This Reaper Garlic Parmesan Wings recipe proves that bold wing flavor doesn’t have to rely on heavy sauces or straight heat — it comes from smart seasoning, proper cooking temperatures, and knowing how to balance richness with spice. Built on crispy, well-rendered wings and finished with a creamy garlic parmesan sauce kissed with Reaper heat, this cook delivers deep flavor without overwhelming your palate.

This recipe comes from a Cooking With Friends episode featuring Mike Starr of Blazing Star BBQ, where familiar comfort food is elevated by live fire and thoughtful seasoning rather than complicated techniques. The focus wasn’t on reinventing garlic parmesan wings, but on refining the fundamentals — choosing quality chicken, seasoning with intention, cooking to the right temperature, and finishing with a sauce that enhances instead of overwhelms.

Mike’s approach to barbecue has always centered on understanding how flavors build and how heat should support the food, not dominate it. That mindset carries through this cook, turning a familiar wing flavor into something more deliberate and memorable.

Reaper Garlic Parmesan Wings | Heath Riles BBQ

By seasoning the wings properly, cooking them hot enough to render the skin, and finishing them with a balanced cream sauce, this recipe turns a familiar wing flavor into something memorable. It’s approachable, adjustable, and built to deliver whether you’re cooking for game day or just firing up the grill.

If you’re looking for wings that bring richness, heat, and real depth without being overcomplicated, these Reaper Garlic Parmesan Wings deliver.

Why These Wings Work

Most wing recipes lean hard on sauce to do the heavy lifting. This one builds flavor from the start.

The wings are seasoned before they ever hit the grill, allowing the garlic parmesan and Blazing Star Reaper Rub to bake into the skin. Cooking them to the proper internal temperature renders fat fully, giving you crisp skin instead of rubbery bite-through. The sauce isn’t there to hide flaws — it enhances what’s already working.

The result is a wing that eats clean, tastes bold, and finishes with a controlled, creeping heat that keeps you coming back for another.

The Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need for these Reaper Garlic Parmesan Wings, along with why each ingredient matters.

• Chicken wings. Party wings give you a mix of flats and drums that cook evenly and crisp up properly when cooked hot enough.
• Heath Riles BBQ Parmesan Garlic Seasoning. This is the primary flavor driver. It delivers garlic, salt, and herb notes that hold up through the cook and shine in the finished wing.
• Blazing Star Reaper Rub. Don’t fear it. This seasoning brings sweet heat and depth rather than sharp burn. Used correctly, it adds flavor first and heat second.
• Butter. Forms the base of the sauce and carries the garlic and seasonings.
• Fresh garlic. Essential for building real garlic flavor in the sauce. Adjust the amount to your preference.
• Heavy whipping cream. Creates a smooth, rich sauce that coats the wings instead of running off.
• Freshly shredded parmesan cheese. Melts cleanly and thickens the sauce without becoming gritty.
• Parsley (optional). Adds color and a fresh finish.

The Grill Setup

These wings are cooked using a two-zone fire on a Weber Kettle Grill.

One side of the grill is built with hot coals started in a Chimney Starter, while the other side remains indirect. This setup allows the wings to cook through slowly while rendering fat and crisping the skin without flare-ups.

Stability matters here. Once the wings go on, avoid opening the lid repeatedly. Let the fire do its job.

The Process for Reaper Garlic Parmesan Wings

Season the wings

Pat the wings dry with paper towels. Dry skin is critical for crisp wings.

Season the wings skin-side down first with Heath Riles BBQ Parmesan Garlic Seasoning, followed by a light dusting of Blazing Star Reaper Rub. Flip the wings and repeat, seasoning the presentation side last for even coverage and better appearance.

Cook the wings

Place the wings skin-side up on the indirect side of the Weber Kettle Grill, positioning thicker drum portions closer to the heat.

Close the lid and let them cook undisturbed for about 45 minutes. This steady cook allows fat to render and skin to tighten.

After about an hour, begin checking internal temperature with a ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE. Wings are not done at 165°F — they should be cooked to 200°F or higher for crisp skin and tender meat.

Once they’re close, move them briefly over direct heat to finish and add light char.

Make the sauce

While the wings cook, melt half a stick of butter in a Saucepan over medium heat. Add 4–6 cloves of minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

Stir in approximately 12 ounces of heavy whipping cream, then gradually add 1½–2 cups of freshly shredded parmesan cheese, stirring continuously.

Season the sauce with about one tablespoon of Heath Riles BBQ Parmesan Garlic Seasoning and one tablespoon of Blazing Star Reaper Rub. Let the sauce simmer gently until thick and smooth.

Sauce and finish

Transfer the finished wings to a YETI Rambler Bowl and spoon the sauce over them. You won’t need all of the sauce — just enough to coat.

Toss gently with Tongs until evenly covered. Finish with extra parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley if desired.

The Results

These Reaper Garlic Parmesan Wings come off the grill with crisp skin, juicy meat, and layers of flavor in every bite. The garlic and parmesan hit first, followed by a creamy richness, and then the Reaper heat creeps in at the end without overpowering.

They’re bold without being aggressive, rich without being heavy, and balanced from start to finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these wings hot as-is or alongside simple sides that let them shine.

They pair especially well with classic, cooling dips that balance the heat and richness. Two great options are:

• Homemade Ranch Dressing | Heath Riles BBQ — creamy, herb-forward, and perfect for cutting through the garlic and Reaper heat.
• Homemade Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing | Heath Riles BBQ — bold, tangy, and ideal if you like a stronger contrast with rich wings.

Add celery and carrot sticks for crunch, and you’ve got a balanced plate that keeps the wings front and center.

These wings stand strong on their own but fit easily into any backyard spread.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat on the grill or in the oven to maintain texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the skin and can cause the sauce to separate.

Final Thoughts

These Reaper Garlic Parmesan Wings are a perfect example of how seasoning, temperature control, and thoughtful finishing can elevate a familiar dish.

If you’re looking for wings that deliver real flavor, controlled heat, and crowd-pleasing results without unnecessary complexity, this recipe deserves a spot in your rotation.

Equipment and Tools

Weber Kettle Grill, Chimney Starter, Saucepan, YETI Rambler Bowl, Tongs, ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE