Tired of the same old boring chicken wings? Ready to elevate your game night or weekend BBQ with unbelievably flavorful, crispy wings? Then you've come to the right place! This recipe for a homemade dry rub will transform your chicken wings from ordinary to extraordinary. It's incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor. Get ready to experience the ultimate in delicious, homemade cooking!
Ingredients:
This dry rub recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adjusted to your liking. But, this is our go-to combination for perfectly balanced flavor.
- 2 tablespoons paprika (sweet or smoked, your choice!)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, for extra heat!)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Making this dry rub is as simple as it gets! Follow these easy steps for perfectly seasoned wings every time.
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients until evenly distributed. Make sure there are no clumps of spices.
- Rub it In: Pat your chicken wings dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Generously rub the spice mixture all over the wings, ensuring they are completely coated. Get into those nooks and crannies!
- Marinate (Optional): For even more intense flavor, you can let the wings marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. The longer they marinate, the more flavorful they'll become.
- Cook the Wings: Now comes the fun part! You can bake, fry, grill, or air fry your wings. Baking at 400°F (200°C) for about 45-60 minutes, flipping halfway, usually results in crispy, juicy wings. Adjust cooking time depending on your cooking method and desired level of crispiness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, let the wings rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces – ranch, blue cheese, BBQ sauce – the options are endless!
Cooking Tips for Extra Crispy Wings:
- Dry those wings! Patting your wings dry is key to achieving crispy skin. Excess moisture will prevent them from crisping up properly.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When baking or frying, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will allow for even cooking and crisping.
- Adjust the heat: If you find your wings are browning too quickly, reduce the oven temperature slightly. If they're not crisping up enough, increase the temperature.
- Experiment with different cooking methods: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cooking methods to find your preferred level of crispiness.
Variations:
This basic dry rub is a fantastic starting point, but feel free to get creative! Here are some fun variations:
- Lemon Herb Wings: Add the zest of one lemon and a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley) to the rub.
- Spicy Mango Habanero: Add a tablespoon of mango powder and a teaspoon of habanero powder for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Sweet and Smoky: Increase the brown sugar to two tablespoons and add a teaspoon of liquid smoke for a smoky, sweet flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Serving size will vary depending on wing size and quantity. This is an approximation for a medium-sized wing using the recipe above.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: Approximately 10-15g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
These delicious chicken wings are a perfect quick dinner idea, a great addition to your game day spread, or a satisfying healthy meal option when made with lean chicken. This easy recipe is perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks looking for delicious dishes and the best recipes for their next gathering. Enjoy!