Chicken Wing Seasoning

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This chicken wing seasoning is a mouthwatering homemade dry rub that will take your chicken wings to a whole new level of deliciousness!

Dry rub chicken wings are just divine, and it's so easy to make baked chicken wings using this easy dry rub recipe. Simply follow the step-by-step instructions at the bottom of the page, keeping in mind some of the valuable tips and tricks contained within this guide.

So, let's get cracking!

Why you'll love this chicken wing seasoning recipe

It's a sumptuous seasoning mix with a delicate balance of smoky, spicy, and rich flavors.
You'll never cook plain chicken wings again! The flavor this spice rub brings to the table is just out of this world!
It's perfectly versatile, meaning that it can be used in a wide range of other recipes and cooking methods.
This one is a keeper. Make a big batch and store it long-term for all those wonderful recipes.

Equipment needed

You'll need a variety of important kitchen items before you start making this wonderful chicken seasoning recipe.

Mixing bowl – you'll need a standard mixing bowl to blend up those spices
Spice jars – these glass spice jars are the perfect way to keep your spices for long term storage. The good thing about homemade spice blends is that they can be stored for a long time. In fact, this particular blend can be stored for up to three months without losing any of its taste of fragrance. So, invest in some quality storage jars and keep them in a spice rack for easy use

How to make this chicken seasoning recipe

Measure all the herbs and spices.

Place everything in a bowl.

Give it a mix!

You can now store it in a sealable jar.

Sprinkle the chicken wings liberally with seasoning.

Rub the chicken wings all over with seasoning with your hands.

Store leftover seasoning in a glass jar and use as needed.

How to use chicken wing seasoning

Baked chicken wings

You can season chicken wings for baking. Rub the chicken wing seasoning onto the wings, arrange them on a baking sheet, and bake in the oven on a medium rack, turning every 20 minutes or so, until golden brown and cooked through.

Combine your baked wings with your favorite dipping sauce for double the fun!

Sous vide chicken wings

A sensational chicken wing recipe, sous vide chicken wings are that perfect combination of juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Add the chicken wing seasoning to the batter for a wonderfully flavored BBQ dish.

Instant Pot chicken

For an easy, fuss-free way to whip up chicken wings, look to the Instant Pot. Add the chicken to the pot at your chicken wing seasoning and let the Instant Pot do the rest.

Barbecue chicken wings

Sticky, sweet, and sensational, barbecue chicken wings are as good as they get! Smother your chicken wings in BBQ sauce and grill them in the backyard on a warm summer day.

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Air fryer chicken wings

Air-frying chicken wings is a healthy way to make crispy chicken wings. They are oil-free yet have that wonderful texture that embodies the perfect chicken wing.

Buffalo cauliflower

A sensational vegetarian and keto chicken wings recipe, buffalo cauliflower wings are tender, crispy and absolutely delicious.

Chicken broth

Make a big batch of chicken wing seasoning, and you can use it in all kinds of dishes. For a sensational flavor, you can even add a spoonful or two to chicken broth.

Variations to this recipe

Feel free to mix and match spices for this spice rub. Other popular spices typically used in chicken wing seasoning include mustard powder, cumin, and ancho chile pepper powder.

Popular substitutions

You can replace the dried oregano or dried thyme for a similar woody herb. Something like dried rosemary or dried marjoram would make for a suitable alternative.
Use celery powder instead of onion powder if you can't find any.
Can't find cayenne powder? You can replace it with red pepper flakes or chipotle powder to mimic that wonderful smoky flavor and aroma.

Top tips

Adjusting Seasoning After Brining

If you're brining your chicken wings (or any other chicken cut) before seasoning, it's crucial to omit the salt from the seasoning blend. Brining infuses the chicken with moisture and salt, enhancing its flavor and tenderness.

Adding more salt to the seasoning after brining can lead to overly salty chicken. So, if you've brined your chicken, skip the salt in the seasoning blend to keep the flavors balanced and enjoyable. This adjustment ensures your smoked chicken wings are perfectly seasoned without overpowering the delicate balance of spices and herbs in the blend.

Adjust the Heat

The amount of cayenne pepper can be adjusted up or down depending on your heat preference. If you like it extra spicy, add more cayenne or even a bit of chili powder.

Taste and Adjust

You might want to adjust the amounts of salt and brown sugar depending on your preference for saltiness or sweetness. Start with the recipe as is and modify it in future batches based on your taste.

Experiment with Herbs

Feel free to add or substitute other dried herbs to match your favorite flavor profile. Dried basil, marjoram, or rosemary also work well in this blend.

What is in chicken wing seasoning?

It's a luscious blend of select herbs and spices, each playing a part in creating a delicious, harmonious flavor that elevates the taste of chicken wings to a whole new level.

Chicken wing seasoning typically consists of herbs like oregano and thyme, spices like paprika and cayenne pepper, and other ingredients such as garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar.

How do you use chicken wing seasoning?

Lightly oil your chicken wings, then sprinkle the seasoning blend over them. Make sure to coat all sides evenly. For the best flavor penetration, you can also rub the seasoning into the wings by hand.

How long should you leave the spice mix to marinate?

Letting the seasoned wings sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the refrigerator) before you bake chicken wings will enhance their flavor.

Can you cook dry rub wings in an air fryer?

Absolutely. Cooking chicken wings in an air fryer means you don't have to use olive oil, and they offer a healthier alternative to standard baked chicken wings.

Can this chicken wing seasoning recipe be scaled?

Yes. Make as much as you want! You can double, triple or quadruple the recipe to meet your needs. As spice blends store well, store your chicken wing seasoning in a large airtight container and use it on everything from chicken wings to chicken thighs, breasts and pretty much any cut of meat you like.

How do you make dry rub stick to chicken wings?

You can rub olive oil over the skin of the chicken wings. This will help the dry rub to stick to the outside of the wings. Alternatively, spray olive oil before massaging the seasoning onto the chicken wings.

Can I make this seasoning mix spicier?

Yes. Feel free to experiment with spices to add extra heat to your spice blend. Add chili powder or hot paprika to add a little sizzle.

Is this recipe gluten free?

Yes! Chicken wing seasoning is a dry rub that doesn't use any ingredients that contain gluten

How do you store chicken wing seasoning?

Once you've mixed up your chicken wing seasoning, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. You could also use dedicated spice jars to store your spice blends—see the equipment section above for my recommendation on storage jars for spices.

This chicken wing seasoning blend can be stored for up to three months without losing flavor or fragrance.

What are the best dips to use with seasoned chicken wings?

Make your delicious wings all the more marvelous with a dressing or dip on the side. Go for a blue cheese dressing for a big punch of flavor. You could also use Alabama white sauce, a classic mayonnaise-based BBQ sauce that goes perfectly well with smoky meats.

A simple Adobo sauce would also go down a treat.

More amazing dry rub recipes

Spice mixes bring fragrance and flavor to a whole variety of dishes. Whether you're a seasoned chef or an aspiring home cook, these sublime spice mix recipes will inspire you to experiment with complex flavors and discover the joys of spice.

Salt and pepper seasoning – a fantastic spice mix that brings a heap of flavor to your favorite dishes. Popular across the UK, especially in Liverpool where salt and pepper chips came into fame, it's been used in takeout dishes since the 1960s
Old Bay Seasoning is one of America’s most popular seasoning mixes, a classic blend of delicious earthy spices. Originating in Baltimore, it's particularly delicious when used with fish and seafood dishes
Cajun seasoning – if you’re after an extra hit of subtle spicy flavor, Cajun seasoning is the ingredient you need. Whether or not you’re a fan of Cajun cuisine, this heady blend of earthy spices and herbs will taste meat, fish, and vegetable and rice dishes to another dimension.
Chaat masala – a simple yet sensational seasoning blend that uses unique South Asian spices. It's famously used to add a tangy, subtle spice to street food dishes, salads, fruit, and snacks. This delicious seasoning effortlessly brings a burst of vibrant flavor to any dish, enhancing its characteristic zesty taste.
Jerk spice – the classic Jamaican spice blend, jerk spice is the perfect way to transform meat dishes and add a hit of zesty Caribbean charm to your favorite dishes.

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