Wings N Things Copycat Recipe: Make Restaurant-Quality Crispy Wings at Home

If you’re craving the mouthwatering flavors of Wings N Things, you’re in luck. I’ve spent countless hours perfecting their signature wings right in my own kitchen. There’s something special about recreating your favorite dishes at home, and these wings are no exception.

Ingredients

• Chicken Wings
• 2 pounds chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Marinade
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Breading
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Sauce
• ½ cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• For Frying
• Vegetable oil, for deep frying

Tools And Equipment

To create the perfect Wings N Things copycat wings, having the right tools and equipment is essential. Here’s what I use in my kitchen:

• Large Mixing Bowls
• For marinating and tossing the wings.
• Digital Kitchen Scale
• Ensures precise measurements for consistency.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• For accurate ingredient portions.
• Whisk
• To blend marinades and sauces smoothly.
• Tongs
• Handy for flipping and removing wings from the heat.
• Deep Fryer or Large Heavy-Bottomed Pot
• Essential for achieving that crispy texture.
• Thermometer
• To monitor oil temperature and ensure safe frying.
• Wire Cooling Rack
• Allows excess oil to drain and wings to stay crispy.
• Baking Sheets and Parchment Paper
• Useful for both frying and keeping wings warm.
• Immediate-Use Plastic Bags
• Perfect for tossing wings in sauce evenly.

Instructions

Recreating the perfect Wings N Things wings is a rewarding experience. Here’s how I do it step by step.

Prep

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 pounds of chicken wings with the marinade. Ensure each wing is thoroughly coated.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
3. In a separate bowl, prepare the breading by mixing 1 cup of all-purpose flour with your preferred spices.
4. Set up a wire cooling rack over a baking sheet to drain the wings after frying.
5. Preheat your deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F using a thermometer for accuracy.

Cook

1. Remove the wings from the marinade, shaking off any excess liquid.
2. Dredge each wing in the seasoned flour mixture, coating them evenly.
3. Carefully place the coated wings into the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding the pot.
4. Fry the wings for 10 to 12 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
5. Use tongs to turn the wings halfway through cooking to ensure an even texture.
6. Once cooked, transfer the wings to the wire cooling rack to drain any excess oil.

Assemble

1. In a large bowl, toss the fried wings with your signature sauce until each piece is well-coated.
2. Arrange the sauced wings on a serving platter using parchment-lined baking sheets to keep them warm.
3. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or your favorite herbs for added flavor and presentation.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy, flavorful wings just like Wings N Things.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Preparing Wings N Things Copycat Wings in advance can save you time and make your cooking experience even more enjoyable. Here’s how I like to streamline the process:

1. Marinate the Wings

Start by marinating your chicken wings to infuse them with maximum flavor.

• Combine Marinade Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the marinade components until well blended.
• Add Chicken Wings: Place the wings in the bowl, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
• Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for deeper flavor penetration.

2. Prepare the Breading Station

Set up your breading station ahead of time to make the cooking process seamless.

• Seasoned Flour Mix: In a separate bowl, mix the seasoned flour with any additional spices you prefer.
• Organize Tools: Arrange your tongs, wire cooling rack, and plastic bags in an easily accessible area near your cooking space.

3. Pre-Cook the Wings

For an even crispier texture, consider partially cooking the wings before marinating.

• Bake the Wings: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the wings on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
• Cool and Refrigerate: Allow the wings to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

4. Prepare the Sauce in Advance

Having your sauce ready ahead of time ensures a smooth assembly on the day you’re serving the wings.

• Whisk Sauce Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine all sauce ingredients and whisk until smooth.
• Cook the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently until it thickens slightly.
• Store: Let the sauce cool, then transfer it to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week.

5. Measure and Store Dry Ingredients

Ensure you have all your dry ingredients measured and stored properly for quick access.

Store these pre-measured dry ingredients in a labeled container or zip-top bag for easy use.

6. Set Up Your Frying Area

Having your frying area organized beforehand can make the cooking process efficient and stress-free.

• Preheat Oil: Pour oil into your deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot and preheat to 350°F (175°C).
• Prepare Cooling Rack: Place the wire cooling rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil from the fried wings.
• Arrange Baking Sheets: Have your baking sheets ready to keep the wings warm after frying.

Serving Suggestions

I take pride in pairing my Wings N Things copycat wings with complementary sides and beverages to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve these delicious wings:

Classic Sides

• Crispy French Fries: Golden and crunchy, perfect for dipping alongside the wings.
• Coleslaw: A refreshing, tangy contrast that balances the rich flavors of the wings.
• Celery and Carrot Sticks: Fresh and crisp, providing a cool counterpoint to the spicy wings.

Dipping Sauces

• Ranch Dressing: Creamy and smooth, ideal for mellowing the heat.
• Blue Cheese Dip: Rich and tangy, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Honey Mustard: Sweet and tangy, offering a delightful variation for dipping.

Beverage Pairings

• Cold Beer: A classic choice that complements the savory wings.
• Iced Tea: Refreshing and versatile, suitable for any season.
• Lemonade: Adds a sweet and citrusy note to the meal.

Presentation Tips

• Serving Platter: Arrange the wings on a large platter lined with parchment paper for an appealing display.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
• Include Napkins and Wet Wipes: Ensure your guests stay comfortable and mess-free while enjoying their wings.

Additional Ideas

• Buffalo Style Challenge: Offer a variety of heat levels in your sauces to spice things up.
• Combo Platter: Combine different flavors of wings, such as BBQ, garlic parmesan, and spicy buffalo for a diverse tasting experience.

By incorporating these serving suggestions, you can elevate your Wings N Things copycat wings into a complete and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

Conclusion

Making these Wings N Things copycat wings has been a fun adventure for me. There’s something special about bringing a favorite restaurant dish into my own kitchen and tweaking it to perfection.

I hope you enjoy creating and sharing these wings as much as I did. Whether it’s game night or a casual dinner, these wings are sure to be a hit with everyone.