Chicken Wing Seasoning

Chicken wing seasoning is the easiest way to give your next batch of chicken wings some added oomph. Mix it up in minutes for a sweet, savory, smoky, and spicy rub!

If homemade wings are part of your game day ritual, then you need to make this chicken wing seasoning ASAP. The flavor? Unmatched. The effort required to make it? Minimal. 

When you mix your own seasoning blends, you can nail that perfect combo of sweet, savory, smoky, and spicy—each of which is represented in this chicken wing seasoning. Want a kick of heat? Go for it! Prefer a little more sweetness? Add more sugar—you’re the boss here!

Best of all, I bet you have every single ingredient on hand to make this spice rub right now. Because, you see, making your own chicken wing seasoning isn’t just delicious, it’s also easier on your wallet than those pricey bottles of spice blends they sell at foodie stores. You can whip up multiple batches for the same price as store-bought blends and skip the preservatives and fillers in the process. 

Ingredients for Chicken Wing Seasoning

Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need for this recipe. For the full measurements, scroll down to the recipe card.

• Brown Sugar – This adds sweetness and helps with caramelization, making your chicken wings extra delicious.
• Chili Powder – The perfect combination of heat, earthiness, and Tex-Mex flair.
• Onion Powder – This ingredient adds a nice savory element to the seasoning, without the bite of fresh onion.
• Smoked Paprika – For a rich smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with chicken wings.
• Garlic Powder – Another savory element that helps round out the flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper – The classic duo! I like using freshly cracked black pepper.
• Cayenne – Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne depending on how spicy you want your wings to be. It’s always better to start with less and add more as needed.

How to Make Chicken Wing Seasoning

For a printable version of these instructions, see the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

1. Mix. Combine all the ingredients in a jar.
2. Use. Rub the chicken wing seasoning onto wings before cooking.

How to Use Chicken Wing Seasoning

To start, pat your chicken wings dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick to the wings better. If you’re grilling your wings, brush them with a little oil before adding the seasoning. 

Next, generously rub the seasoning onto both sides of the wings. You can let them sit at room temperature a bit for the seasoning to permeate while you preheat your oven or grill.

Now you’re ready to cook! Use any of these methods for cooking your chicken wings:

• Air Fryer Chicken Wings
• Crispy Baked Chicken Wings
• Grilled Old Bay Chicken Wings (swap out the Old Bay seasoning)
• Baked Buffalo Wings

Storing Chicken Wing Seasoning

Store your chicken wing seasoning in an airtight container or jar in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. Make sure to label the container with the name and date so you know when it was made—spices start to lose their flavor over time, so you’ll want to keep track of how old your homemade seasonings are.

Other Ways to Use Chicken Wing Seasoning

Once you taste this wing rub seasoning, you’ll want to use it on all the things—and the good news is that you can! Here are some more dishes that would work well with the flavors in this spice blend:

• Best Oven Baked Chicken Breast
• Grilled Pork Chops
• Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries
• Grilled Spatchcock Chicken
• Pan Seared Salmon

More Seasoning Blends to Try

• Lemon Pepper Seasoning
• The BEST Dry Rub
• Poultry Seasoning
• Apple Pie Spice
• Homemade Pizza Seasoning
• Meatloaf Seasoning
• Adobo Seasoning

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