Behind the Scenes: How We Make Our Wings

When it comes to pizza's perfect sidekick, nothing beats a plate of hot, crispy, flavorful wings. At Pizza73, our wings have developed a loyal following across Canada, with many customers ordering them as a main dish rather than just a side. Today, we're pulling back the curtain to show you exactly what makes our wings so special.

It Starts with Quality Chicken

The journey to perfect wings begins with selecting the right chicken. We source our wings from Canadian farms that meet our strict quality standards. We use only mid-joint wings (also known as "flats") and drumettes—the two most flavorful sections of the chicken wing.

Our wings arrive fresh, never frozen, at our locations. This commitment to freshness is crucial for maintaining the juicy texture that our wings are known for. Before preparation, each batch is inspected for quality, ensuring every wing meets our standards.

Our Unique Preparation Method

While we can't reveal all our secrets (some things need to remain in the vault!), we can share the basic process that makes our wings stand out from the competition:

1. The Brine

Before cooking, our wings undergo a special brining process. This step infuses the meat with moisture and flavor from the inside out, ensuring that even after cooking, the wings remain juicy. Our proprietary brine includes a special blend of spices and natural ingredients that create the foundation of our wings' flavor profile.

2. The Coating

After brining, our wings are lightly coated with our signature blend of flours and spices. This isn't a heavy batter like some chains use—it's a delicate coating that creates the perfect surface for developing crispiness without becoming too thick or absorbing too much oil.

3. The Cook

Our wings are cooked using a two-stage process that's been perfected over years of testing:

• First Stage: Wings are cooked at a precise lower temperature to ensure the meat is perfectly cooked all the way through without drying out.
• Second Stage: A higher-temperature finish creates that irresistible crispy exterior while sealing in juices.

This approach gives us the best of both worlds: wings that are crispy on the outside but still juicy and tender inside. Unlike some competitors who pre-cook and reheat their wings, ours are always cooked fresh to order.

The Flavor Magic: Our Signature Sauces and Rubs

After cooking, our wings are tossed in your choice of our handcrafted sauces or dry rubs. Each of these recipes has been developed in-house and tested extensively to ensure perfect flavor and consistency.

Wet Sauces

Our wet sauces are made in small batches to ensure quality and flavor. Some of our most popular options include:

• Buffalo Hot: Our classic buffalo sauce blends cayenne pepper, aged red peppers, butter, and a touch of vinegar for that authentic buffalo flavor with a serious kick.
• Honey Garlic: A perfectly balanced sweet and savory sauce featuring Canadian honey, fresh garlic, and a blend of Asian-inspired spices.
• BBQ: Our signature BBQ sauce is slow-simmered for hours, combining smoky, sweet, and tangy notes for a rich, complex flavor.
• Sweet Chili: This Thai-inspired sauce balances sweet and heat with hints of garlic, red chili, and a touch of ginger.

Dry Rubs

For those who prefer a less messy wing experience, our dry rubs offer intense flavor without the sauce:

• Salt & Pepper: A seemingly simple but perfectly balanced blend of sea salt, cracked black pepper, and a secret mix of herbs.
• Lemon Pepper: Zesty lemon zest combined with cracked black pepper and a hint of herbs creates a bright, piquant flavor profile.
• Cajun: Our house-made Cajun seasoning brings the spirit of New Orleans with paprika, cayenne, oregano, and a blend of secret spices.

The Dipping Experience

No wing experience is complete without the perfect dip. Our house-made dipping sauces include:

• Ranch: Our creamy ranch is made with real buttermilk and fresh herbs.
• Blue Cheese: Featuring chunks of real blue cheese in a creamy base.
• Creamy Garlic: A smooth, garlicky sauce that pairs perfectly with spicier wing varieties.

These dips aren't an afterthought—they're designed specifically to complement and enhance the flavor of our wings.

Packaging for Perfect Delivery

We've even engineered our packaging to ensure your wings arrive in perfect condition. Our wing boxes feature:

• Ventilation holes that allow steam to escape, preventing sogginess
• Special liners that absorb excess moisture while maintaining heat
• Sturdy construction that protects wings during transport

This attention to detail ensures that whether you're dining in or ordering delivery, your wings will arrive hot, crispy, and delicious.

Quality Control

Each batch of wings goes through a rigorous quality control process before leaving our kitchen. Our trained staff check for:

• Proper cooking temperature (minimum internal temperature of 74°C/165°F)
• Consistent coating of sauce or rub
• Visual appeal and portion size

If a batch doesn't meet our standards, it doesn't make it to your table—it's as simple as that.

Try Them Yourself!

Now that you know the care and craftsmanship that goes into our wings, we hope you'll appreciate them even more the next time you order. Whether you're a Buffalo hot fan or prefer the simplicity of Salt & Pepper, our wings are the perfect complement to your favorite pizza—or outstanding on their own!