New Zealand Family try Wingstop for the first time (how DO They Remove The Bones?!)
New Zealand Family try Wingstop for the first time (HOW DO THEY REMOVE THE BONES?!) is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 820 calories per serving. Recipe by Your New Zealand Family on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 30 min
Cost: $41.14 total, $10.28 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Boneless Chicken Breast (Skinless, cut into 1‑inch bite‑size pieces)
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (For coating)
- 0.5 cup Cornstarch (Adds extra crispness)
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 large Egg (Beaten)
- 0.5 cup Milk (Whole or 2% works)
- 2 qt Vegetable Oil (For deep‑frying; use a high‑smoke‑point oil)
- 1 tbsp Lemon Zest (Freshly grated)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 2 tbsp Parmesan Cheese (Finely grated)
- 2 tbsp Butter (Melted for garlic parmesan sauce)
- 1 tsp Garlic (Minced)
- 1 tsp Fresh Parsley (Chopped)
- 0.5 cup Ketchup
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 0.25 tsp Liquid Smoke (Optional, for hickory flavor)
- 2 tbsp Water
- 0.25 cup Pineapple Juice
- 1 tsp Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Hot Sauce (e.g., Sriracha)
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 2 tbsp Mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed)
- 0.5 cup Ranch Dressing (Store‑bought, well‑shaken)
- 1 lb Frozen French Fries (Extra‑cooked style preferred)
- 100 g Dark Chocolate (Chopped)
- 100 g Milk Chocolate (Chopped)
- 50 g Chocolate Chips
- 100 g Unsalted Butter (Melted)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 0.5 cup Brown Sugar
- 2 Eggs (Large, beaten)
- 0.75 cup All-Purpose Flour (for brownie)
- 2 tbsp Cocoa Powder
- 0.5 tsp Baking Powder
- 0.25 tsp Salt (for brownie)
Instructions
Cut and Dry Chicken
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels, then cut into bite‑size cubes if not already done.
Time: PT5M
Prepare the Batter
In a mixing bowl combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. In a separate bowl whisk the egg with milk, then pour into the dry mix and stir until just combined; the batter should be slightly thick.
Time: PT5M
Heat Oil
Fill the large pot with vegetable oil to a depth of about 3 inches and heat to 350°F (175°C).
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Fry the Chicken
Working in small batches, dip chicken pieces into the batter, let excess drip off, then carefully lower into hot oil. Fry 3–4 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 350°F
Drain and Rest
Remove fried chicken with tongs, place on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, and let rest 2 minutes to let excess oil drip away.
Time: PT2M
Make Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Combine lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl; set aside.
Time: PT3M
Toss Lemon Pepper Wings
Place a portion of the fried chicken in a large bowl, sprinkle with the lemon pepper seasoning, and toss until evenly coated.
Time: PT2M
Prepare Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat, add minced garlic and sauté 30 seconds, then stir in grated Parmesan and chopped parsley; remove from heat.
Time: PT5M
Coat Garlic Parmesan Wings
Toss another batch of fried chicken in the warm garlic‑parmesan sauce until each piece is glossy.
Time: PT2M
Prepare Remaining Sauces
While the wings are coating, prepare the following sauces in separate bowls: Hickory Smoked Barbecue (ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, liquid smoke, water), Hawaiian (pineapple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, smoked paprika), Hot Honey Rub (hot sauce, honey, butter), and Honey Mustard (honey, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, lemon juice). Stir each until smooth.
Time: PT10M
Toss Wings in Remaining Sauces
Divide the remaining fried chicken into four portions and toss each with one of the prepared sauces (Barbecue, Hawaiian, Hot Honey Rub, Honey Mustard).
Time: PT5M
Bake Crispy Fries
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread frozen fries on a parchment‑lined baking sheet, bake 15 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and extra‑crisp.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 425°F
Bake Triple‑Chocolate Brownie
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt butter and dark/milk chocolate together, whisk in sugars, eggs, then fold in flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Pour into a greased 8×8‑inch pan, sprinkle chocolate chips on top, and bake 25 minutes until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
Time: PT35M
Temperature: 350°F
Serve
Arrange the assorted flavored wings on a platter with ranch and blue‑cheese dressings on the side, add the crispy fries, and slice a piece of brownie for dessert. Enjoy with a cold lemonade.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 820
- Protein
- 35g
- Carbohydrates
- 70g
- Fat
- 45g
- Fiber
- 4g
Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Not vegan, Not vegetarian
Allergens: Wheat, Egg, Dairy, Soy, Fish (if using fish sauce in sauces, not listed here)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Boneless Chicken Breast: Chicken thighs
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Rice flour (gluten‑free)
- Instead of Cornstarch: Potato starch
- Instead of Egg: Egg substitute (e.g., flax egg)
- Instead of Milk: Plant‑based milk (unsweetened)
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Peanut oil
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic (use less)
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (½ tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: Dried parsley (¼ tsp)
- Instead of Brown Sugar: Honey (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Apple Cider Vinegar: White vinegar (½ tbsp)
- Instead of Smoked Paprika: Regular paprika + a dash liquid smoke
- Instead of Pineapple Juice: Cranberry juice
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari
- Instead of Hot Sauce: Chili garlic sauce
- Instead of Honey: Maple syrup
- Instead of Dijon Mustard: Yellow mustard
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt
- Instead of Lemon Juice: White wine vinegar (½ tsp)
- Instead of Ranch Dressing: Homemade ranch
- Instead of Frozen French Fries: Fresh potatoes, cut into fries
- Instead of Dark Chocolate: Semi‑sweet chocolate
- Instead of Milk Chocolate: White chocolate
- Instead of Chocolate Chips: Mini chocolate chunks
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar
- Instead of Brown Sugar: Molasses (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Eggs: Egg substitute
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour (for brownie): Gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened chocolate (1 tbsp)
Equipment Needed
- Large Heavy‑Bottom Pot
- Candy/Deep‑Fry Thermometer
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Wire Rack
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
- Saucepan
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Zester or Microplane (optional)
- Paper Towels
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Maintaining oil temperature at 350°F for a crisp coating.
- Coating the wings while still hot to ensure seasoning adheres.
- Not over‑baking the brownie to keep it fudgy.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Pat the chicken dry thoroughly; moisture prevents a crunchy coating.
- Use fresh lemon zest for the lemon pepper seasoning – it makes a huge difference.
- For an authentic Wingstop texture, let the fried wings rest on a wire rack, not paper towels, to stay crisp.
Troubleshooting
Wings are soggy after coating.
Make sure oil is at 350°F before adding wings and avoid crowding the pot; fry in small batches.
Sauce is too watery.
Simmer the sauce a few minutes longer to reduce, or add a teaspoon of cornstarch slurry.
Fries are limp.
Preheat the oven fully and spread fries in a single layer; bake longer for extra crispness.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store wings in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in a 350°F oven for 5‑7 minutes.
Freezer: Freeze cooked wings in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a zip‑top bag for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Do not leave wings at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- All sauces can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Fry the chicken pieces, cool, and freeze; reheat and toss in fresh sauce before serving.
- Brownie batter can be mixed ahead; bake just before serving for maximum freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Wingstop‑style boneless chicken wings in American fast‑food culture?
Wingstop popularized boneless chicken wings in the early 2000s, offering a convenient, mess‑free alternative to traditional bone‑in wings. The brand’s bold flavor lineup, like Lemon Pepper and Garlic Parmesan, quickly became a staple of American fast‑food and social‑media food culture.
How did Wingstop become a viral sensation in New Zealand, as discussed by YouTube channel Your New Zealand Family?
Your New Zealand Family noted that Wingstop went viral after New Zealand travelers saw it in the US and begged friends back home to order it via delivery apps. The novelty of trying a US‑only fast‑food chain sparked a wave of mukbang‑style videos, making it a trending topic among NZ food fans.
What are the traditional regional variations of lemon pepper chicken wings within the United States?
Lemon pepper wings originated in the Southern US, where the seasoning often includes a blend of lemon zest, cracked black pepper, and a hint of garlic. Some regions add a light dusting of paprika for color, while West Coast versions may incorporate a splash of lime for extra brightness.
Why does this copycat recipe use a flour‑cornstarch batter instead of a traditional breaded coating for boneless wings?
The flour‑cornstarch batter creates a lighter, crispier crust that mimics Wingstop’s signature texture. Cornstarch reduces gluten development, preventing a heavy coating and keeping the wings tender inside.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Wingstop‑style boneless chicken wings at home?
Common errors include frying at the wrong oil temperature, overcrowding the pot, and tossing wings with sauce while they are still steaming hot, which can make the coating soggy. Follow the critical steps: maintain 350°F oil, fry in batches, and coat immediately after draining.
Can I make the Wingstop‑style sauces ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, all sauces can be prepared up to two days ahead. Store each sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator; give them a quick stir before using. Reheat the hot honey rub and barbecue sauce gently on the stove if a warm coating is desired.
How do I know when the boneless chicken wings are done cooking?
The wings are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden‑brown and crisp. A quick test with a meat thermometer in the thickest piece ensures safety.
What does the YouTube channel Your New Zealand Family specialize in?
Your New Zealand Family focuses on food reviews, travel vlogs, and New Zealand‑centric lifestyle content, often featuring fast‑food challenges, regional food discoveries, and behind‑the‑scenes adventures across the West Coast and inland New Zealand.
How does the YouTube channel Your New Zealand Family's approach to American fast‑food reviews differ from other food channels?
Your New Zealand Family blends humor with genuine curiosity, often ordering popular US chains like Wingstop for the first time and comparing the experience to New Zealand expectations. Their candid reactions and cultural commentary set them apart from purely recipe‑focused channels.
What other American fast‑food recipes is the YouTube channel Your New Zealand Family known for?
The channel has featured copycat recipes for In‑N‑Out burgers, KFC fried chicken, and popular US pizza chains, always adding a Kiwi twist or commentary on price and portion size differences.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making the Wingstop‑style lemon pepper boneless wings?
The wings should have a light, airy crust that is golden‑brown and slightly puffy, with a bright, speckled lemon‑pepper dusting. The interior should be juicy and tender, not dry.
Why does the YouTube channel Your New Zealand Family describe the fries as ‘extra cooked’ and how can I replicate that at home?
‘Extra cooked’ refers to a longer fry or bake time that yields a crunchier exterior, similar to Wingstop’s thick‑cut fries. To replicate, bake frozen fries at 425°F for 15‑20 minutes, turning once, until they are deeply golden and crisp.
Last updated: August 20, 2026






