Chicken Wing Seasoning

This zesty Chicken Wing Seasoning features all the flavor and spice without the messiness of traditional wings.

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Though football season may be months away, there is no reason you have to retire wings until September. I have expressed endlessly, in detail, my love for wings, so I’ll spare you my Pavlovian response to the word. However, many of us think of saucy buffalo wings, but today we have a lovely dry rub with a history as rich as its taste.

Chicken Wing Seasoning is also popularly known as a dry rub, which is a mix of spices. Spice and salt have been used for hundreds of years to preserve meats at a time before refrigeration. Eastern European immigrants landed in Texas in the 1800s and brought with them their method of curing and flavoring meat. The recipe has evolved and has since become a staple of Texan cuisine and BBQ establishments across the nation.

The simple combination of chili powder, garlic, paprika, onion, salt, and pepper creates a flavorful heat in each bite of your chicken wings. Chicken wing seasoning is great because it can be used alone or as the base or marinade before coating wings in sauce. A batch lasts six months and can be used on other types of meat.

Is Chicken Wing Seasoning Healthy?

The spices in chicken wing seasoning are high in antioxidants and contain many beneficial properties. For example, chili powder and paprika may improve circulation, and alleviate pain and inflammation. Also, this recipe has very few calories. I know it is not a “food” per se, but adding these spices to flavor your meal is a healthier alternative than adding sauce, butter, or sugar. This makes it great for those following a keto, paleo, or whole30 lifestyle. And vegans, don’t be disgruntled by the word “chicken” in the title. This seasoning can be sprinkled on veggies or potatoes. It can also be tossed in olive oil, then thrown on the grill or roasted in the oven.

How To Use Chicken Wing Seasoning

After preparing the recipe as written, you may be like, “Now what?” I recommend drizzling a small dollop of olive oil on your wings before adding the seasoning to help it stick. Then sprinkle your seasoning and physically rub it in. This will create a deeper flavor and crispy coating. You can leave your wing seasoning overnight, but even a half hour will do the trick.

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

Mix

Combine all spices in a bowl.

Store

Keep the seasoning in an airtight container.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How do I store this seasoning?

Once all the ingredients are combined, store your chicken wing seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to six months.

Can I use this chicken wing seasoning on anything aside from wings?

Yes! I use this regularly on chicken breasts and ribs. As mentioned, it can also be sprinkled on veggies or potatoes with a bit of olive oil to spice them up.

Can I add sugar to this recipe?

Many traditional dry rubs do include sugar or brown sugar. In the spirit of keeping this recipe healthy, I omitted it, but you can add some sugar to your liking. However, be sure to cook the wings on low heat as the sugar may cause them to burn.

Serving Suggestions

Wings and dipping sauce go hand in hand, but that doesn’t mean the combo is boring! Why not break away from the traditional blue cheese and ranch and try some cool Tzatziki Sauce or creamy Honey Mustard to balance the heat? Another great complement for your chicken wings is the perfect salad. Try this crunchy Broccoli Apple Salad, traditional Macaroni Salad, or Ina Garten’s Potato Salad. Finally, wash it all down with a White Wine Cocktail with Peaches and Honey Fig Syrup.