This dry rub recipe for chicken wings has just the right balance of smokiness, sweetness, and heat. Perfect for tailgating or entertaining, this rub goes great on wings that are smoked, grilled, baked, air fried, or deep fried.
Do you want to cook wings that your friends and family will go crazy for? I’m not just talking about GOOD wings that your guests will eat and enjoy. I’m talking about LIFE CHANGING wings that will have people who don’t particularly care for wings licking their fingers and coming back for more.
My family loves chicken wings so I make them all the time. I’ve tried out a bunch of store bought dry rubs but they always leave me unsatisfied. So I started experimenting with different ingredients and trying out various combinations of spices and seasonings.
With each batch of wings I took notes so I’d remember exactly how I made them. I had my family give me their opinions and even got some of my grilling buddies to give their feedback and suggestions too.
After cooking more wings than I can count, I finally found the perfect balance of sweetness, heat, and smoke. And so I share with you the best chicken wing dry rub recipe I’ve ever tasted.
Ingredients In My Dry Rub For Chicken Wings
You probably already have most of these dry rub ingredients in your pantry, and they’re all available in any grocery store.
- Kosher salt – I always prefer kosher over table salt
- Paprika – either sweet or smoked paprika will work
- Garlic powder – granulated garlic works too
- Onion powder
- Chili powder – for some kick!
- Cayenne pepper – for some more kick!
- Black pepper
- Turbinado sugar – gives a touch of sweetness and caramelization
- Baking powder – the secret to perfectly crispy wings
- Celery salt – just a touch gives a subtle background flavor
The full recipe card below has all the measurements you need for each ingredient. You’re welcome to experiment and mix up the amounts or even add in your own ingredients to make it your own, but I’ve spent a lot of time getting this recipe just right and I strongly recommend you try making it exactly as described below first.
I usually smoke them until they’re fully cooked and then toss them on the grill to crisp them up, but sometimes I skip the smoke and just use the grill.
What Type Of Wings To Use
I prefer to use party wings that have already been split rather than whole chicken wings. Party wings have already been split into the flat and the drumette which saves work and ensures they cook evenly.
Of course you can use any kind of win you like best. You can also use this dry rub recipe for chicken breast, thighs, or bone-in parts.
How to Make Crispy Dry Rub Chicken Wings
- Combine the kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, turbinado sugar, baking powder, and celery salt into a bowl or resealable plastic bag.
- Pat dry the chicken wings and add to the bowl with the dry rub. Toss the wings to ensure they’re fully coated.
- Cook the chicken in your oven, grill, smoker, or air fryer.
Best Dry Rub For Chicken Wings
This dry rub for chicken wings has just the right balance of smokiness, sweetness, and heat. Perfect for tailgating or entertaining, this rub goes great on wings that are smoked, grilled, baked, air fried, or deep fried.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 ½ tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 ½ tablespoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon celery salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne, turbinado sugar, baking powder, and celery salt.
- Place wings in a large bowl or plastic bag. Add the rub and mix until all wings are coated, then place in the refrigerator
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 30Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1313mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 2gSugar: 2gProtein: 1g
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