This post is a bit more like a confessional.
Yes, I have been to Hooters.
And yes, I have been there enough to find out they have a secret wing sauce that is not on the menu.
Tell me I’m not alone?
If you haven’t had the Daytona wings at Hooters you are missing out. They toss them in a sweet, sticky, spicy sauce that is completely addicting. So good these wings are kept a secret and not even on the menu.
Since I don’t really know what is in their Daytona sauce, I created this recipe experimenting with my own versions. And since I can’t keep them a secret, I put them on our menu for this past New Year’s Eve party to see if others felt the same.
You won’t have leftovers.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts, cleaned and cut into "bites" {About 1 1/2 inch squares}
- 3/4 cup of flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Pam olive oil spray
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce {I use Sweet Baby Ray's original}
- 1/4 cup hot sauce {I use Frank's Original or Texas Pete's}
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- a few sprinkles of crushed red pepper {if you like more heat}
- 1 teaspoon corn starch {be sure to mix this with a few drops of cold water before putting it in the sauce}
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375° F.
Combine the flour, paprika, salt, and pepper in a plastic bag. Put the pieces of chicken in the plastic bag and shake to coat.
Place the chicken pieces on a foil lined baking sheet sprayed with olive oil. Bake for 15 minutes or until cooked.
While the chicken is in the oven, combine sauce ingredients in a saucepan on the stove. Reduce mixture on medium low heat for at least 15 minutes.
When the chicken is finished cooking, toss it in the sauce. Serve with toothpicks or LOTS of napkins.
Optional: Throw the sauce coated bites in the oven on low broil for 5 minutes to give them a nice glaze with the sauce.
Wings: Of course you can use this same recipe for wings too! You will definitely want to thrown them on the grill or in the broiler for a few minutes after being coated in the sauce to give them a good glaze.
*** in the above picture I doubled this recipe.
http://keelymarie.com/2012/01/10/boneless-baked-daytona-bites-party-hors-doeuvre-series/Ingredients you might need more information about:
I’m dying to know if anyone else has tried Hooters Daytona wings! Better yet if you have the secret recipe.
*This recipe is featured on ALLFREECOPYCATRECIPES. Head over there to find your favorite chain restaurant recipes “made over” by bloggers all over the world.
Like this post? Don’t miss out on future post, like my facebook page below!
::: keelymarie :::
J February 22, 2012 at 5:14 pm
I tried the Daytona wings at Hooters yesterday. WOW! That’s why I’m searching for the sauce today.
Keely Marie February 22, 2012 at 5:22 pm
So good right? This is just “my attempt” at their sauce from taste, would love to hear your thoughts if you try it out!
Schauna July 5, 2012 at 4:16 pm
I LOVE Daytona wings. I’m prepping my chicken wings to try you recipe tonight! I guessed the majority of the ingredients but you added a couple that seem tO be my missing link. I’ll let you know how they turn out!!
Keely Marie July 5, 2012 at 4:26 pm
Looking forward to it!
Danyel July 30, 2012 at 10:55 pm
My husband and I ALWAYS get the Hooters Daytona wings, so I had to try your recipe. It was amazing!! I’m not much of a cook, so when my husband likes/loves what I cook, then I know it’s good! He loved it, telling me this brings my cooking attempts up to 4 for 7. Haha!
I followed your recipe, but specifically used: drumsticks, Texas Pete, Kraft Thick & Spicy BBQ sauce, and omitted the brown sugar. I baked them at 375 for 30 min and after coating them, we threw them on the grill for a quick charing.
BRAVO!!
Keely Marie July 31, 2012 at 4:32 pm
I love that you tried this with drumsticks…much more like the traditional Hooters wings that way I am sure. Thanks for letting me know you guys loved them Danyel!
Clare August 22, 2012 at 10:56 pm
I have an inside source who says it’s their 3 Mile Island sauce mixed with teriyaki sauce before grilling. My husband has a theory that they fry the breaded wings first, then sauce them and grill them. Hope this helps!
Corinne February 1, 2013 at 12:11 pm
It’s actually a mix of 3 mile island sauce, bbq (if I remember correctly, they used Cattlemans), honey mustard, honey and garlic. They’re definitely “naked” wings, fried first, then tossed in the sauce and then thrown on the griddle. I’m a “retired” Hooters Girl, and these were always my favorite wings there.
Corinne February 1, 2013 at 12:58 pm
Oops, sorry. It’s brown sugar, not honey. But, yeah, best wings ever.
Keely Marie February 1, 2013 at 4:17 pm
I have been dying to hear from someone who worked there! Interesting that there is honey mustard in there. Thanks Corinne!