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
Make the Brine
In a large bowl combine 1 cup buttermilk and ½ cup pickle juice, stir well.
Time: PT5M
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
Prepare Dredge Mix
In a shallow dish combine ½ cup potato starch with 2 tbsp scorpion salt; whisk to distribute evenly.
Time: PT5M
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
Heat Oil
Fill the frying pan with enough vegetable oil to submerge the wings and heat to 350°F.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 350°F
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
Drain Wings
Using tongs, remove the wings and place on a paper‑towel‑lined tray to drain excess oil.
Time: PT5M
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
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
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
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Wings: Chicken drumettes
- Instead of Buttermilk: Milk mixed with 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Instead of Pickle Juice: Apple cider vinegar
- Instead of Potato Starch: Cornstarch
- Instead of Scorpion Salt: Chili powder mixed with sea salt
- Instead of Carolina Reaper Peppers: Ghost pepper
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Lemon: Lime juice
- Instead of Hot Honey: Regular honey mixed with a pinch of cayenne
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Peanut oil
Equipment Needed
- Large Bowl
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Gloves (heat‑resistant)
- Mixing Spoon
- Plate or Tray
- Frying Pan or Deep Fryer
- Oil Thermometer
- Tongs
- Small Saucepan
- Whisk
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- 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
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a deep‑fat fryer or a heavy‑bottomed Dutch oven for more stable oil temperature.
- After frying, let wings rest on a wire rack over a baking sheet to keep them crisp.
- If you prefer a slightly smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the dredge mix.
Troubleshooting
Wings are soggy instead of crispy.
Make sure the wings are thoroughly patted dry before dredging and that the oil stays at 350°F throughout frying.
Sauce is too thin.
Increase the butter by 1‑2 tbsp or simmer a minute longer to reduce and thicken.
The heat is overwhelming.
Reduce the number of Carolina Reaper peppers or substitute with a milder hot pepper like a jalapeño.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover wings in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5‑7 minutes to regain crispness.
Freezer: Freeze cooked wings in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a zip‑top bag; keep for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a 350°F oven for 12‑15 minutes.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to food safety.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Brine the wings up to 24 hours in advance; keep them refrigerated.
- Prepare the hot honey sauce a day ahead and store in the refrigerator; reheat gently before tossing.
- Dredge the wings and freeze them on a tray; fry from frozen for a slightly longer cooking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of extremely hot chicken wings in American cuisine?
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.
What are the traditional regional variations of hot chicken wings in Southern United States cuisine?
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.
How is the authentic traditional way to serve extremely hot wings in American bar settings?
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.
What occasions or celebrations are extremely hot Carolina Reaper wings traditionally associated with in American culture?
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.
What makes Carolina Reaper wings special or unique in American spicy food cuisine?
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.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Carolina Reaper hot wings?
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.
Why does this recipe use a buttermilk‑pickle juice brine instead of a simple saltwater soak?
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.
Can I make the Carolina Reaper wing sauce ahead of time and how should I store it?
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.
What texture and appearance should I look for when frying the wings to know they are done?
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.
What does the YouTube channel More Nick specialize in?
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.
How does the YouTube channel More Nick's approach to extreme‑spice cooking differ from other cooking channels?
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.
What other American spicy‑food recipes is the YouTube channel More Nick known for?
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.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
