Wingstop Copycat Mango Habanero Wings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Wingstop’s Mango Habanero Wings are beloved for their perfect combination of sweetness and heat. This copycat recipe recreates that exact balance, with crispy chicken wings tossed in a flavorful mango habanero sauce. The heat from the habaneros adds a fiery kick, while the mango brings a refreshing sweetness that perfectly complements the spicy kick. It’s the perfect sauce for those who love a little heat but also enjoy the contrasting sweetness. This recipe is simple to make, customizable, and packed with flavor!

Ingredients

• 10-12 chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Mango Habanero Sauce:

• 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
• 2-3 habanero peppers (seeds removed for less heat, or left in for more heat)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or lime juice)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smokier flavor)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the wings: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or set your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels and season them with salt, pepper, and olive oil.
2. Cook the wings:
   • Oven Method: Place the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are crispy and golden brown.
   • Air Fryer Method: Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
3. Make the Mango Habanero Sauce:
   • In a blender or food processor, combine the diced mango, habanero peppers, olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Blend until smooth and well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more honey for sweetness or more habanero for heat.
4. Toss the wings in sauce: Once the wings are cooked and crispy, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the mango habanero sauce over the wings and toss them until they are evenly coated.
5. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese, and enjoy the sweet and spicy flavor explosion!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2-3
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (oven) or 20-25 minutes (air fryer)
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

• Heat Level: Adjust the number of habanero peppers to your desired spice level. For a milder version, use only one habanero or substitute with jalapeños.
• Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more honey or a touch of brown sugar to balance the heat.
• Grilled Version: Grill the wings instead of baking or air frying them for a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the mango habanero sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover wings and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat wings in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes to keep them crispy. You can also reheat in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen wings for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen wings. Just be sure to thaw them before cooking for even cooking and crispiness.

How do I make this sauce less spicy?

To reduce the heat, remove the seeds from the habaneros or use fewer peppers. You can also substitute the habaneros with a milder pepper like a poblano or Anaheim pepper.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the mango habanero sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just reheat it before tossing it with the wings.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of wings?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Just adjust the cooking time, as they may cook faster than wings.

Can I cook the wings on the grill?

Yes! You can grill the wings over medium-high heat for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.

How can I make these wings more flavorful?

For extra flavor, try marinating the wings in a bit of the mango habanero sauce before cooking them. This will infuse them with the sauce’s flavor from the inside out.

Can I use a store-bought mango sauce instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use a store-bought mango habanero sauce as a shortcut, but homemade sauce tends to have more depth of flavor and is more customizable.

Can I make the wings crispy without deep frying?

Yes! Baking or using an air fryer is a great way to make crispy wings without the need for deep frying. Just make sure to season and coat them properly with oil.

Can I use this sauce on other types of meat?

Absolutely! This mango habanero sauce is great on other meats such as chicken tenders, grilled shrimp, pork chops, or even grilled vegetables.

How do I know when the wings are fully cooked?

Wings are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear. The skin should also be crispy and golden brown.

Conclusion

Wingstop Copycat Mango Habanero Wings bring the perfect balance of sweet and spicy right to your kitchen. With crispy wings, a tangy mango sauce, and a kick of heat from the habaneros, this recipe is an easy way to recreate your favorite wing flavor at home. Whether you’re serving them for a party, a casual dinner, or just a treat for yourself, these wings are sure to impress! Get ready to enjoy a burst of tropical flavor with every bite.

Wingstop Copycat Mango Habanero Wings

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Wingstop Copycat Mango Habanero Wings are a perfect combination of spicy heat and sweet mango flavor. These wings are crispy and coated with a tangy mango habanero sauce for a unique and flavorful bite that’s perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (oven) or 20-25 minutes (air fryer)
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 2-3 servings
• Category: Appetizer, Main Course
• Method: Baking, Air Frying
• Cuisine: American, Tropical

Ingredients

1. 10–12 chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
3. Salt and pepper, to taste
4. For the Mango Habanero Sauce:
5. 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
6. 2–3 habanero peppers (seeds removed for less heat, or left in for more heat)
7. 1 tablespoon olive oil
8. 2 tablespoons honey
9. 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or lime juice)
10. 1 tablespoon soy sauce
11. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
12. 1 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
13. 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smokier flavor)

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Instructions

Prepare the wings: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or set your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels and season them with salt, pepper, and olive oil.

1. Cook the wings:
   • Oven Method: Place the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are crispy and golden brown.
   • Air Fryer Method: Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
2. Make the Mango Habanero Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the diced mango, habanero peppers, olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Blend until smooth and well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more honey for sweetness or more habanero for heat.
3. Toss the wings in sauce: Once the wings are cooked and crispy, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the mango habanero sauce over the wings and toss them until they are evenly coated.
4. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese, and enjoy the sweet and spicy flavor explosion!

Notes

1. Heat Level: Adjust the number of habanero peppers to your desired spice level. For a milder version, use only one habanero or substitute with jalapeños.
2. Sweetness: Add more honey or brown sugar to increase the sweetness of the sauce if desired.
3. Grilled Version: For a smoky flavor, grill the wings instead of baking or air frying them and baste with the mango habanero sauce during the last few minutes of grilling.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 wing
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 50mg