Introduction:
Craving crispy, flavorful chicken wings without the mess of sauce? These Crispy Dry Rub Chicken Wings are the answer! Coated in a delicious blend of spices and baked to crispy perfection, these wings pack all the flavor and crunch you love. Perfect for parties, game day, or a family meal, these wings are easy to make and sure to please everyone.
Inspiration Behind Crispy Dry Rub Chicken Wings:
This recipe is inspired by the simplicity and bold flavor of traditional wings but without the sticky sauce. The dry rub creates a crust that’s rich in flavor, making these wings just as satisfying as sauced ones while maintaining their crispy texture.
Ingredients Breakdown:
- For the Chicken Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings (split into flats and drumettes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the Dry Rub:
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Step-by-Step Recipe:
- Prepare the Chicken Wings:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove moisture, which helps them get crispy. Toss the wings in olive oil.
- Make the Dry Rub:
- Mix all the dry rub ingredients (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, brown sugar, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne) in a bowl.
- Coat the Wings:
- Toss the wings in the dry rub until they are evenly coated with spices.
- Bake the Wings:
- Arrange the wings on the wire rack, making sure they are not touching. Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through. Bake until golden and crispy.
- Serve:
- Let the wings rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces or on their own!
Tips for the Perfect Crispy Dry Rub Chicken Wings:
- Dry Wings: Pat the wings dry to ensure crispy skin.
- Use a Wire Rack: A wire rack allows air to circulate, crisping the wings evenly.
- Spice Adjustments: Increase cayenne or add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Variations and Customizations:
- Lemon Pepper Wings: Substitute paprika with lemon zest for a zesty twist.
- Sweet and Spicy: Add more brown sugar to balance the spice.
- Herb-Infused: Add dried thyme or rosemary for an aromatic flavor.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:
- Baked, Not Fried: These wings are a healthier alternative to fried wings.
- Low-Carb & Gluten-Free: Suitable for keto and gluten-free diets.
FAQ:
- Can I use an air fryer?
Yes! Cook the wings at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes in the air fryer. - How do I store leftovers?
Store wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Crispy Dry Rub Chicken Wings
Ingredients
EPIC DRY RUB:
- 1/2 Tbsp ancho chile pepper
- 1/2 Tbsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 Tbsp onion powder
- 1/2 Tbsp kosher salt
- 3/4 Tbsp light brown sugar packed
- 3/4 tsp chili powder
- 3/4 tsp paprika
- 3/4 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper less if you’re worried about the heat level
- 1/2 tsp dried mustard powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp dried ground thyme
WINGS:
- 4 lbs chicken wings thawed completely if using a frozen bag
- 2 Tbsp vegetable or canola oil
CREAMY GORGONZOLA SAUCE:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3-6 Tbsp buttermilk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 -3 oz crumbled gorgonzola cheese
- 1 clove garlic grated
- 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
MAKE DRY RUB AND CHICKEN WINGS:
- Preheat oven to 400 F degrees. Line a large baking sheet with 2 sheets of aluminum foil (or 1 heavy duty sheet). Top that with an oven safe cooling rack and spray it with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Combine all dry rub ingredients in a small mixing bowl, set aside. In a large mixing bowl, add chicken wings and vegetable oil. Use a rubber spatula to toss gently to coat.
- Sprinkle in about half to 2/3 of the dry rub mixture and use your hands to massage it into all of the chicken wings, coating evenly. Feel free to use all the dry rub, but for a coating like in the photos, 1/2-2/3 of the mixture does just fine.
- Add chicken wings to prepared baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes.
MAKE GORGONZOLA SAUCE:
- To your food processor or blender, add mayo, buttermilk, sour cream, 1.5 oz of the gorgonzola cheese, garlic, lemon juice, pepper and salt. Process until smooth.
- Transfer to serving bowl and stir in remaining gorgonzola cheese. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use.