If you love crispy wings with a touch of fire, then this spicy Hot Wing Recipe is just the ticket. You're going to love the fact that the hot wing sauce isn't obnoxious. The sauce gives a nice, slow burn that lets your mouth know there's some heat but won't melt your face off! We're going to pan-sear these wings for a perfectly crispy texture too. Let's take a look at how to get it done.
This recipe is: Low Carb, Keto, Gluten Free, Dairy Free and Paleo
Table of Contents
7 Reasons to Love This Recipe
Ready for some mouthwatering hot wings? Check out why you’ll love this spicy wings recipe:
- Actually spicy with a kick.
- Perfect blend of spicy, smoky, and savory flavors.
- Easily adjustable spice level.
- Great for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or game day.
- Simple and easy to make at home.
- Keto-friendly and low-carb.
- A family favorite at my house.
Are Hot Wings Low-Carb?
Hot wings can be low-carb, depending on how they are prepared and the ingredients used. Traditional buffalo hot wings, which are typically coated in a hot sauce made with butter and hot peppers, are generally low in carbs because the sauce itself is low-carb. However, wings that are breaded or served with sweet or high-carb sauces may not be low-carb. It's important to check the specific recipe or preparation method to ensure they fit within a low-carb diet.
You can also check my article on Carbs in Chicken Wings for in-depth information—it's always good to make informed choices when it comes to our food, right?
This recipe is created keeping the low-carb diet in mind, and hence it is called a zero-carb meal because it has less than 1 g net carbs per wing.
A Naughty Hot Wing Recipe
There was a period in my life (think early 20's) when only the hottest of the hot would satisfy. I found myself signing liability waivers at restaurants for their "nuclear," "atomic," or even "deadly" wings. Looking back, I wonder why this would even cross my mind as something worth doing. I don't think there is a good answer to justify the ridiculousness of it all, but I did it anyway.
Now that I am older, the prospect of watering eyes, melting lips, and a numb tongue just isn't as appealing to me for some reason. What is appealing is the idea of contained heat or heat on a reasonable scale. I still love the slightly burning lips and feel alive when my mouth is lightly coated with a peppery glow. You know what I mean? Just enough heat to remind you that the spice of life might actually be cayenne.
You'll find that nice, contained heat in my hot wing recipe. The heat is well maintained, and the sauce tastes just incredible. There's a touch of cumin, garlic, and smoky chipotle to round out the flavors. To tame the heat, serve with some of my Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing. It's a delicious wing sauce, and you won't be disappointed.
Pan-Fried Chicken Wings
For this recipe, we are going to pan-fry the wings in just a bit of olive oil. Really, there isn't enough oil to call this recipe pan-fried wings... more like pan sautéed wings but that is more of a technicality, I guess. The best part about pan-fried chicken wings is just how crispy they turn out. The flats, in particular, really get a fantastically crispy skin that is a pleasure to bite into. Yum.
One tip for this method is to use a splash guard or splatter screen when cooking the wings. Here's why:
- Most chickens are injected with a water solution to increase plumpness and shelf stability.
- Water and hot oil don't play well together. It creates splatter that really smarts when it hits your hands or arms.
- I didn't have a splatter screen, and my shirt is now oil speckled... just saying.
If you have an exhaust fan, go ahead and turn that on as well if you don't want your house smelling like fried chicken wings for the day!
Hot Wing Sauce
Yes! Hot wing sauce is the best. I have searched the web for years looking for different hot wing sauces that I can try. I don't want to have a one-dimensional wing sauce. It needs to have some depth of flavor to keep me coming back for more. I think that with my hot wing sauce recipe, you'll agree there are a lot of layers.
I like sauces that use a mixture of fresh ingredients, herbs, spices, and hot sauces. You can take an ordinary hot sauce and make it into an extraordinary wing sauce with just a few ingredients.
Please note: When you're making the spicy wing sauce recipe in this post, it is going to look like such a tiny amount in the bowl. Almost shockingly small, particularly if you are using a large bowl. I've made this recipe for 28-30 wings exactly. They will all be perfectly seasoned with a coat of yummy sauce.
I've found in the past that I make way too much sauce for my wings. It tends to sit in the refrigerator, get pushed to the back, and get tossed in the garbage a month from now. Not with this recipe. You'll have just enough for each wing to pack a wallop of flavor.
Hot Wing Ingredient List
Below is the list of ingredients you need to make hot wings:
For the Wings
- 28 wings (drums & flats)
- ¼ cup olive oil
For the Hot Wing Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
- ¼ cup chipotle hot sauce
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne powder (to taste - more for super spice!)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon arrowroot powder
Ingredient Substitutions
Looking for alternatives to some ingredients? Here are some tasty substitutions you can use:
- Olive oil: Use avocado oil, deodorized coconut oil, or MCT oil.
- Unsalted butter: Use ghee or clarified butter.
- Garlic: Use store-bought minced garlic (about 1 teaspoon) or 2 cloves of roasted garlic.
- Chipotle hot sauce: Find another smoky hot sauce to match the flavor profile.
- Cayenne powder: Use Hungarian hot paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, or chili powder for less heat.
- Cumin: Try ground coriander or simply omit it if you don’t have it.
- Arrowroot powder: Use agar-agar or guar gum, but adjust amounts as needed.
Additional Ingredients
Want to enhance the flavors of your hot wings? Here are some tasty additions that pair perfectly with the main ingredients:
- Fresh herbs: Chopped chives are delicious, with parsley and cilantro as great alternatives.
- Spices: Add garlic powder and onion powder to boost the flavor profile.
- Sauces: Hot wings love dipping sauces. Try blue cheese dressing, homemade ranch dressing, chipotle aioli, or a mix of sour cream and cream with red wine vinegar.
- Veggies: Pair with traditional celery stalks to offset the heat.
Note: These ingredients are optional and not part of the original recipe. You can use them to enhance the flavors.
Cooking Tools Required
Below is the list of cooking tools you'll need to make the hot wing recipe:
How to Make Hot Wings: Complete Cooking Guide
Cooking Method
Sautéing
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the tools and ingredients to make hot wings.
- Wash and prepare chicken drums.
- Mince garlic cloves.
Cooking Instructions
For the Hot Wing Sauce
- Melt the butter in a small pan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring consistently, for 1-2 minutes or until the garlic is very fragrant.
- Pour the garlic and butter into a large-sized mixing bowl. Add the remaining sauce ingredients and whisk together well. Set aside until the wings are cooked.
For the Wings
- In a large, heavy-bottomed sauté pan, add the olive oil over high heat. When the oil shimmers, add in ½ of the wings. You don't want to crowd the pan. Let the wings cook for 1-2 minutes to get nice and crispy. Turn to brown on all sides. Remove from the pan and repeat with the other wings.
- Once all the wings have been browned, add them all back into the pan over medium-high heat. Continue to cook for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through. The drums will take longer than the flats.
For the Hot Wing Recipe
- When the wings are cooked, add them to the large mixing bowl with the hot sauce. Using tongs, toss them lightly in the sauce to coat. Serve hot and happy eating!
Step 1: Mix together the hot wing sauce first. Make sure it is in a bowl large enough to add all the wings to coat in the sauce.
Step 2: Break down your chicken wings. There should be about 30 wings total. Apply salt and pepper liberally to both sides of the wings.
Step 3: Start to pan fry the wings. I start with the flats and cook them top skin side down first to get a nice crispy skin.
Step 4: After all the wings have had their skin crisped up, add them all back into the pan to continue cooking all the way through.
Step 5: Once the wings are cooked through, add them to the sauce. Toss gently with tongs to coat.
Step 6: Mmm... I love this hot wing recipe so much. Cool down the heat with blue cheese dressing or my thinned sour cream.
💡 My Pro Tips
Here are a few tips for buying chicken wings at the grocery store:
- Avoid frozen wings: It just makes the whole process longer and the skin is harder to get crispy, for some reason.
- Check for feathers: Look through the plastic on the package. If the wings have lots of feathers, move on to another package. You'll need to pull out any feathers you find.
- Ask for help: If you're not comfortable breaking down chicken wings (cutting off the tips and through the joints), ask someone at the butcher counter to do it for you.
- Wing count: Remember, each whole wing actually counts as two cooked wings. This recipe calls for 14 full wings or a combination of 14 flats and 14 drums. If you want to do 15 for a 30 count, that's cool too.
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
- Use fresh wings at room temperature: This saves cooking time and helps achieve crispier skin.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan: It maintains heat better, ensuring your wings crisp up instead of steaming.
- Buy cleaned and trimmed wings: Skip the cleaning hassle and get straight to cooking!
What to Serve with Hot Wings?
Wondering what to serve with your hot wings? Here are some delicious options:
- Homemade Blue Cheese Dip: The perfect dip to tame the heat a little - my favorite sauce with hot wings.
- Garlic Parmesan Wing Sauce: Drizzle over your hot wings for a creamy, savory twist that complements their spicy kick perfectly.
- Honey Mustard Sauce: Dip your wings into this sweet and tangy sauce for a delightful contrast of flavors with every bite.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Serve alongside your wings for a crunchy and flavorful side that balances out the heat.
- Southwestern Salad Recipe: Enjoy this refreshing salad with your wings for a light and refreshing contrast to the savory and spicy flavors.
- Baked Zucchini With Parmesan: Pair with your wings for a cheesy and satisfying accompaniment that adds a touch of richness to your meal.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions
Storage
These wings are stored well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the chicken wing pieces in the oven at 350°F (180°C) on a lined, rimmed baking sheet until heated through or on a preheated grill until hot. Avoid reheating the cold wings in a pan, as it can make the wings mushy and alter their texture. Microwave reheating is not recommended as it may result in sticky, unpleasant skin.
Freezing
To freeze, place the wings in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight and heat as required.
More Wing Recipes
At our house, wings are a favorite on the weekends which is why you will find so many different chicken wing recipes on my site. Here are some more to check out in case you don't want to search. I'm constantly working to make the skin crisper, the meat more tender, and the sauce more interesting.
Recipe Conclusion
Make sure that you have a bunch of napkins close at hand when you're eating these spicy wings. You'll need them, especially with the best hot wing sauce recipe here. That's one of the things I love most about wings... you have to use your hands to eat them. There's really no other way to do it without losing your mind. And why would you ever want to eat wings with a fork and knife anyhow?
One of the reasons I cook wings so often for my family isn't just how delicious they taste and how much fun they are to eat... I love seeing my kids with sauce all over their faces, grinning from ear to ear. Wings and ribs... really the only two foods that make sauce smiles on my kids' faces. It's just awesome.
Whether you have kids or not, I hope that you love this best Hot Wing Recipe as much as we do. Enjoy and happy eating!
FAQs
Chicken wings can be cooked at either 350°F or 400°F, (180°C or 200°C) depending on your preference for crispiness.
Hot Wing Recipe 🍗
Ingredients
For the Wings
- 28 wings drums & flats
- ¼ cup olive oil
For the Hot Wing Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
- ¼ cup chipotle hot sauce
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne powder to taste - more for super spice!
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon arrowroot powder
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the tools and ingredients to make hot wings.
- Wash and prepare chicken drums.
- Mince garlic cloves.
Cooking Instructions
For the Hot Wing Sauce
- Melt the butter in a small pan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring consistently, for 1-2 minutes or until the garlic is very fragrant.
- Pour the garlic and butter into a large-sized mixing bowl. Add the remaining sauce ingredients and whisk together well. Set aside until the wings are cooked.
For the Wings
- In a large, heavy-bottomed sauté pan, add the olive oil over high heat. When the oil shimmers, add in ½ of the wings. You don't want to crowd the pan. Let the wings cook for 1-2 minutes to get nice and crispy. Turn to brown on all sides. Remove from the pan and repeat with the other wings.
- Once all the wings have been browned, add them all back into the pan over medium-high heat. Continue to cook for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through. The drums will take longer than the flats.
For the Hot Wing Recipe
- When the wings are cooked, add them to the large mixing bowl with the hot sauce. Using tongs, toss them lightly in the sauce to coat. Serve hot and happy eating!
Notes
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
Recent Low Carb Recipes:
Chia Seed Protein Pudding
This Chia Seed Protein Pudding has become a staple at my house. It’s packed with real ingredients and has a flavor that works for breakfast or dessert. My son eats it daily—and I’m not mad about it.
Keto Mexican Coffee Recipe ☕
My Mexican Coffee recipe is a spiced, frothy treat that’s ready in minutes. With a touch of cinnamon and a hint of chocolate, it’s the perfect way to start your day or wind down after a meal. No fancy equipment needed—just bold flavors and a creamy finish.
Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding 🍫
This Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding is incredibly easy to make and tastes just like chocolate mousse. A simple, no-cook dessert that stays fresh for days!
Is it low carb? Learn more about it:
Understanding Carbs In Guacamole: Low Carb or Keto?
Delve into the world of guacamole and its carb content—essential knowledge for low carb and keto enthusiasts. Avocado's creamy texture
What is Low Carb Diet? Carb Confusion Conquered!
Ever wondered what a Low Carb Diet really entails? I’ve broken down the basics to help you understand how reducing
Low Carb Diet for Weight Loss: Does It Actually Work?
Many studies suggest that a low carb diet can indeed be effective for weight loss. By restricting carbohydrates, the body
10 Responses
These look SOOO good. I'm totally making. Appreciate all the how-to pics as I've never made wings before!
Hi Serena:
You're very welcome. Did you get a chance to make them? How were they? We have wings all the time in our house - my kids love them.
Have a great day!
Scott
These wings sound delicious, and I loved that they're not deep-fried. Thanks!
Hey Jeff:
I'm not a big fan of deep-frying. Too much fat and not enough flavor. I also love oven roasted wings.
Thank you for writing.
Take care,
Scott
BWAHHHAHHAHA! HOT! I love these!!!
Hi Dean:
I couldn't have said it better myself - I think you came up with a better title for them than I did. Absolutely delicious!
Thanks for posting.
Take care,
Scott
I made these yesterday but used sriracha sauce instead of chipotle (didnt have any). and they were a SMASH! We cooked the wingettes over charcoal until tender and crispy then tossed them through the sauce and served in the same bowl. I have already planned to make them again!
Hi Kylie,
That sounds amazing, I need to make them again soon too. They're just too good, right?
Thanks for stopping by and for sharing your thoughts.
Have a great day!
Scott