– **Title**: Crispy Dry Rub Chicken Wings
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 pounds chicken wings
– 2 tablespoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust based on heat preference)
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Optional: fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. This allows air to circulate around the wings for extra crispiness.
2. In a large bowl, combine the baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme. Mix well to create the dry rub.
3. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.
4. Add the chicken wings to the bowl with the dry rub. Toss the wings until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
5. Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on the wire rack, ensuring they are not touching each other for optimal crispiness.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.
7. Once they are golden brown and crispy, remove the wings from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes.
8. Serve the wings hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired. They can be enjoyed plain or with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: Fresh wings are best for this recipe, but frozen ones work too. Just ensure they’re completely thawed and patted dry for that crispiness. You can also substitute with drumsticks if you prefer those.
Baking Powder: This is essential for crispiness! If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could try a baking soda and cornstarch mix (1:2 ratio) instead.
Paprika: Regular paprika adds color and flavor, but smoked paprika gives it a nice, smoky touch. Try experimenting with both to find your favorite!
Brown Sugar: If you’re not a fan of sugar, coconut sugar or honey can be used in smaller amounts as an alternative. Just adjust if using liquid sweeteners.
Cayenne Pepper: Use this if you like heat. For a milder option, replace it with smoked paprika or omit it altogether. Adjust spice levels to your taste!
How Do I Get My Chicken Wings Extra Crispy?
Achieving perfectly crispy chicken wings is all about the preparation. The baking powder is crucial here as it helps absorb moisture. Here’s how to ensure your wings turn out crispy:
- First, dry the chicken wings thoroughly. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
- Gently toss the wings in baking powder alone before adding the spices. This layering helps create that crispy crust.
- Using a wire rack over the baking sheet allows air to circulate around the wings. This is key for even cooking.
- Flip the wings halfway through cooking. This ensures both sides get evenly crispy.
How to Make Crispy Dry Rub Chicken Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings
For The Dry Rub:
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 40-45 minutes to bake. So, in about an hour, you’ll have crispy and flavorful chicken wings ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). It’s a good idea to line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet; this will help the wings stay crispy as they cook.
2. Prepare the Chicken Wings:
In a large bowl, add your chicken wings along with the baking powder. Toss them around well to ensure they are coated evenly. The baking powder is the secret ingredient that makes them crispy!
3. Make the Dry Rub:
In another bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and dried herbs. If you like some heat, add in the cayenne pepper. Mix everything together until well-blended to create your dry rub.
4. Coat the Wings:
Now it’s time to sprinkle the dry rub over the chicken wings. Toss the wings again until they are all coated with the mixture. You want them to be well-seasoned and flavorful!
5. Arrange the Wings:
Place your seasoned wings in a single layer on the wire rack. Make sure they’re not touching each other; this is key for achieving that perfect crispiness!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake the wings for about 40-45 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they brown evenly. They should be golden and crispy when done.
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once cooked, carefully take the wings out of the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. This will help them finish crisping up. Finally, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your crispy dry rub chicken wings warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese dressing. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. For quick thawing, place the wings in a sealed plastic bag and submerge them in cold water for about an hour. Pat them dry thoroughly before proceeding with the recipe to ensure they get crispy!
Can I Substitute Ingredients in the Dry Rub?
Absolutely! You can customize the dry rub based on your preferences. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use white sugar or honey (just be cautious with the amount). For the spices, feel free to add your favorites like cumin or chili powder, or omit the cayenne if you prefer less heat.
How to Store Leftover Wings
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. This is a great way to revive their texture!
Can I Make These Wings Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the wings and apply the dry rub a few hours in advance. Cover them with plastic wrap and let them marinate in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This helps the flavors penetrate the meat, making them even tastier!