Epic Dry-Rubbed Baked Chicken Wings Recipe

Unforgettable Epic Dry-Rubbed Baked Chicken Wings Recipe

Crafting mouthwatering dry-rubbed baked chicken wings requires zero culinary magic—just smart techniques.

Senses will spark with this flavor-packed marvel.

Our seasoning blend transforms ordinary poultry into an irresistible feast.

Spices dance across crispy skin, creating layers of deliciousness.

Home cooks can nail restaurant-quality results without complicated steps.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly in this foolproof method.

Dive into this recipe and become the kitchen hero you were meant to be.

What Makes These Epic Dry-Rubbed Baked Chicken Wings So Good

  • Achieve restaurant-quality wings with minimal effort using a simple oven-baking technique that guarantees extra crispiness.
  • Whip up a bold, complex dry rub with common pantry spices that creates a mouthwatering layer of taste without complicated preparation.
  • Perfect for game days, weekend gatherings, and casual get-togethers where everyone craves delicious, easy-to-eat finger food.
  • Baking instead of deep-frying reduces excess oil while maintaining juicy, flavorful chicken wings that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Epic Baked Chicken Wings

Chicken Base:
  • Chicken Wings: Fresh, meaty chicken wings perfect for crispy baking, preferably patted completely dry for maximum crispiness.
Dry Rub Spices:
  • Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Chili Powder, Cumin, Thyme, Black Pepper, Salt, Cayenne, Brown Sugar: A complex blend of spices that creates a rich, layered flavor profile with sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy notes.
Coating and Preparation Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Helps dry rub adhere to wings and promotes even browning and crispy exterior, choose a good quality extra virgin olive oil for best results.

How to Bake Epic Dry-Rubbed Chicken Wings at Home

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top for optimal air circulation and crispy results.

Step 2: Prep Chicken Wings

Pat chicken wings thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring maximum crispiness.

Step 3: Oil The Wings

Gently coat wings with olive oil in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even coverage.

Step 4: Create Flavor Explosion Spice Mix

Combine spices in a separate bowl:
  • Paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Chili powder
  • Cumin
  • Thyme
  • Black pepper
  • Salt
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Brown sugar

Step 5: Coat Wings With Spice Blend

Thoroughly toss wings in spice mixture, ensuring every inch is generously covered with the flavor-packed blend.

Step 6: Arrange And Bake

Place wings in a single layer on wire rack. Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping midway through cooking. Wings are done when golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Allow wings to rest for 5 minutes. Serve with preferred dipping sauce and fresh vegetable sticks for a complete meal experience.

Tips for Flavorful and Crispy Chicken Wings

  • Dry Wings for Maximum Crispiness: Pat chicken wings thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a perfectly crispy exterior when baked.
  • Strategic Rack Placement: Use a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow hot air circulation, preventing soggy bottoms and creating evenly cooked wings with a crunchy texture.
  • Balanced Seasoning Technique: Mix dry rub ingredients thoroughly and coat wings evenly by tossing in a large bowl, guaranteeing each wing gets maximum flavor in every bite.
  • Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165F/74C, ensuring chicken is fully cooked while maintaining juicy meat inside the crispy exterior.
  • Resting Time Matters: Allow wings to rest for 5 minutes after baking, which helps redistribute juices and prevents burning, creating a more tender and flavorful final dish.

Reheating and Storing Epic Baked Chicken Wings

  • Store leftover wings in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Preheat oven to 350F, place wings on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
  • Use sparingly as it can make wings soggy. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking to prevent overcooking.
  • Wrap wings tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags, storing for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What to Serve with These Dry-Rubbed Chicken Wings

  • Blend zesty lime margaritas to complement the wing's bold spices, cutting through the richness with bright, refreshing citrus notes.
  • Create a creamy blue cheese dressing that balances the wing's spicy dry rub, offering a smooth, cooling counterpoint to the heat.
  • Prepare a light, crunchy coleslaw with vinegar-based dressing to provide a tangy, fresh side that contrasts the wings' deep, savory flavors.
  • Choose hoppy IPAs or amber ales that can stand up to the robust spice profile, enhancing the wing's complex seasoning with complementary maltiness.

Flavor Swaps for the Epic Dry-Rubbed Chicken Wings

  • Low-Sodium Wellness Wings: Replace salt with herb-infused salt alternatives or use sodium-free seasoning blends for heart-healthy individuals.
  • Keto-Friendly Crispy Wings: Swap brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener and ensure all spices are low-carb to maintain ketogenic diet requirements.
  • Gluten-Free Spice Sensation: Verify all spices are certified gluten-free and use certified gluten-free ingredients to accommodate gluten-sensitive guests.
  • Dairy-Free Protein Pack: Confirm olive oil is pure and all spices are dairy-free for individuals with lactose restrictions, maintaining the recipe's rich flavor profile.

FAQs About Epic Dry-Rubbed Baked Chicken Wings

  • What makes the dry rub special?

The dry rub combines multiple spices like paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and brown sugar, creating a complex flavor profile that adds depth and subtle sweetness to the chicken wings.

  • Do I need special equipment to make these wings?

You’ll want a wire rack placed on a baking sheet, which helps air circulate around the wings and promotes crispier skin. If you don’t have a wire rack, you can still bake the wings directly on parchment paper.

  • Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, control the heat by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper. Start with a small amount and add more gradually to match your spice tolerance.

  • Is olive oil necessary for this recipe?

Olive oil helps the dry rub stick to the wings and promotes even browning. If you prefer, you can substitute with avocado or vegetable oil.

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Epic Dry-Rubbed Baked Chicken Wings Recipe

Epic Dry-Rubbed Baked Chicken Wings Recipe


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4.5 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent Epic Dry-Rubbed Baked Chicken Wings promise a flavor explosion that elevates game day snacking to gourmet heights. Crispy exterior and juicy meat deliver a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Protein:

  • 2 lbs (900 g) chicken wings, split and tips removed

Dry Rub Spices:

  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

Cooking and Garnish Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Ranch, blue cheese dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce
  • Lime or lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 400F (200C) and setting up a parchment-lined baking sheet with a wire rack for optimal air circulation.
  2. Thoroughly blot chicken wings with paper towels, eliminating excess moisture to guarantee maximum crispiness.
  3. Massage wings with olive oil, ensuring each piece receives a uniform, light coating.
  4. Craft the spice blend by whisking together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, thyme, black pepper, salt, cayenne, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl.
  5. Generously coat wings with the spice mixture, massaging seasoning into every crevice for robust flavor penetration.
  6. Strategically arrange wings on the wire rack, maintaining a single layer without overcrowding to promote even cooking and crisp texture.
  7. Roast in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, rotating midway to ensure consistent browning and crispness.
  8. Verify doneness by checking that internal temperature reaches 165F (74C), indicating fully cooked meat.
  9. Allow wings to rest for 5 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and enhance overall tenderness.
  10. Present with complementary dipping sauces and fresh vegetable accompaniments for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

  • Ensure wings are thoroughly dried to guarantee maximum crispiness, preventing soggy texture during baking.
  • Experiment with spice blend ratios to customize heat level and flavor profile for personal preferences or dietary needs.
  • Use a meat thermometer to accurately check internal temperature, preventing undercooked chicken while maintaining juicy meat.
  • Consider alternative coating options like gluten-free seasoning or low-sodium spice mixes for specific dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 384
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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