Copycat Wingstop Citrus Mojo Wings Recipe (Taste Test & Review)
🍋🔥 We tried Wingstop's brand new Citrus Mojo wings on launch day, and honestly, they're unlike any flavor we've tested before! The citrus marinade hits you first with this bright, zesty punch—lime and orange notes that wake up your taste buds—then the savory garlic and herbs kick in. Compared to their other citrus flavors, this one has way more depth. The wings stayed crispy even after being tossed in sauce, and the chicken was tender and juicy inside. After testing the whole menu, this might be our new favorite.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- chicken wings 2 lbs
- baking powder (aluminum free) 1 tbsp
- vegetable oil (for frying) 4 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
- fresh lime juice 3 tbsp
- fresh orange juice 2 tbsp
- fresh garlic, minced 1.5 tbsp
- fresh cilantro, finely chopped 2 tbsp
- olive oil 2 tbsp
- kosher salt 1 tsp
- black pepper 0.5 tsp
- ground cumin 0.5 tsp
- dried oregano 0.5 tsp
- orange zest 1 tsp
- lime zest 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates
7 g
7%
Protein
27 g
28%
Fat
26 g
65%
Cooking steps
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1
Pat chicken wings very dry with paper towels to ensure extra-crispy skin; toss wings evenly with baking powder and a pinch of salt for the signature crunchy exterior.
-
2
Preheat vegetable oil in a large heavy pot or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer and maintain this temperature for best results.
-
3
Fry wings in batches (don’t overcrowd) for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and super crisp on the outside but juicy inside. Transfer to a wire rack to drain.
-
4
While wings fry, whisk together lime juice, orange juice, garlic, cilantro, olive oil, salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, orange zest, and lime zest in a large bowl to make the Citrus Mojo sauce.
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5
Toss hot fried wings thoroughly in the Citrus Mojo sauce to evenly coat every piece; serve immediately for maximum crispness and flavor. (Copycat tip: Tossing while wings are piping hot helps them soak up the bright, zesty flavors, just like at Wingstop!)
Personalized Q&A
Q. Does this Citrus Mojo Wings recipe actually taste like Wingstop’s version?
Yes! This recipe closely mimics Wingstop’s Citrus Mojo Wings by using fresh lime and orange juice, garlic, cilantro, and just the right blend of savory herbs. Frying the wings until extra-crispy and tossing in a bright, zesty mojo sauce gives you that wing shop texture and punch of citrus you expect from the real thing.
Q. Can beginners make this copycat Citrus Mojo Wings recipe at home?
Absolutely! While you’ll need to deep-fry the wings, there are only a few key steps, and the recipe is straightforward to follow. Just pay close attention to oil temperature and don’t overcrowd the fryer for best crispy results.
Q. Can I customize the Citrus Mojo sauce if I want it more garlicky or spicy?
Definitely. You can add extra minced garlic, swap in a little chopped jalapeño for heat, or boost the lime or orange zest if you like a punchier citrus flavor. The core recipe gives a very close match to Wingstop but can be tailored to your taste.
Q. How many calories are in a serving of these homemade Citrus Mojo Wings?
Each serving (about 180g, or 6-8 wings) has approximately 390 calories. Most of that comes from the fried wings and the olive oil in the mojo sauce.
Q. What’s the secret to crispy Wingstop-style wings at home?
Patting the wings dry and tossing with a little baking powder is key—it dries the skin for crunch. Then, frying at 375°F ensures you get that signature golden, crackly exterior while keeping the meat juicy and tender.
