Mellow Mushroom Cloud 9 Wings Copycat Recipe: Easy Steps to Crispy, Delicious Wings at Home

Nothing beats the crispy, flavorful wings from Mellow Mushroom, and guess what? You can recreate them right in your kitchen. I’ve spent countless hours perfecting this Cloud 9 Wings copycat recipe to bring that signature taste home.

Ingredients

To recreate the irresistible Cloud 9 Wings from Mellow Mushroom at home, gather the following ingredients for both the wings and the luscious sauce.

For the Wings

• 2 pounds chicken wings, tips removed and separated
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Sauce

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup honey
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Tools and Equipment

To create these delicious Cloud 9 Wings, you’ll need the following tools and equipment:

• Mixing Bowls

• One large bowl for marinating the wings
• One medium bowl for preparing the sauce

• Measuring Cups and Spoons

• For accurate ingredient measurements

• Whisk

• To blend the sauce ingredients smoothly

• Baking Sheet

• Preferably with a wire rack for even cooking

• Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil

• To line the baking sheet for easy cleanup

• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board

• For prepping any additional ingredients

• Tongs

• To handle the wings safely while cooking

• Paper Towels

• To pat the wings dry before seasoning
• An oven set to 400°F or a preheated grill for cooking the wings

Having these tools on hand will ensure your cooking process is smooth and efficient, allowing you to focus on achieving that perfect crispy texture and flavorful taste.

Instructions

I’ve perfected this Cloud 9 Wings recipe to bring Mellow Mushroom’s signature flavor right into your kitchen. Follow these steps to create crispy, flavorful wings that will impress everyone.

Prep

1. Prepare the Wings

• Pat 2 pounds of chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness.
• Trim any excess fat and separate the drumettes from the flats if not already done.

1. Season the Wings

• In a large bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of paprika.
• Toss the wings in the seasoning mixture until they are evenly coated.

1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top for better airflow and crispiness.

Cook

1. Bake the Wings

• Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on the prepared wire rack.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• Continue baking for an additional 10 minutes or until the wings are golden brown and crispy.

1. Prepare the Sauce

• In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat.
• Add 1/3 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, and 2 cloves of minced garlic.
• Whisk the mixture continuously until the sauce is smooth and starts to thicken, about 5 minutes.
• Remove the saucepan from heat and set aside.

Assemble

1. Coat the Wings

• Place the baked wings in a large mixing bowl.
• Pour the prepared sauce over the wings.
• Toss the wings thoroughly using tongs to ensure each piece is well-coated with the sauce.

1. Serve

• Transfer the sauced wings to a serving platter.
• Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an added touch of flavor and presentation.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Preparing your Cloud 9 Wings ahead of time ensures a smoother cooking process and enhances the flavors. Here’s how I like to get things ready in advance:

1. Prep the Wings

• Dry the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps achieve that perfect crispy texture.
• Seasoning: In a large mixing bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss the wings thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
• Storage: Place the seasoned wings in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply.

2. Prepare the Sauce

• Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens.
• Cool and Store: Let the sauce cool to room temperature. Transfer it to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week. Reheat gently before coating the wings.

3. Organize Your Tools and Ingredients

• Gather Equipment: Ensure you have all necessary tools ready, including mixing bowls, measuring cups, a whisk, baking sheets, parchment paper or aluminum foil, a sharp knife, cutting board, tongs, and paper towels.
• Measure Ingredients: Pre-measure all spices and sauce components. Store them in labeled containers for quick access when you’re ready to cook.

4. Wire Rack Preparation

• Setup Ahead: If you’re using a wire rack on your baking sheet, assemble it and cover it with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This can be done the night before.
• Refrigerate if Needed: If prepping significantly in advance, cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge to keep it clean and ready.

5. Freezing the Prepared Wings (Optional)

Freezing the wings individually prevents them from sticking together, making it easier to cook only the amount you need.

6. Final Preparations Before Cooking

• Thawing: If frozen, thaw the wings in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Preheat the Oven: When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Reheat Sauce: Gently warm the prepared sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave until ready to toss the wings.

By following these make-ahead steps, you’ll save time on the day you plan to enjoy your Cloud 9 Wings, allowing you to focus on perfecting the final touches and savoring every bite.

Serving Suggestions

I love creating the perfect spread to complement my Cloud 9 Wings. Here are some of my top serving suggestions to elevate your wing experience:

Classic Sides

• Celery and Carrot Sticks: Fresh and crunchy, these veggies balance the sweet and savory wings.
• Blue Cheese and Ranch Dipping Sauces: Creamy and tangy dips enhance the flavors of the wings.
• French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy and golden, these fries add a hearty touch to your meal.

Refreshing Beverages

• Cold Craft Beer: A hoppy IPA or smooth lager pairs perfectly with the rich wing flavors.
• Iced Tea or Lemonade: These refreshing drinks offer a nice contrast to the spiciness of the wings.

Creative Twists

• Loaded Nachos: Top tortilla chips with melted cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, and crumbled wings for a fun appetizer.
• Grilled Corn on the Cob: Smoky and buttery, grilled corn complements the wings beautifully.

Presentation Ideas

• Platter Arrangement: Arrange the wings on a large platter with colorful garnishes like chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an appealing look.
• Individual Serving Bowls: Serve different dipping sauces in small bowls around the wings, allowing guests to customize their flavors.

Additional Enhancements

These serving suggestions not only enhance the flavors of the Cloud 9 Wings but also create a delightful and memorable dining experience for you and your guests.

Conclusion

Making these Cloud 9 Wings at home has been a rewarding experience for me. I love how the crispy texture and rich flavors come together just like the originals. Hosting friends and family with this recipe always brings smiles. Feel free to tweak the sauce to match your taste and make it your own. I hope you enjoy this copycat recipe as much as I do and create some delicious memories. Happy cooking!