensitivities to spices like paprika and cayenne pepper. Those with allergies to soy or fish should verify the Worcestershire sauce ingredients, as it sometimes contains anchovies.
Why this recipe?
Original Hooters Style Wings feature a crispy, perfectly seasoned coating and a juicy interior that deliver a distinctive combination of texture and flavor that fans crave. The signature blend of spices and the iconic buffalo-style sauce set these wings apart from typical offerings, making them a standout choice on any menu. You can recreate the copycat recipe to experience the authentic taste at home, saving money and customizing the heat level to suit your preference. Trying the Original Hooters Style Wings copycat recipe is worth it for both the quality and the nostalgic satisfaction it provides.