Zesty Crispy Dry-Rubbed Baked Chicken Wings Recipe for Fun Nights

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and these crispy dry-rubbed baked chicken wings deliver pure flavor magic.

Homemade spice blends can turn ordinary chicken wings into an extraordinary culinary experience.

The robust dry rub infuses each wing with layers of tangy, smoky, and slightly spicy notes that dance across your palate.

Every bite promises a perfect crunch that rivals deep-fried alternatives without the extra grease.

Salt, paprika, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne create an irresistible coating that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.

These wings emerge golden-brown and packed with bold, zesty character that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Prepare to be the kitchen hero who transforms a simple protein into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 384 kcal

Servings: 4

Gear Up for Epic Baked Chicken Wings

• Baking Sheet: Large, flat pan for cooking wings evenly.
• Wire Rack: Sits on baking sheet to help wings crisp up from all sides.
• Large Mixing Bowls: Two separate bowls for coating wings and mixing dry rub.
• Paper Towels: Essential for drying chicken wings before seasoning.
• Measuring Spoons: For precise dry rub ingredient measurements.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping wings during baking and serving.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165F.

Bake Your Epic Dry-Rubbed Chicken Wings the Way

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a sizzling 400F and set up a wire rack on a lined baking sheet for perfect wing cooking.

• Prep Your Poultry

Grab those chicken wings and give them a thorough towel pat-down to ensure maximum crispiness.

• Create Flavor Magic

Whip up a spice blend mixing smoky paprika, zesty garlic powder, warm cumin, punchy chili powder, and a touch of brown sugar for killer depth.

• Coat and Transform

Massage wings with olive oil, then lovingly dust them with your custom spice mixture until every inch is covered in flavor.

• Bake to Perfection

Spread wings on the rack in a single layer and slide into the hot oven. Bake 40-45 minutes, flipping midway, until wings are golden and crispy with an internal temp of 165F.

• Serve and Enjoy

Let wings rest briefly, then plate up with your favorite dipping sauce and fresh veggie sticks for a crowd-pleasing feast.

Flavor Hacks for Epic Dry-Rubbed Chicken Wings

• Crispy Wing Secrets: Tips to elevate your wing game and make them irresistible.
• No-Fail Moisture Technique: Pat wings completely dry before seasoning to guarantee ultra-crispy exterior and prevent soggy results.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust cayenne pepper amount to dial heat up or down – start with less and gradually increase based on personal spice tolerance.
• Gluten-Free Wing Hack: Ensure all dry rub ingredients are certified gluten-free for people with dietary restrictions; double-check spice labels carefully.
• Alternative Protein Options: Swap chicken wings with turkey wings or cauliflower florets for vegetarian version while maintaining similar seasoning approach and cooking method.

How to Serve Up Epic Chicken Wings Boldly

• Party Platter Paradise: Create a stunning wing display with colorful vegetable sticks, blue cheese dressing, and extra dry rub on the side for adventurous guests.
• Gameday Crowd-Pleaser: Serve wings on a large wooden board with mini mason jars of ranch and hot sauce, perfect for sports watching parties and casual gatherings.
• Balanced Meal Approach: Pair wings with a crisp coleslaw, roasted sweet potato wedges, and a light cucumber salad to add nutritious sides that complement the spicy chicken.
• Cool Down Companion: Offer a refreshing homemade yogurt dip or tangy cucumber-mint sauce to balance the wings' bold and spicy dry rub flavors, providing a delightful taste contrast.

Keep Your Chicken Wings Epic with Proper Storage

• Wing Batch Brilliance: Prepare multiple batches during weekend meal prep, storing uncooked seasoned wings in airtight containers for quick weeknight cooking.
• Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Keep cooked wings in sealed containers for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention and food safety with tight-fitting lids.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Wrap cooled wings individually in aluminum foil, then place in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Revival Method: Restore crispiness by warming wings in preheated oven at 375F for 10-12 minutes, avoiding microwave to maintain original texture and crunch.

Epic Dry-Rubbed Baked Chicken Wings Ingredients List

• Chicken Wings: Select plump, fresh wings with intact skin for maximum crispiness, preferably organic or free-range for richer flavor.

• Paprika, Chili Powder, Cayenne: Craft a bold, warm heat profile with varying levels of spiciness and depth.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provide aromatic base notes that enhance overall savory essence.
• Cumin, Thyme: Add earthy undertones and complex herbal dimensions to the spice blend.
• Black Pepper, Salt: Essential seasoning elements that amplify and balance other spice characteristics.
• Brown Sugar: Creates beautiful caramelization and subtle sweetness to counterbalance spicy elements.

• Olive Oil: Helps spices adhere to wings and promotes even, golden browning during roasting.
• Parchment Paper: Ensures non-stick surface and easy cleanup after baking.
• Wire Rack: Allows hot air circulation for consistently crispy wing exterior.

Crispy Dry-Rubbed Baked Chicken Wings Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Culinary enthusiasts will adore this epic dry-rubbed baked chicken wings recipe that brings bold flavors from traditional American grilling techniques. Crispy, spicy wings deliver maximum taste with minimal preparation, perfect for game day or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (900 g) chicken wings, split and tips removed
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp brown sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Ranch, blue cheese dressing, or favorite dipping sauce
• Lime or lemon wedges

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Position rack in center, preheat to 400F (200C), line baking sheet with parchment and insert wire rack for optimal air circulation and crispy wing development.
2. Wing Preparation: Pat chicken wings thoroughly dry with paper towels, eliminating moisture to guarantee maximum exterior crunchiness and even seasoning adherence.
3. Seasoning Fusion: Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, thyme, black pepper, salt, cayenne, and brown sugar into a comprehensive spice blend, whisking until perfectly integrated.
4. Coating Technique: Drizzle olive oil over wings, massaging to create a light, even layer, then aggressively dust with spice mixture, ensuring complete and robust flavor coverage across every wing surface.
5. Strategic Placement: Arrange wings on wire rack in single layer, maintaining space between pieces to facilitate uniform heat distribution and prevent steaming, which compromises crisp texture.
6. Precision Roasting: Bake for 40-45 minutes, rotating midway through cooking process to guarantee consistent golden-brown coloration and complete internal cooking, confirming doneness when internal temperature reaches 165F (74C).
7. Resting and Serving: Allow wings to rest 5 minutes for juice redistribution, then plate with complementary dipping sauces and crisp vegetable garnishes for a comprehensive flavor experience.

Notes

• Optimize Wing Crispiness: Pat chicken wings completely dry with paper towels to remove surface moisture, ensuring a crispy exterior during baking.
• Prevent Spice Clumping: Mix dry spices thoroughly and sift together before applying to prevent uneven seasoning distribution on wings.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal wing temperature reaches exactly 165F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked chicken without overcooking.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust cayenne and chili powder quantities to personalize heat intensity, allowing the recipe to suit different spice tolerances while maintaining the core flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg