Carolina Reaper Wings

Carolina Reaper Wings is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 210 calories per serving. Recipe by Tim Clowers / Cook it with Tim on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 1 hr 50 min | Total: 2 hrs 20 min

Cost: $54.64 total, $13.66 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 lb Chicken Wings (whole, bone‑in, skin on; pat dry)
  • 2 Tbsp Blazing Star Reaper Seasoning (heavy coating; store‑bought or homemade blend of Carolina Reaper powder, salt, garlic powder)
  • 0.25 cup Filipino Banana Ketchup (sweet, tangy base for the sauce)
  • 2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes for quick melting)
  • 1 Tbsp Hot Sauce (your favorite brand; adds extra heat)
  • 1 tsp Blazing Star Reaper Seasoning (for sauce) (adds a final punch of heat to the sauce)
  • to taste Salt (optional, depending on seasoning salt level)

Instructions

  1. Season the Wings

    Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels, place them in a mixing bowl, and toss thoroughly with 2 Tbsp of Blazing Star Reaper Seasoning and a pinch of salt until evenly coated.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Preheat the Smoker

    Set the smoker to a steady 275°F and allow it to come to temperature before adding the wings.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 275°F

  3. Smoke the Wings

    Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on the smoker rack. Smoke for about 1 hour 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is slightly crisp.

    Time: PT1H45M

    Temperature: 275°F

  4. Prepare the Reaper Sauce

    While the wings are smoking, melt 2 Tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in 0.25 cup banana ketchup, 1 Tbsp hot sauce, and 1 tsp reaper seasoning. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is glossy.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium heat

  5. Toss Wings in Sauce

    Remove the smoked wings from the smoker and place them back into the mixing bowl. Pour the hot reaper sauce over the wings and toss until each piece is fully coated.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
210
Protein
14 g
Carbohydrates
6 g
Fat
13 g
Fiber
0.5 g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free (if seasoning is gluten‑free), High‑Protein, Spicy

Allergens: Dairy (butter)

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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Carolina Reaper Wings

Recipe by Tim Clowers / Cook it with Tim

These Smoked Carolina Reaper Wings are a fiery, smoky treat that combine a heavy coating of Blazing Star Reaper Seasoning with a sweet‑heat sauce made from Filipino banana ketchup, butter, hot sauce and extra reaper seasoning. The wings are smoked low and slow at 275°F for nearly two hours, then tossed in the glossy sauce for an unforgettable heat level.

MediumAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
2h 5m
Prep
5m
Cook
16m
Cleanup
2h 26m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$54.64
Total cost
$13.66
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Heavy coating of reaper seasoning before smoking
  • Maintaining smoker temperature at 275°F
  • Ensuring chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F
  • Gentle simmer of sauce to keep butter emulsified

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot smoker with heat‑resistant gloves to avoid burns.
  • Make sure chicken reaches 165°F to prevent foodborne illness.
  • Butter and hot sauce can cause splatter; use a splatter guard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of extremely hot chicken wings like Carolina Reaper Wings in American Southern cuisine?

A

Spicy chicken wings have become a staple of American bar and game‑day culture, especially in the South where heat‑loving diners enjoy the thrill of extreme chilies. The Carolina Reaper, recognized as one of the world’s hottest peppers, was cultivated in South Carolina and has been adopted by wing enthusiasts to push the heat envelope, turning a classic appetizer into a brag‑worthy challenge.

cultural
Q

How do traditional Southern wing recipes differ from the smoked Carolina Reaper Wings featured on the YouTube channel Tim Clowers / Cook it with Tim?

A

Traditional Southern wings are often deep‑fried and tossed in a buttery hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot, whereas Tim Clowers’ version smokes the wings low and slow at 275°F and uses a unique blend of Blazing Star Reaper Seasoning plus a sweet banana ketchup‑based sauce, giving both smoky depth and a distinct sweet‑heat flavor.

cultural
Q

What regional variations exist for extremely spicy wing preparations within the United States?

A

In the Southwest, chefs may incorporate chipotle or ghost pepper rubs and serve the wings with a lime‑infused crema. In the Midwest, a “Buffalo” style with vinegar‑based hot sauce is common, while the Southeast often adds brown sugar or honey to balance heat. Tim Clowers’ recipe reflects a modern fusion of Southern smoking techniques with Asian-inspired banana ketchup.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are Carolina Reaper Wings traditionally associated with in American food culture?

A

These ultra‑spicy wings are popular at sports viewing parties, competitive eating contests, and “heat‑challenge” gatherings where diners test their tolerance. They also appear at festivals celebrating hot peppers, such as the National Hot Pepper Festival in New Mexico.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional Carolina Reaper wing sauce, and what are acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic sauce ingredients include Carolina Reaper or Blazing Star Reaper Seasoning, butter, and a tangy base like vinegar‑based hot sauce. Tim Clowers substitutes the tangy base with Filipino banana ketchup for a sweet twist; you can replace banana ketchup with regular tomato ketchup mixed with a dash of sugar if unavailable.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Smoked Carolina Reaper Wings on the YouTube channel Tim Clowers / Cook it with Tim?

A

Common errors include under‑seasoning the wings before smoking, letting the smoker temperature fluctuate, and overheating the sauce which causes butter to separate. Tim emphasizes a heavy rub, a steady 275°F smoke, and gentle simmering of the sauce to keep it glossy.

technical
Q

Why does Tim Clowers / Cook it with Tim’s recipe use a low‑and‑slow smoking method at 275°F instead of a higher temperature or deep‑frying?

A

Smoking at 275°F allows the meat to stay juicy while absorbing deep smoke flavor, and it gives the reaper seasoning time to penetrate the skin without burning. Higher temperatures would crisp the exterior quickly but could leave the interior undercooked or cause the ultra‑hot seasoning to scorch.

technical
Q

Can I make the Smoked Carolina Reaper Wings ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes, you can smoke the wings up to a day in advance, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat in the smoker or oven before tossing with the sauce. The sauce itself can be prepared up to three days ahead and refrigerated.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Tim Clowers / Cook it with Tim specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Tim Clowers / Cook it with Tim specializes in approachable, step‑by‑step cooking tutorials that blend classic techniques with modern twists, often featuring grilling, smoking, and bold flavor experiments for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Tim Clowers / Cook it with Tim’s approach to extreme‑heat wing recipes differ from other cooking channels?

A

Tim Clowers focuses on clear visual cues, precise temperature control, and practical tips for home smokers, whereas many other channels may rely on deep‑frying or vague heat levels. His method emphasizes flavor development through smoking and a balanced sauce that tempers the intense heat.

channel

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