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    Home » Recipes » Party Food » Wings

    Smoky Dry Rub Chicken Wings [BAKED]

    Feb 9, 2022(updated May 9, 2023)

    By Michelle Weiner

    Make the best baked chicken wings ever using this simple paprika, chili powder, and brown sugar dry rub! These Smoky Dry Rub Chicken Wings are deliciously crispy, juicy, tender, and easy to make.
    No ratings yet
    Prep Time 30 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 45 minutes minutes
    Chill Time 1 hour hour
    Jump to Recipe
    a platter of dark brown baked dry rub chicken wings next to a small bowl of ranch dressing.

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Make the best baked chicken wings ever using this simple paprika, chili powder, and brown sugar dry rub! These Smoky Dry Rub Chicken Wings are deliciously crispy, juicy, tender, and easy to make.

    close up on a pile of dark brown baked dry rub chicken wings next to a small bowl of ranch dressing.
    Photos by Michelle Boulé

    Tastes like smoked chicken without the smoker!

    Move over, sauces! It’s time for the chicken wing dry rub to shine. 

    A simple 7-spice dry rub is the secret to these crispy, juicy, and Smoky Dry Rub Chicken Wings. The perfectly balanced sweet, savory, and smoky flavors will leave you wondering, “were they made in a smoker?” Nope! The dry rubbed and crispy wings only need a quick 45-minute trip in the oven before they’re ready to eat.

    I used my tried and true process for these oven baked chicken wings to ensure they turn out crispy and crunchy every time. The best part is they can be prepared up to 12 hours ahead of time and don’t need to be babysat (unlike deep fried chicken wings).

    While you’re preparing these dry rubbed chicken wings, why not whip up a batch of my Salt and Vinegar Chicken Wings and Soy Garlic Chicken Wings? You and your guests won’t be able to get enough of the crispy chicken goodness!

    close up on dark brown baked dry rub chicken wings.

    Ingredients

    These baked chicken wings are crispy, crunchy, and packed with flavor thanks to a smoky dry rub made from simple ingredients:

    Chicken wings 

    Make sure to separate the flats and drumettes if your wings come connected. Dry them really well with paper towels so the baking powder and dry rub sticks to the skin.

    individual white bowls holding raw chicken wings, brown sugar, and spices.

    All the spices!

    That’s right - you need 7 different spices in this dry rub recipe! Not to worry because all 7 are pantry-staples and easy to find. This is what you’ll need:

    • Sweet smoked paprika - This gives the rub its signature smoky goodness. Swap this with hot smoked paprika for added spice or, if you can’t find sweet smoked paprika, regular smoked paprika works instead.
    • Chipotle chili powder - Gives the chicken wings more smokiness and depth. You can use regular chili powder if that’s what you already have at home but you may miss out on some of the smokiness.
    • Garlic powder
    • Onion powder
    • Dry mustard powder - Coleman's dry mustard powder is my go-to, but there are other brands that work just as well!
    • Salt
    • Black pepper
    3 baked chicken wings on a yellow plate next to a bowl with ranch dressing and a platter of more chicken wings.

    How to make smoky dry rub chicken wings in the oven

    The ​​chicken wing rub leaves these wings with an epic smoked flavor without them actually needing to be smoked! Instead, the chicken wings are baked in the oven after a few simple steps:

    glass bowl filled with a brown spice blend.

    Step 1: Mix the brown sugar, baking powder, and the dry spices together in a bowl.

    raw chicken wings in a paper towel-lined glass bowl.

    Step 2: Dry the chicken wings really well with paper towels.

    tossing raw chicken wings in a beige spice blend.

    Step 3: Toss the chicken wings in the dry rub.

    raw chicken wings coated in spices in rows on a wire rack.

    Step 4: Lay the coated wings on a wire rack and leave them to chill in the fridge.

    baked spice-covered chicken wings in rows on a wire rack.

    Step 5: Bake the chicken wings until they're browned and crisp, then enjoy!

    Tips and tricks

    Follow these tips and tricks to make the best baked wings ever:

    Let them rest!

    The longer you leave the coated wings to chill and dry out, the crispier they’ll become. Let them rest for at least 1 hour or up to 12 hours in the fridge.

    womans hand dipping a baked chicken wings in white ranch dressing.

    Bake them on a wire rack

    Baking the wings on a wire rack on top of a baking sheet will circulate more air in and around the wings. If you were to only use a rimmed baking sheet, the wings would steam and turn out soggy.

    Don’t forget the dipping sauce

    Every great chicken wing recipe needs a dipping sauce and these dry rubbed wings are no different! Serve them with creamy, cooling sauces to help balance the heat. Homemade ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing are the way to go!

    pile of chicken wings drizzled with ranch dressing

    Recipe

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    a platter of dark brown baked dry rub chicken wings next to a small bowl of ranch dressing.

    Smoky Dry Rub Chicken Wings

    Make the best baked chicken wings ever using this simple paprika, chili powder, and brown sugar dry rub! These Smoky Dry Rub Chicken Wings are deliciously crispy, juicy, tender, and easy to make.
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    Print Rate Pin
    Author: Michelle Weiner
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: party food, tailgating
    Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Chill Time: 1 hour hour
    Makes: 6 servings

    Equipment

    • parchment paper
    • baking sheet
    • wire baking rack

    Ingredients

    • 2 pounds chicken wings separated into drumettes and flats
    • 2 teaspoons aluminum-free baking powder NOT BAKING SODA
    • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
    • 1 ½ teaspoons sweet smoked paprika
    • 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¾ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
    • ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
    • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
    • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

    Instructions

    • Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and place a wire baking rack on top of each. Spray the racks with nonstick spray.
    • Place wings in a large bowl and thoroughly dry with paper towels.
    • Mix the remaining ingredients together in a small bowl.
    • Sprinkle the dry rub mixture evenly over the wings and toss to coat.
    • Evenly place on the racks and chill for at least 1 hour and up to 12.
    • Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
    • Bake the wings for 30 minutes. Flip the wings, and continue to bake until they are crisp and golden brown about 15 minutes.
    • Serve immediately with dipping sauce of choice!
    Did you make this recipe?Share a pic and tag @cupofzest and use #cupofzest so I can see it!

    « Baked Soy Garlic Chicken Wings [CRISPY]
    Honey Lemon Pepper Wings (CRISPY BAKED!) »

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    ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

    Not only will you be helping us out, but you'll also be spreading the love to other party planners looking for their next big hit!

    Your star rating and comment can make all the difference in helping others discover the perfect recipe for their next shindig. And let's be honest, who doesn't love a good party? So let's get this party started by sharing the love and making sure everyone has a delicious time. Thanks for being a part of the Party Food Crew! And remember, party more & stress less!

    🎉 Cheers,
    Michelle

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    Hi, I'm Michelle and welcome to the party!

    After of working in the culinary world for over 10 years, I'm sharing the skills I've learned with you here at Cup of Zest. I'm here to help you invite your friends over more and stress less when cooking for them. Glad you're part of the crew!

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