Spicy Wings (ft. Spice King Cam)

Spicy Wings (ft. Spice King Cam) is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by More Nick on YouTube.

Prep: 2 hrs 15 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 2 hrs 40 min

Cost: $32.94 total, $8.24 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds Chicken Wings (fresh, split at the joint)
  • 1 cup Buttermilk (for brining)
  • 0.5 cup Pickle Juice (from dill pickles, adds tang)
  • 0.5 cup Potato Starch (for dredging, creates crisp coating)
  • 2 tablespoon Scorpion Salt (hot chili-infused salt; optional substitute with 1 tbsp chili powder + 1 tbsp salt)
  • 2 piece Carolina Reaper Peppers (handle with gloves; extremely hot)
  • 1 stick Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes)
  • 1 whole Lemon (freshly squeezed)
  • 2 tablespoon Hot Honey (store‑bought or homemade with honey and chili flakes)
  • 2 quart Vegetable Oil (neutral oil for deep‑frying)

Instructions

  1. Make the Brine

    In a large bowl combine 1 cup buttermilk and ½ cup pickle juice, stir well.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Brine the Wings

    Add the chicken wings to the brine, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.

    Time: PT2H

    Temperature: 4°C

  3. Prepare Dredge Mix

    In a shallow dish combine ½ cup potato starch with 2 tbsp scorpion salt; whisk to distribute evenly.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Dry and Dredge Wings

    Remove wings from brine, pat dry with paper towels, then toss in the starch‑salt mixture until evenly coated.

    Time: PT10M

  5. Heat Oil

    Fill the frying pan with enough vegetable oil to submerge the wings and heat to 350°F.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 350°F

  6. Fry the Wings

    Carefully lower the coated wings into the hot oil. Fry for about 12 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and crispy.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: 350°F

  7. Drain Wings

    Using tongs, remove the wings and place on a paper‑towel‑lined tray to drain excess oil.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Make the Carolina Reaper Sauce

    In a small saucepan melt 1 stick butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped Carolina Reaper peppers, squeeze the juice of 1 lemon, and stir in 2 tbsp hot honey. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium heat

  9. Toss Wings in Sauce

    Transfer the fried wings to a large bowl, pour the hot sauce over them, and toss until each wing is evenly coated.

    Time: PT2M

  10. Serve

    Arrange the wings on a serving platter. Provide milk or yogurt on the side to tame the heat.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
450
Protein
30g
Carbohydrates
10g
Fat
30g
Fiber
2g

Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains honey, Gluten‑free (uses potato starch), Very spicy

Allergens: Dairy, Honey

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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Spicy Wings (ft. Spice King Cam)

Recipe by More Nick

These insanely spicy fried chicken wings are brined in buttermilk and pickle juice, dredged in potato starch and scorpion salt, then tossed in a buttery Carolina Reaper sauce with lemon and hot honey. Handle with care – the Carolina Reaper packs over 2 million Scoville units!

MediumAmericanServes 4

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

Source Video
2h 27m
Prep
27m
Cook
21m
Cleanup
3h 15m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$32.94
Total cost
$8.24
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Brining the wings for at least 2 hours
  • Wearing gloves when handling Carolina Reaper peppers
  • Maintaining oil temperature at 350°F
  • Ensuring wings are completely dry before dredging

Safety Warnings

  • Wear food‑grade gloves when chopping Carolina Reaper peppers; the oils can cause severe skin irritation.
  • Avoid touching your face, eyes, or mouth after handling hot peppers.
  • Hot oil can cause burns – keep a lid nearby and never leave the pan unattended.
  • Keep children and pets away from the cooking area while oil is heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of extremely hot chicken wings in American cuisine?

A

Spicy chicken wings have become a staple of American bar and game‑day culture, especially in the South where heat levels are often pushed to extremes. The trend of using ultra‑hot peppers like the Carolina Reaper reflects a modern challenge‑food movement that celebrates daring flavor and heat tolerance.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of hot chicken wings in Southern United States cuisine?

A

In the Southern United States, classic hot wings are often coated in a vinegar‑based cayenne sauce, while Nashville hot chicken uses a spicy flour coating and a pepper‑oil drizzle. This recipe pushes the heat further with Carolina Reaper peppers, a contemporary twist on those regional heat traditions.

cultural
Q

How is the authentic traditional way to serve extremely hot wings in American bar settings?

A

Traditionally, hot wings are served on a platter with celery sticks and a cooling dip such as ranch or blue cheese. For ultra‑spicy wings, many venues also provide a side of milk or yogurt to help tame the burn.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are extremely hot Carolina Reaper wings traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

These ultra‑spicy wings are popular at sports‑watch parties, tailgate gatherings, and spicy‑food challenges at festivals. They’re also featured in “heat‑level” contests where diners compete to finish the hottest wing.

cultural
Q

What makes Carolina Reaper wings special or unique in American spicy food cuisine?

A

The Carolina Reaper holds the Guinness World Record for the hottest pepper, delivering over 2 million Scoville Heat Units. Using it in a wing recipe creates a heat level far beyond typical cayenne or jalapeño‑based sauces, making it a novelty for heat‑seekers.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Carolina Reaper hot wings?

A

Common errors include not wearing gloves while handling the peppers, allowing the wings to stay wet before dredging, and frying at an incorrect oil temperature. Each mistake can lead to skin irritation, soggy coating, or burnt wings.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a buttermilk‑pickle juice brine instead of a simple saltwater soak?

A

The acidity from the pickle juice and the tang from the buttermilk tenderize the meat while adding flavor, which helps the starch coating adhere better and yields a juicier, more flavorful wing.

technical
Q

Can I make the Carolina Reaper wing sauce ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the sauce can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator and gently reheat on low heat before tossing with the fried wings.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when frying the wings to know they are done?

A

The wings should be a deep golden‑brown color, crisp to the touch, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). When cut open, the meat should be opaque and juices run clear.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel More Nick specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel More Nick focuses on bold, high‑energy cooking challenges, often featuring extreme heat levels, quick‑fire tutorials, and a playful, dare‑devil attitude toward food.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel More Nick's approach to extreme‑spice cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

More Nick emphasizes real‑time reactions, minimal prep, and a focus on pushing flavor boundaries with the hottest ingredients, whereas many other channels prioritize technique, classic recipes, or family‑friendly meals.

channel
Q

What other American spicy‑food recipes is the YouTube channel More Nick known for?

A

More Nick is also known for videos like "Ghost Pepper Nachos," "Ultra‑Spicy Buffalo Wings," and "Scorpion Chili Chili Cheese Fries," all of which showcase extreme heat in familiar American dishes.

channel

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