Ingredients

  • 2 quarts vegetable shortening, for frying
  • 24 whole chicken wings (about 6 pounds)
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 2 cups ketchup
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons creamed honey
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 teaspoons turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt
  • 1 cup hot sauce (recommended: Frank's Red Hot)
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) butter
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 1 small bunch basil
  • Salt
  • 1 lemon, zested
  • 1 lime, zested

Method

  • In a large pot, heat vegetable shortening until a deep-fry thermometer reaches 375 degrees F. Line a sheet tray with a wire rack.
  • Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, separate the chicken wings into the drummettes and wings, discarding the wing tip joint.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, cayenne, 1 tablespoon salt and black pepper.
  • In a paper bag, shake together flour, cornstarch and 1 tablespoon salt.
  • Place chicken in egg mixture and toss well to coat.
  • Place chicken in batches in the bag of flour mixture.
  • Shake well to coat.
  • Set on wire rack to let coating set, 20 minutes.
  • Meanwhile make the Honey BBQ Sauce and the Spicy Butter Sauce.
  • In a small saucepan, bring the ingredients for the Honey BBQ Sauce to a simmer over medium-high heat.
  • Reduce heat and cook until sauce has reduced by half, about 12 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • In another saucepan, bring the ingredients for the Spicy Butter Sauce to a simmer.
  • Remove from heat and let basil infuse in butter for at least 15 minutes.
  • Remove basil.
  • When oil is at the right temperature, add chicken, working in batches, and fry until cooked through and crispy, about 13 minutes.
  • Season chicken with salt then immediately toss, taking turns with batches, in the Honey BBQ sauce, or the Spicy Butter Sauce or sprinkle with the lemon and lime zest.
  • Serve immediately.