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    Home » Recipes » Course » Condiments

    Best Chicken Wing Rub

    Dec 1, 2021 · Modified: Apr 3, 2022 by Caitey Jay

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    This is truly the best chicken wing rub. Not only does it taste amazing, but it's also easy to make using simple ingredients and lasts for up to one year. Make a large batch and you'll have it ready to go for wing night all year round.

    Spices needed to make chicken wing rub in two bowls on a marble countertop.
    Jump to:
    • Why should you try this recipe?
    • Ingredients
    • Recipe Variations
    • Instructions
    • Equipment
    • FAQs
    • How To Serve
    • Similar Recipes
    • Best Chicken Wing Rub

    Why should you try this recipe?

    Here's why you'll love my best wing rub:

    • A dry rub is simple to make. It’s incredibly easy to whip together. In just 5 minutes, you'll have an aromatic mix of spices ready to be applied to chicken wings (or any other meat for that matter).
    • It will save you time when making chicken wings. If stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, this spice rub will last up to one year. That means you won't have to make a new dry rub every time you make chicken wings. You'll simply pull out this container and sprinkle a couple of tablespoons onto the wings.
    • It's a healthier alternative to sauce. A dry rub is a mix of spices and herbs that's used to infuse flavour into meat. It results in such good flavour that you won't have to add a ton of sauce after the meat cooks. That's great news because sauces are often filled with added sugars and sodium.

    Scroll down to see the printable recipe with nutritional information.

    Ingredients

    Here's what you'll need for the best chicken wing rub.

    • Paprika (smoked or sweet): I use smoked paprika because I generally use this dry rub for air fryer or oven baked chicken wings. If you're using it for grilled meat, then you can go with sweet paprika since there will already be smoky flavour from the grill.
    • Garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme leaves, kosher salt, coriander, black peppercorns: Adds savoury flavours to the dry rub.
    • Cayenne pepper: Adds spice to the dry rub.

    Scroll down to find the printable recipe with ingredient measurements.

    Recipe Variations

    Everyone has their own take on what makes the best chicken wing rub. But, what it really comes down to is finding a flavour profile that tastes good to you.

    I suggest using my recipe as a base. Then, follow these guidelines to adjust the three basic flavour profiles that go into a dry rub.

    • Sweet: If you're looking for a sweeter dry rub, I suggest adding brown sugar or coconut sugar. These will not only turn up the sweetness, but also help you create a crusty caramelized exterior on your chicken wings.
    • Spicy: If you're looking to add heat to your dry rub, I find cayenne pepper, dry chipotle and chili powder work best. Cayenne is my preference because it adds heat without overpowering the other flavours in rub. Be sure to add a little at a time.
    • Savory: Nearly everything else you add to your dry rub will be considered savory. Play with the ingredients and the amount of each. Some good options are: garlic powder, onion powder, salt, cumin, coriander, dry mustard, cumin, paprika, and celery salt.

    Instructions

    The best chicken wing rub is prepared in just a few easy steps. Let's break it down to take any guesswork out of it.

    An empty mason jar on a marble countertop. Two bowls of herbs and spices sit beside it.
    • Add all ingredients to a jar.
    • Close the lid.
    • Shake well to combine herbs and spices
    A bowl of herbs and spices with a gold spoon in it.
    • If you don't have a jar, add all ingredients to a bowl and mix to combine.
    A mason jar filled with a spice rub. A bowl is in the background.
    • Store in a cool, dark place for up to one year.

    Recipe Notes

    • Use fresh ingredients. Spices and herbs start to lose flavour after a jar has been opened for a while, usually after nine months. For the best flavour, use fresh dried herbs and grind some of the ingredients fresh (black peppercorns and coriander seeds). If you don’t have a spice grinder, you can use a small coffee grinder to do so.

    How To Store

    • Pantry: Dry rub can be used right away or stored for up to on year. To store, place in an airtight jar in a cool, dry place like a cupboard or dark pantry. Be sure to record the date on the rub.

    For the full ingredient list and step-by-step directions, scroll down to view the recipe card.

    Equipment

    Here's what you need to make the best chicken wing rub recipe.

    • 16 oz Wide Mouth Pint Jar: You can use any mason jar or airtight container. I like the 16 oz mason jar because it fits this recipe perfectly. When I'm not using it for dry rub, I can also use it for other condiments too, like my homemade almond butter or chia seed jam.

    FAQs

    Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about this chicken wing dry rub with no sugar.

    How do you get a dry rub to stick to wings?


    Dry rub won't stick to chicken wings if they're moist. Use a paper towel to blot off liquid before applying oil and spice rub.

    How long should dry rub sit on chicken?


    A dry rub needs time to work its flavours into the meat. It's best to allow the dry rub to sit on the meat for 15 minutes to 3 hours. Do not let it sit longer than 12 hours. If it's on for too long, it will begin to dry out and cure the meat.

    Should I season wings before frying?


    Always season before rather than after frying chicken wings. Dry rubs need to be cooked with the meat, while sauces can be applied after cooking.

    How To Serve

    Okay, so it's made. Now it's time to use this delicious dry rub.

    • How to use: When you're ready to use the dry rub, add it to a rimmed baking sheet or large glass bowl. Add the chicken wings and generously massage the dry rub across the entirety of the wing. Let sit for 15 minutes to 3 hours, depending how much time you have. Do not let it sit longer than 12 hours or the chicken will begin to cure.
    • Where to use: This is the perfect dry rub for my air fryer chicken wing recipe. But, it can also be used on other meats or roasted veggies. For inspiration, check out these easy healthy recipes that would benefit from a dose of this delicious dry rub.
    • Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings
    • Sous Vide Flank Steak

    Similar Recipes

    If you enjoyed this recipe for chicken wing dry rub, I invite you to check out my collection of other healthy condiments or check out the ones I hand selected for you below,

    • Keto Tartar Sauce
    • Turmeric Paste
    • Creamy Vegan Chipotle Ranch Dressing
    • How To Pickle Red Onions (Quick & Easy)

    If you make this best chicken wing rub, please consider leaving a star rating and a comment. Don't forget to tag @caiteyjay on Instagram or @caiteyjay on Pinterest so I can see your creations.

    Print
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    Best Chicken Wing Rub

    ★★★★★ 5 from 1 reviews
    • Author: Caitey Jay
    • Prep Time: 5
    • Total Time: 5
    • Yield: 1 jar 1x
    • Category: condiments
    • Method: no bake
    • Cuisine: american
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    This is truly the best chicken wing rub. Not only does it taste amazing, but it's also easy to make using simple ingredients and lasts for up to one year. Make a large batch and you'll have it ready to go for wing night all year round.


    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • ¼ cup paprika, smoked or sweet
    • 2 tablespoons black peppercorns, freshly ground
    • 3 tablespoons garlic powder
    • 3 tablespoons onion powder
    • 3 tablespoons dried oregano
    • 2 tablespoons dried thyme leaves
    • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
    • 2 teaspoons coriander
    • 1.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper

    Instructions

    1. Add all ingredients to a jar.
    2. Close the lid.
    3. Shake well to combine herbs and spices
    4. Store in a cool, dark place for up to one year.

    Notes

    • Use fresh ingredients. Spices lose flavor after a jar has been opened for nine months. For the best flavour, use fresh dried herbs and grind some of the ingredients fresh (black peppercorns, coriander seeds). If you don’t have a spice grinder, you can use a small coffee grinder.

    Keywords: dry rub, spice rub, condiment

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @caiteyjay on Instagram


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      Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    1. Jayne

      January 13, 2022 at 7:12 pm

      The perfect spice rub for wings and thighs. I added more cayenne because I like it spicy.

      ★★★★★

      Reply

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