Copycat Wingstop Cajun Wings

Oh man did these copycat Wingstop Cajun Wings ever hit the spot. I love Buffalo wings. You know, the classic flavors. These wings are like that but kicked up with Cajun seasoning. That’s where these wings took Buffalo wings from great to fantastic. I cannot wait for the next time I make a batch of these wings. I found myself craving them again the moment I finished them. As simple and as easy as they were to make, they are certainly one of my favorites!

Copycat Wingstop Cajun Wings

Deep-Fried Greatness

These copycat Wingstop Cajun Wings are spot-on great. I made a small batch for my lunch the other day. Since it was just me I used my lil ole Fry Daddy fryer. It’s small but it more than does the job. It only takes 8-10 minutes to fry up a batch of delicious wings like these. And it uses only a few cups of oil, which is a big savings over hauling out my big restaurant-style fryer. Yeah that baby’ll cook a ton of wings but boy does it ever use a lot of oil!

You gotta use Frank’s RedHot for the sauce. Gotta.

Also try my copycat of Plucker’s Buffalo wings!

Check out my always-growing list of over 100 homemade wing recipes, including sauces and seasonings!

Copycat Wingstop Cajun Wings
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5 from 1 vote

Copycat Wingstop Cajun Wings

One of my favorites!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cajun wings, copycat
Servings: 4
Calories: 713kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat 3" of oil in a Dutch oven or deep fryer to 350 F.
  • Add the wings and fry 8-10 minutes or until they reach 165 F. Remove to a wire rack over a baking sheet or paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  • While the wings are cooking place all of the remaining ingredients in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Once the butter is melted stir well to combine. Turn off the heat until ready to use.
  • Transfer wings to a large bowl. Drizzle with the sauce. Toss gently to coat. Click here for our guide on how to sauce your wings.

Notes

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce on the side, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 713kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 59g | Saturated Fat: 25g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 20g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 236mg | Sodium: 1569mg | Potassium: 413mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 1906IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.

Chipotle Pumpkin Wings

I was mighty skeptical about pumpkin on chicken wings. Sure, I’m in the Halloween mood, but hey, are we sure we should be messing with my beloved chicken wings? Yes, yes we should is the answer, because chipotle pumpkin wings are just flat out crazy good. There’s a wonderful smoky heat from the chipotles, with just a hint of sweetness from the pumpkin. The pumpkin flavor is there, but it’s not like you’re going to think you’re eating grandma’s favorite pumpkin pie.

Chipotle Pumpkin Wings

A Different Kind of Wing

The chipotle pumpkin sauce is not only great on wings, but it is just as fantastic on ribs. Personally, I like heat, so I put quite a bit of chipotle in the sauce. Tone it down or add more depending on your tastes. The pumpkin flavor is subtle, so if you want it to be more pronounced, add a bit more. But go slow.

I store my leftover homemade sauces in squeeze bottles. If refrigerated, I set them out an hour before using so they come to room temperature. You don’t want to put cold sauce on hot wings!

Also try my chipotle blackberry wings.

Check out my always-growing list of over 100 homemade wing recipes, including sauces and seasonings!

Chipotle Pumpkin Wings
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4 from 1 vote

Chipotle Pumpkin Wings

The chipotle pumpkin sauce is not only great on wings, but it is just as fantastic on ribs.
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: pumpkin, spicy, wings
Servings: 6
Calories: 557kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the wings

For the sauce

Instructions

For the wings

For the sauce

  • Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Whisk, heating thoroughly. Keep warm until ready to use.

Notes

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce on the side, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 557kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 176mg | Sodium: 549mg | Potassium: 508mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 2485IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.

Carolina Wings

I’ve always been a fan of Carolina BBQ sauces. And although there are lots of variations from region-to-region, they all have vinegar in common. These Carolina wings packed that great vinegar punch, and then some. I found myself not able to get enough of the sauce on these wings. I’m quite sure I’ll end up using this exact recipe on more than wings.

Carolina Wings

The Perfect Heat

These Carolina wings are a bit spicy, but they have the right amount of spiciness in my opinion. I like a little kick in just about everything I eat, but that doesn’t mean I need to be in pain and not able to taste my meal. The balance between the heat and sweetness is necessary, and the sauce on these wings has achieved that balance spot-on. It’s fantastic stuff.

I store my leftover homemade sauces in squeeze bottles. If refrigerated, I set them out an hour before using so they come to room temperature. You don’t want to put cold sauce on hot wings!

Also try my Detroit hot honey wings.

Check out my always-growing list of over 100 homemade wing recipes, including sauces and seasonings!

Carolina Wings
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5 from 1 vote

Carolina Wings

These Carolina wings are a bit spicy, but they have the right amount of spiciness in my opinion.
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: barbecue, wings
Servings: 6
Calories: 534kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the wings

  • 3-4 pounds chicken wings flats and drumettes separated, tips saved to make stock

For the Carolina wing sauce

Instructions

Notes

Keep any leftover sauce in a sealed container in the fridge. Let the sauce sit out on the counter for at least 30 minutes before using. You don’t want to ‘shock’ hot, just-cooked wings with a cold sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 534kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 175mg | Sodium: 774mg | Potassium: 411mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 416IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.

Cajun Honey Lime Wings

There’s wing sauce and there’s WING sauce. The Cajun honey lime sauce on these wings was so good that I’ll be using it on a lot more than ‘just’ wings. A little spice, a little sweet, and a little citrus, all in a thick but not gooey sauce that doesn’t just flow off your wings into the bottom of the basket. Finger-licking good, that’s for sure.

Cajun Honey Lime Wings

A Wonderful Citrus Flavor

I used a fairly tame and not overpowering BBQ sauce when I made these Cajun honey lime wings. The flavors could easily be drowned out by an overly sweet smoky BBQ sauce. Just grab your run-of-the-mill regular ole BBQ sauce. Nothing fancy.

To keep things kinda Cajun-y, I used Crystal Hot Sauce. Man that stuff is so good!

I store my leftover homemade sauces in squeeze bottles. If refrigerated, I set them out an hour before using so they come to room temperature. You don’t want to put cold sauce on hot wings!

Also try my Cajun wings.

Check out my always-growing list of over 100 homemade wing recipes, including sauces and seasonings!

Cajun Honey Lime Wings
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4 from 1 vote

Cajun Honey Lime Wings

Just grab your run-of-the-mill regular ole BBQ sauce. Nothing fancy.
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cajun wings, wings
Servings: 6
Calories: 525kcal

Ingredients

For the wings

For the sauce

Instructions

For the wings

For the sauce

  • Combine all ingredients by whisking together in a small bow.

Notes

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce on the side, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 525kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 176mg | Sodium: 246mg | Potassium: 464mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 2064IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.

Cajun Bay Wings

A few weeks ago I made a beer-can chicken recipe that used a 50/50 combination of Cajun seasoning and Old Bay seasoning. I instantly fell in love with the combination. A little heat, a little sweet, cloves, allspice, paprika… just about all you could imagine. I knew right then and there that I wanted to use the same mix on chicken wings. And so my Cajun Bay chicken wings were born. And oh how good they were. I served them dry, not sauced. Just that great combination of Cajun and Old Bay seasonings, with a little Ranch dressing on the side for dipping. The flavor combination was fantastic, and one you will see here again soon.

Cajun Bay Wings

One Deliciously Different Wing

Once the wings are cooked, you can dust them with more of the Cajun and Old Bay mix if you want even more pronounced flavors. I skipped it since my wife isn’t quite the fan of Old Bay as I am. She doesn’t like cloves or allspice so much. That’s one nice thing about this mix. You still get those flavors, but they are toned down a bit because of the addition of the Cajun seasoning.

Also try my honey Old Bay wings.

Check out my always-growing list of over 100 homemade wing recipes, including sauces and seasonings!

Cajun Bay Wings
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5 from 1 vote

Cajun Bay Wings

A little heat, a little sweet, cloves, allspice, paprika… just about all you could imagine.
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cajun wings, Old Bay, wings
Servings: 6
Calories: 521kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

If you want to add more seasoning to the wings after they are cooked make another batch using 1/2 tablespoon each of the Cajun and Old Bay seasonings. Sprinkle the cooked wings with the mix just before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 521kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 176mg | Sodium: 187mg | Potassium: 417mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 1222IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.

Buffalo Ranch Dry Wings

I was perusing the spice section at our local GFS store when I spied a big container of Frank’s RedHot Original Seasoning. Yeah, like I’d pass up on anything wing-related. I grabbed a bottle and stopped by my grocery store and picked up a family pack of fresh chicken wings. I was going to make wings. Great wings. Buffalo Ranch dry wings.

Buffalo Ranch Dry Wings

Dry is Good

Dry wings really bring out the flavor of the wing and the seasoning. They aren’t buried in sauce so much that its all you can taste. Now that doesn’t mean I’m shy with the seasoning, but I am careful that I can still taste the chicken. These wings are absolutely fantastic, with that traditional Buffalo wing flavor, but without the mess. If you don’t have a GFS in your area you can find other brands of Buffalo style seasoning in your grocer’s spice section.

I like to make my spice, rub and seasoning mixes in big batches and keep them in large bottles with easy-to-pour shaker lids.

Also try my crazy-good blackened dry wings.

Check out my always-growing list of over 100 homemade wing recipes, including sauces and seasonings!

Buffalo Ranch Dry Wings
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5 from 1 vote

Buffalo Ranch Dry Wings

Dry wings really bring out the flavor of the wing and the seasoning.
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Buffalo wings, dry wings, Ranch, wings
Servings: 6
Calories: 694kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

I prefer to season my wings immediately after cooking them. The seasoning will stick to the surface of the hot wings better than if you wait until they cool off.

Nutrition

Calories: 694kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 57g | Fat: 49g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 19g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 234mg | Sodium: 615mg | Potassium: 488mg | Vitamin A: 445IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.

Bloody Mary Wings

Sometimes a wing sauce is sooooo good you have to decide between using it on your wings or just drinking it straight up. Now, I didn’t use vodka or any other booze in this sauce, and honestly, it doesn’t need it. You get great Bloody Mary flavors with a hint of Buffalo sauce kick. It’s crazy good, and perhaps the best scratch-made wing sauce I’ve ever had.

If you prefer to add booze just put a splash or two of Vodka in the wing sauce. Or, if you prefer your wings ‘dry’, skip the sauce. The wings are absolutely divine seasoned with just the Bloody Mary seasoning mix, just add a few more pinches to the wings after they are cooked and toss.

Bloody Mary Wings

A Different Kind of Wing

The idea for Bloody Mary wings hit me after making a batch of Bloody Mary glass rim seasoning. After tasting it I knew instantly that I needed to use it on wings. For the sauce you make your pretty standard Buffalo wing sauce with the addition of Bloody Mary seasoning and mix.

Also try my dry (not sauced) version of Bloody Mary wings!

Check out my always-growing list of over 200 favorite store-bought wing sauces and seasonings!

Bloody Mary Wings
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4 from 1 vote

Bloody Mary Wings

The idea for Bloody Mary wings hit me after making a batch of Bloody Mary glass rim seasoning.
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Bloody Mary, dry wings, wings
Servings: 6
Calories: 653kcal

Ingredients

  • 3-4 pounds chicken wings  flats and drumettes separated, tips saved to make stock
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Bloody Mary seasoning below
  • Bloody Mary wing sauce below

For the Bloody Mary seasoning (you'll have more than you need)

For the Bloody Mary wing sauce

Instructions

For the wings

For the Bloody Mary seasoning

  • Combine all ingredients. Store any leftovers in an airtight container.

For the Bloody Mary wing sauce

  • Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until the butter is melted.

Notes

Remember that if you have to refrigerate any leftover wing sauce, let it sit out on the counter for at least 30 minutes before using. You don’t want to ‘shock’ hot, just-cooked wings with a cold sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 653kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 52g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 19g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 217mg | Sodium: 6008mg | Potassium: 404mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 925IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.

Baked Thousand Island Wings

I had no idea really how much I’d enjoy these baked Thousand Island wings. I kind of have a thing about baked wings to begin with. And the ingredients for sauce, although each yummy on its own, seemed like one of most unusual combinations I’d ever seen. Well, let me tell you folks. You need to make these. And not like next month. Not even next week. Today. Now.

Baked Thousand Island Wings

Yummy Sauce. Big Time Yummy.

Thousand Island dressing. Apricot preserves. Onion soup mix. Huh? But you know what, the sauce is AMAZING! I could drink this stuff. Literally. Heck I don’t even really like apricots and I would go for adding more to this sauce. It’s like the whole world turned on its side and my eyes (and mouth!) opened to great new flavors! I’ll definitely be making these baked Thousand Island wings again and soon.

Great Baked Wings???

I don’t usually like baked wings not because of how they taste but the texture is sometimes just not there for me. I like a clean bite-thru skin. I want a bit of color. And a bit of crunch. I actually got all those things with these wings.

If you’re looking to impress a crowd with super-flavorful wings that aren’t the usual Buffalo-flavored kind, make these and impress everyone!

Also try my baked maple wings.

Baked Thousand Island Wings
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5 from 1 vote

Baked Thousand Island Wings

Make extra sauce for dipping. It's great stuff!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: baked wings
Servings: 2
Calories: 670kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the dressing, preserves and onion soup mix until well combined and smooth.
  • Lightly spray a baking dish with non-stick spray. I found that a glass dish seems to work best.
  • Arrange the wings along the bottom of the pan. Do not let them touch or overlap.
  • Pour the sauce over the wings. Get it spread out evenly.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  • Remove the foil (but do not discard!). Return the pan to the oven and bake another 30 minutes.
  • Remove wings from oven and serve hot.
  • Optional: Spray the foil with non-stick spray on one side and transfer to a baking sheet. Transfer the cooked wings to the foil and place the pan under the broiler for 2-4 minutes (keep an eye on it!) to brown the wings and give them a bit of a crunch.

Notes

Try other flavors of jam for a different taste!

Nutrition

Calories: 670kcal | Carbohydrates: 88g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 23g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 2343mg | Potassium: 318mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 62g | Vitamin A: 270IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.

Baked Maple Glazed Wings

I admit it, I do sometimes dream of deep-fried chicken wings. I don’t dream about baked chicken wings. Or I didn’t until I made these baked maple glazed wings. I didn’t think the flavors of the simple seasoning and the easy glaze would work. I didn’t think I’d like them. In reality, I didn’t like them. I loved them. These are some of the tastiest wings I’ve had. I’ll make these again and again.

Baked Maple Glazed Wings

Flavor Galore

These baked maple glazed wings would be perfect for a party. You could make a big batch. They aren’t spicy, so they won’t scare off anyone. They’re lightly sweet. And they’re different. The oregano and nutmeg make for a fantastic marriage with the reduced balsamic vinegar and maple syrup. Honestly, I would make a double batch of the sauce. What’s the worst thing that can happen? That you’ll have some leftover for another batch of wings?!??!

Also try my baked salsa verde wings.

Baked Maple Glazed Wings
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5 from 1 vote

Baked Maple Glazed Wings

Delicious slightly sweet wings cooked in the oven.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: baked wings, wings
Servings: 2
Calories: 88kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place a wire rack on top.
  • Place the wings into a medium bowl.
  • Combine the salt, pepper, nutmeg and oregano. Sprinkle over the wings, making sure to coat them evenly.
  • Bake for 35 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, bring the vinegar, maple syrup and butter to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
  • Reduce heat to a simmer and continue simmering, stirring often, until thickened and reduced by nearly half.
  • After 35 minutes of cooking, baste the wings with half of the vinegar reduction.
  • Bake another 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Remove wings from oven to a medium bowl.
  • Drizzle or brush with the remaining vinegar mixture and serve.

Notes

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 88kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 652mg | Potassium: 20mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 277IU | Vitamin C: 0.05mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 0.3mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.

Baked Coconut Mango Wings

I’m gonna be straight-up. I thought these baked coconut mango wings were delicious. I loved them. I’m not usually a big baked wings fan, but they were packed with island-inspired flavor with golden-brown lightly crunchy skin and moist, tender meat. It was the dipping sauce that threw me. Maybe it’s because 99% of the time I dip my wings in blue cheese or ranch salad dressing. I’m not sure, but I wasn’t a fan. I’d make these wings again, but I’d use the sauce as additional marinade instead. You might feel differently, but it’s my job to be up-front and honest.

Baked Coconut Mango Wings

Delicious… and Pretty

The gorgeous color on these baked coconut mango wings comes from the annatto in the Sazon seasoning. It’s the same stuff that’s used to color other foods, like making cheddar cheese orange. Yeah, it’s really white. Go figure. Why do orange-ish foods taste better? I’m not sure, but they do. And they look better too.

Also try my baked salsa verde wings! Ole!

Check out my always-growing list of over 100 homemade wing recipes, including sauces and seasonings!

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4 from 1 vote

Baked Coconut Mango Wings

I thought these baked coconut wings were delicious. I loved them.
Inspired by a recipe from Cooking on the Weekends
Prep Time12 hours 45 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: fruity, wings
Servings: 6
Calories: 533kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Season the wings with the Sazon seasoning on all sides. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  • Add coconut milk and mango to a blender and puree until smooth.
  • Add half of the mixture to a large resealable container or a baking dish. Stir in the cayenne.
  • Transfer remaining half of the sauce to a resealable container and refrigerate until ready to use.
  • Add wings to dish and turn to coat in the marinade. Cover tightly and refrigerate for 6-12 hours.
  • Preheat your oven to 450 F.
  • Remove chicken from marinade and transfer to a baking sheet, skin-side up, that is lined with foil or a silpat.
  • Season chicken with pepper.
  • Bake chicken for 25 minutes or until they reach 165 F internally.
  • Turn on your broiler and broil the wings until they get a little more golden brown and to slightly crisp the skin.
  • Serve the wings with the reserved coconut/mango sauce for dipping.

Notes

For best results, do not use lite coconut milk.

Nutrition

Calories: 533kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 175mg | Sodium: 168mg | Potassium: 445mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 795IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.