Best Dry Rub for Chicken Wings

chicken wings with honey dry rub that were baked in the oven

This best dry rub for chicken wings is a sweet and smoky spice blend that bakes up crispy in the oven; no sauce or marinade needed, just an easy chicken wing rub you massage on before it hits the pan.

Course Seasonings

Cuisine American

Keyword chicken wings, dry rub, oven-baked

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Servings servings

Calories 293

Author Gina Dickson

Ingredients

1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
2 tablespoons honey powder (or substitute brown sugar)
4 pounds chicken wings cut into drumettes and wingettes

Instructions

Combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and honey powder in a large bowl, mixing well and breaking up any clumps by pressing with the back of a spoon.
1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 2 tablespoons honey powder
If your wings are whole, cut them into drumettes and wingettes first.
4 pounds chicken wings
Rinse the wings under cold water and remove any pin feathers left after processing.
Pat the wings completely dry with paper towels. This helps the rub stick.
Generously sprinkle and massage the rub onto the wings until evenly coated.
Let the wings sit for at least 30 minutes before cooking, or refrigerate and marinate overnight for a more intense flavor.
Preheat the oven to 400°F and place the wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack set in the sheet pan.
Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy and a food thermometer reads 165°F internally.
Optional: brush with your favorite BBQ or buffalo sauce before serving.

Notes

Substitution: If you don't have honey powder, brown sugar works in its place.
Storage: Refrigerate leftover wings in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze for up to 4 months for best quality.
Reheating: Reheat in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Nutrition