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    Home » Recipes » Chicken Recipes

    Grilled Dry Rub Chicken Wings

    Published: Sep 8, 2019 · Modified: Jul 22, 2023 by Chef Dennis Littley

    16.8K shares
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    4.82 from 143 votes
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    Pinterest image for grilled dry rub chicken wings

    When you want to up your grilling game, try my Grilled Dry Rub Chicken Wings. Crispy perfection with charred bits on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. Seasoned with the best dry rub you’ll ever taste.

    white platter of grilled dry rub chicken wings with chopped parsley sprinkled on top.

    Perfectly seasoned with a simple blend of seasoning, my grilled dry rub wings are perfect for game day or anytime your friends gather to enjoy life and all the deliciousness it has to offer.

    I know you’ll agree that this is the best chicken wing recipe you’ve grilled in a long time! With just a few minutes of prep, it’s an easy meal for a busy weeknight.

    Table of Contents:

    • Ingredients
      • Made with simple ingredients
    • How do I split Chicken Wings?
    • What spices should I use for my Dry Rub?
    • How to make Dry Rub Chicken Wings
    • Can  I cook dry rub chicken wings in the oven?
    • Can I cook dry rub chicken wings in an air fryer?
    • Recipe FAQ’s
    • More Chicken Wing Recipes You’ll Love!
    • Dry Rub Chicken Wings
      • Ingredients
      • Instructions
      • Video
      • Notes
      • Nutrition

    Ingredients

    ingredients to make recipe.

    Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make grilled dry-rub chicken wings. In Chef Speak, this is called the “Mise en Place,” which translates to “Everything in its Place.”

    Not only does setting up your ingredients ahead of time speed up the cooking process, it also helps ensure you have everything you need to make the dish.

    Made with simple ingredients

    • chicken wings
    • brown sugar
    • salt
    • onion powder
    • garlic powder
    • chili powder
    • smoked paprika
    • ground cumin
    • black pepper

    If you like heat, add a little cayenne pepper to the seasonings. And if you’re not a fan of a particular flavor, leave that spice out of the mix. Cooking is all about making changes. It’s important to cook with ingredients that you and your family enjoy eating.

    How do I split Chicken Wings?

    Let’s talk about safety first. 

    Always use a cutting board to cut meats, seafood, or vegetables. That being said, always make sure your cutting board has been properly cleaned and sanitized between uses. Use your favorite household cleaner, and always wash the board twice.

    *You can also place the once-cleaned cutting board into your dishwasher for a really good cleaning. This is super important when cutting any meat or seafood.

    one hand holding chicken wing while the other hand holds a chefs knife cutting thru the joint of the wing.

    Cutting whole chicken wings is really simple. All you need to do is locate the joint and cut through it.

    Hold one end firmly and securely while cutting through the joint carefully. I leave the wing tips on for some of the wing dishes I create but feel free to chop off the wing tip if you prefer. (If you do remove the wing tips, save them in a ziplock bag in the freezer for the next time you make chicken soup)

    Chef Dennis Tip: If you keep the knife down low (directly on the joint) you’ll have less chance of cutting yourself.

    What spices should I use for my Dry Rub?

    A lot of what I do is my take on foods I’ve seen or eaten on my travels. These wings were recreated from a dishful of deliciousness I enjoyed on a recent adventure. I simply pulled out a few spices from my cabinet and started blending until I got the flavor profile just right.

    Cooking is rocket science, and lots of times, it comes down to using ingredients that you like rather than exactly what the recipe calls for. I went through a few variations of spice combinations to come up with the one I eventually used for my dry rub, and hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

    How to make Dry Rub Chicken Wings

    glass bowl of mixed spices for dryrub and metal bowl of raw cut chicken wings.
    • Mixing the seasonings together in a small bowl.
    • Rinse the wings in cold water. Split them if necessary, then pat them dry with paper towels.
    raw seasoned wings on a white platter .

    Rub the chicken wings on all sides with a generous amount of my spice rub. Feel free to use less seasoning, I like my dry-rubbed chicken wings bursting with spicy flavors!

    overhead view of recipe cooking on the grill.
    • Place dry-rubbed wings on the grill allowing them to cook for 6-8 minutes. Turn wings occasionally to crisp them all over. They can cook longer if you like really crispy skin on the chicken wings. *Be careful not to burn in the wings, the sugar in the dry rub can cause the wings to burn.
    • Move the chicken wings to indirect heat and continue to cook with the lid closed for another 8-10 minutes. Or until an instant-read thermometer reads an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

    I love the charred parts, as you’ll find most men do. Just serve green vegetables or a big salad along with them to add as a detox for the charring. Here’s a good article to read about foods that help detoxify the body.

    Recipe cooking on aluminum foil sheet on top of a grill.

    You can reduce charing by placing a double sheet of aluminum foil on the grill. This can be used as early in the process as you like, but I would recommend getting a little color on them before placing them on the foil.

    *You will still need to turn the wings often, even on the foil.

    Can  I cook dry rub chicken wings in the oven?

    You certainly can. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and place the prepared wings in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet on an oven rack placed in the top third of the oven. After 7-10 minutes, turn the wings over and return to the oven.

    Turn the oven down to 350 and cook for another 10-12 minutes or until the wings have good color and the internal temperature of the chicken is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

    If you love oven-baked chicken, try my Crispy Chicken Legs Recipe.

    Can I cook dry rub chicken wings in an air fryer?

    It’s easy to make crispy air fryer chicken wings. Just place the dry rub wings in a non-preheated air fryer at 375°F and let them cook for about 20 minutes. The dry rub wings should be crispy on the outside and fully cooked through in the center.

    white oblong platter with grilled dry rub chicken wings

    Wouldn’t you love to sit down to this delicious plate of grilled dry rub chicken wings? After one bite I know you’ll agree these are the best dry-rub wings!

    Serve these delicious crispy wings with celery sticks, bleu cheese dressing, ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce.

    Recipe FAQ’s

    Do you put the dry rub on before or after cooking?

    Definitely before is the preferred method of using this wing seasoning. But you can always add a little more using a shaker to apply the seasoning after cooking if you like.

    How do I get the dry rub to stick to the chicken wings?

    The natural moisture in the wings will attract the seasoning, allowing you to get a good coating on the wings.
    You can dry the wings with paper towels and add a light coating of oil to the wings before the seasoning, but this step isn’t really necessary.

    How long should I let the dry rub marinate the wings before cooking?

    You can let the rub marinate on the wings for up to 8 hours, but 30 minutes should be more than enough time to let the seasonings penetrate the wings.

    More Chicken Wing Recipes You’ll Love!

    • Tequila Lime Drunken Chicken Wings on a white platter next to a kitchen towel
      Tequila Lime Drunken Chicken Wings Recipe
    • chinese sticky wings on a white platter with chopped scallion garnish
      Chinese Sticky Chicken Wings
    • buffalo chicken wings with celery sticks and bleu cheese dressing on a white plate
      Best Buffalo Chicken Wings
    • overhead shot of grilled dry rub lemon pepper chicken wings on a white platter
      Grilled Dry Rub Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

    Did you make this? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

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    grilled dry rub chicken wings on a white platter
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    4.82 from 143 votes

    Dry Rub Chicken Wings

    When it comes to Dry Rub Chicken Wings, my recipe will make you look like a Grilling Superstar at your next get together or family dinner! They are easy to make and oh so delicious!
    Prep Time15 minutes mins
    Cook Time20 minutes mins
    Total Time35 minutes mins
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 169kcal
    Author: Chef Dennis Littley

    Ingredients

    • 2 pounds chicken wings split at first joint. *remove wing tip if desired
    • ¼ cup packed brown sugar
    • 1 ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • 1 ½ teaspoon granulated onion
    • 1 ½ teaspoon granulated garlic
    • 1 ½ teaspoon chili powder
    • 1 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1 ½ teaspoon ground cumin
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    US Customary – Metric
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Measure all ingredients into a small mixing bowl and thoroughly mix to fully incorporate spices.
    • Rub the chicken wings on all sides with a generous amount of the dry rub.
    • Preheat the grill to medium high heat (350º-400ºF)
    • Place dry-rubbed wings on the grill allowing to cook for 6-8 minutes. Turn wings occasionally to crisp them all over. They can cook longer if they don’t look crisp enough.
    • *Be careful not to burn in the wings, the sugar in the dry rub can cause the wings to burn.
    • Move the chicken wings to indirect heat and continue to cook with the lid closed for another 8-10 minutes.

    Video

    Notes

    *Check the wings with a meat thermometer, it should read 165 degrees.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 169kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 492mg | Potassium: 140mg | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 425IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1.1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @askChefDennis or tag #askChefDennis!

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    About Chef Dennis

    Picture of Chef Dennis

    Chef Dennis Littley is a classically trained chef with over 40 years of experience working in the food service industry. In his second career as a food blogger he has made it his mission to demistify cooking by sharing his time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen. Let Chef Dennis help you bring the joy of cooking into your home. For more details, check out his About page.

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    1. Wayne

      June 25, 2023 at 8:19 pm

      5 stars
      I feel like it’s time for me to leave a review. I’ve been making these wings since 2020. Crowd pleaser every time. Thanks Chef Dennis!

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        June 25, 2023 at 8:58 pm

        you’re welcome Wayne, and thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.

        Reply
    2. Brie

      September 12, 2021 at 5:51 pm

      5 stars
      These are great. Very easy and a crowd pleaser. Thank you Dennis love your site.

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        September 12, 2021 at 5:54 pm

        Thanks for the great review and comment Brie, I’m very happy to hear you enjoyed the wings!

        Reply
        • Terri Pierracos

          November 23, 2021 at 6:27 pm

          5 stars
          OMG this is amazing! I have tried this recipe both on the barbecue and in the Air Fryer. These are the best wings I have ever tasted and I have tried many recipes! In the Air Fryer I sprayed the wings with cooking spray and used the Chicken setting for 28 minutes. They are better than the oven, so crispy and delicious! This is now my go to chicken wing recipe. I love how healthy and tasty they are! Thank you for this great recipe!

        • Brienne

          March 17, 2022 at 12:51 pm

          Hi chef!! As you know we love this.. do you think it would work on ribs? Or do you have any other suggestions.
          Thanks !

        • Chef Dennis Littley

          March 17, 2022 at 1:15 pm

          Hi Brienne

          the rub would work on ribs, but ribs need to be cooked much longer over indirect heat or in the oven. I have a dry rub recipe for ribs, that is really good -> https://www.askchefdennis.com/grilled-baby-back-ribs/

    3. Bloome

      July 30, 2021 at 7:11 pm

      Listen! These were amazing. I substituted the salt for lawry’s seasoned salt and that’s it. Popped these babies right in the air fryer and they were crispy and delicious! I couldn’t stop eating. I’ll be adding some kick to them next time. Thanks for sharing this recipe!

      Reply
    4. Janet DeLeon

      July 13, 2021 at 8:21 pm

      5 stars
      Tried your rub this eve. And OMG, I didn’t even deviate or add to it. It was sooooo delicious, I was be saving this for more wings. Thank you for sharing

      Reply
    5. Tina T

      July 03, 2021 at 11:32 am

      Hello,
      Before starting I would like to know what I can add to give the receipe some hotness Please!

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        July 03, 2021 at 11:58 am

        you can add more chili powder, siracha dry spice, chipotle, cajun seasoning, or any other type of chili spice you have on hand.

        Reply
    6. Natalie

      June 18, 2021 at 11:26 am

      5 stars
      Oh wow, this looks fantastic. I love the spices you used here. What a lovely flavor combo. I’m super excited to give this a try. We’re having a bbq this weekend 🙂

      Reply
    7. Colleen

      March 23, 2021 at 8:47 pm

      5 stars
      I only like dry rubs for chicken wings – and this was an interesting combination with the brown sugar which does add a bit of ‘wet’ but also serves to give the ‘grilled’ effect. I made mine in the oven, and they took about 45 minutes at 400 – but I swear my new oven has a problem with the thermostat. I ended up turning it to broil for less than 5 minutes at the end – and got the charred look from the brown sugar. The wings were moist and flavourful – without a lot of heat – which I liked because I could taste all the flavours of the spices along with the chicken. This is an excellent recipe and I have tried a few. This one will become my staple. Thank you Chef Dennis.

      Reply
      • Joanne

        August 20, 2021 at 5:21 pm

        5 stars
        These were finger licking good!! Sweet, savory, and easy to make! 😋 My fiancé loved them. I saved this recipe to make again!

        Reply
    8. Stephanie

      February 04, 2021 at 4:51 pm

      I cooked these once in the oven as directed. Delicious but they took quite a bit more time than you indicate to get crispy.

      Reply
    9. E

      December 21, 2020 at 4:41 pm

      5 stars
      Top notch

      Reply
    10. Joe

      November 26, 2020 at 10:48 am

      5 stars
      This is now my go to dry rub for poultry, so good!

      Reply
    11. Jeanne

      November 04, 2020 at 6:50 pm

      These are so easy and delicious! I have made these several times and family and friends love them!

      Reply
    12. Kathy Rogers

      September 26, 2020 at 9:00 pm

      Made these tonight. OMG the best! Thanks for sharing your recipe.

      Reply
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    My name is Dennis Littley or “Chef Dennis” as I’m known both at work and across the blogosphere. As a classically trained chef with 40+ years of experience in the kitchen, I share my time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen.

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