Copycat Wingstop Lakers Legendary Garlic Recipe

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I’ve always been intrigued by the way sports and culinary delight intersect. It’s fascinating how a basketball team can inspire a Wingstop Lakers Legendary Garlic recipe that not only elevates game-day snacking but also holds its own as a standout meal any day of the week.

How to make Wingstop Lakers Legendary Garlic

Wingstop Lakers Legendary Garlic is a limited-time wing flavor introduced in collaboration with the Los Angeles Lakers. This special edition combined Wingstop’s classic Garlic Parmesan seasoning with a zesty, spicy twist reminiscent of adding Cajun spices. The result was a more flavorful and slightly spicy version of the traditional Garlic Parmesan wings.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs chicken wings, tips removed and wings split at the joint
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Oil for frying

For the Legendary Garlic Parmesan Coating:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prep the Chicken:

1. Begin by patting the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving that desired crispness.
2. In a large bowl, mix together flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Coat each wing evenly with the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

Fry the Wings:

1. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C). The oil should be deep enough to fully submerge the wings.
2. In batches, carefully lower the wings into the hot oil. Fry for about 10 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
3. Remove the wings from the oil and drain them on a rack or paper towels.

Make the Garlic Parmesan Coating:

1. While the wings are frying, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, and sauté until the garlic is fragrant—about 2 minutes.
2. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the mixture is smooth.

Coat the Wings:

1. Place the fried wings in a large bowl. Pour the garlic Parmesan sauce over them, tossing gently until they’re evenly coated.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful finish.

Tips for Perfection:

• Ingredient Quality: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan. The difference lies in the depth and richness these ingredients contribute to the dish.
• Frying Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is key. Too low, and your wings will be greasy; too high, and they’ll burn on the outside before cooking through. Use a thermometer to keep track.
• Serving Suggestion: These wings are best served hot and fresh. If you’re pairing them with sides, consider classics like celery sticks, carrot strips, or even a side of blue cheese dressing for dipping.
• Make it Your Own: While staying true to the legendary recipe, don’t be afraid to tweak it based on your preferences. Add more garlic if you’re a garlic lover, or increase the Parmesan if you favor a cheesier profile.

What to serve with

When serving Wingstop Lakers Legendary Garlic wings, pairing them with the perfect side dishes can turn a simple meal into an unforgettable feast.

Classic Celery and Carrot Sticks with Blue Cheese Dressing

Why It Works: The cool, crisp texture of celery and carrot sticks contrasts beautifully with the rich, savory Wingstop Lakers Legendary Garlic. Blue cheese dressing provides a creamy tanginess that balances the intense flavors of the garlic and Parmesan.

Loaded Potato Skins

Ingredients: Large potatoes, cheese (sharp cheddar works great), bits of crispy bacon, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chives.

Presentation: This hearty side complements the wings by offering a different texture and flavor profile. The potato skins provide a starchy base that complements the meaty wings, and the loaded toppings add layers of flavor that echo the richness of the main dish.

Creamy Coleslaw

Why It Works: Sometimes, a bit of acidity and crunch is what you need to cut through the richness of garlic Parmesan wings. A creamy coleslaw, with its vinegar-based dressing, can provide a refreshing side note. Plus, its creamy texture mirrors that of the wing’s coating, creating a cohesive dining experience.

Sweet Cornbread

Ingredients: Cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, eggs, and butter.

Why It Works: The sweetness of cornbread offers a delightful contrast to the savory, umami-rich wings. It’s also a great way to add a comforting, homey touch to the meal.

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Ingredients: Brussels sprouts, olive oil, shredded Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

Why It Works: If you love the garlic Parmesan theme and can’t get enough, why not carry it over to your vegetables? Roasted until crispy and tossed with similar flavors, these Brussels sprouts make for a harmonious side that’s both healthy and indulgent.

Zesty Lemon Pepper Fries

Ingredients: Potatoes (or frozen fries for convenience), lemon zest, cracked black pepper, salt, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Why It Works: The zesty lemon flavor adds a refreshing brightness that lifts the overall taste of your meal. Pepper adds a subtle heat which complements the garlic’s punch. Fries are a crowd-pleaser and a timeless companion to wings, making them a must-have on your table.

Refreshing Cucumber Salad

Ingredients: Thinly sliced cucumbers, red onions, a simple vinaigrette (olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper), and fresh dill.

Why It Works: For those seeking a lighter, more refreshing side, a cucumber salad can provide a cooling contrast to the wings. The vinaigrette’s acidity balances the rich, buttery coating of the wings, while dill adds a pop of freshness.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a homemade version of Wingstop Lakers Legendary Garlic wings involves combining a garlic Parmesan sauce with perfectly fried or baked chicken wings. If you don’t have access to all the specific ingredients typically used in this recipe, there are plenty of substitutes that can help you achieve a similar taste. Here are detailed ingredient replacements for each component:

For the Chicken Wings:

• Chicken Wings: If you can’t find chicken wings, chicken drumettes or chicken thighs cut into smaller pieces can serve as an effective substitute. Adjust your cooking time accordingly, as different cuts may cook at varying rates.

For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

• Fresh Garlic: If you’re out of fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder or granulated garlic. As a guideline, one clove of garlic is equivalent to about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder.
• Butter: In case you don’t have butter, you can use margarine or ghee. For a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based butter substitute.
• Parmesan Cheese: If Parmesan is not available, other hard, aged cheeses like Grana Padano, Pecorino Romano, or Asiago can be good alternatives. For a non-dairy version, nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan cheese substitutes can provide a similar umami flavor.
• Parsley: While fresh parsley offers a bright, fresh flavor, if you don’t have it on hand, dried parsley can be used. Use one teaspoon of dried parsley to replace one tablespoon of fresh parsley.

For the Breading (If applicable):

• All-Purpose Flour: If you are coating your wings in flour before frying and don’t have all-purpose flour, you can use an alternative like rice flour or potato starch for a gluten-free option that still provides a crispy texture.
• Breadcrumbs: If you’re using breadcrumbs and don’t have any, you can crush up croutons or use crushed cornflakes, Panko, or even finely ground crackers as a substitute.

Final Thoughts

Recreating Wingstop Lakers Legendary Garlic wings at home is not just about replicating a recipe; it’s about bringing the excitement and spirit of the game into your dining room.

More Wingstop Recipes:

• Copycat Wingstop Atomic Wings Recipe