This wing rub strikes with smoky heat but keeps you guessing—each bite starts with a flash of sweetness from brown sugar before the chili and smoked paprika bring in a deep, earthy punch. The real kicker is how the sweet heat and smoky undertones hit in layers—just when you think you’ve tasted it all, a deeper, earthy spice sneaks up and, wow, just wow!!

The image captures a top-down view of a lazy susan adorned with seven small glass cups, each containing a different spice. These spices vary in color, suggesting a range of flavors. One cup holds a white powder, likely salt, essential for enhancing the taste of wings. Another contains a bright yellow spice, possibly turmeric or mustard powder, known for its vibrant hue and earthy tones. There's a rich, red spice that could be paprika or chili powder, adding color and heat to the mix. A beige-colored spice, perhaps garlic or onion powder, offers a milder but aromatic quality. There's also a deep brown spice, which might be cumin or clove, known for its warm and intense flavor. The collection of spices on the rotating server suggests a preparation for a flavorful wing seasoning blend, each spice ready to contribute its unique qualities to create a complex and harmonious flavor profile for a batch of wings. The variety of colors from the spices adds a visual appeal to the preparation process, highlighting the culinary artistry involved in seasoning.

Believe me when I say this rub has earned its reputation – seriously!

This is my “secret” wing rub that I have been using for a number of years now. It has been adjusted and tweaked. Each and every time I share this (on my wings) people honest and truly, can’t get enough.

You will not need another recipe!! (I honestly never planned to share it, always wanted to open a wing truck!) It’s a simple blend of spices and herbs that are amazing together.

Layered with smoky paprika, a hint of brown sugar that caramelizes into sweet heat, and earthy herbs, this rub turns every bite into a savory, spicy adventure—bringing that perfect wing joint vibe straight to your kitchen.

Whether you’re cooking for family and friends or just craving some delicious comfort food, this rub has got you covered

If you want to skip ahead, you can just Jump to Recipe

Why this works

  1. ⁤Variety of Chili Powders: Ancho chili doesn’t just bring the heatᅳit plays the long game, creeping up slow, warming your palate without you even noticing. ⁤⁤Then, regular chili powder steps in like a jolt, adding a punch that snaps everything into focus. ⁤⁤The ancho lingers quietly, building slow heat, while the chili powder cuts in fast and sharp, catching your taste buds just as they start to settle. ⁤
  2. ⁤Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a subtle, smoky depth that doesn’t overpower the wings. ⁤⁤It lingers just enough to enhance the overall flavor, tying everything together without being too bold. ⁤⁤You’ll notice it as a nice, warming background note that complements the rest of the spices. ⁤
  3. ⁤Cumin, Garlic, and Onion Powders: These three add the kind of flavor that ties everything together without overpowering Cumin brings a steady warmth that hums quietly in the background, while garlic breaks through with a sharp, unmistakable edge.Then, onion powder sneaks in, bringing just the right amount of sweetness to round out all the sharper edges. ⁤
  4. ⁤Cayenne Pepper: Cayenne doesn’t like to be obviousᅳit waits. ⁤⁤It lingers in the background, then just when you think the flavors have all played out, it comes in fast, catching you off guard. ⁤⁤One second, you’re enjoying the smoky sweetness, and the next? ⁤⁤Bam! ⁤⁤You’re hit with that fiery kick. ⁤
  5. ⁤Brown sugar doesn’t just sweeten; it crisps into a caramelized layer that cracks with each bite, letting the smoky heat creep in afterward.

Chefs tips

  • Toast the Spices: Want a flavor boost? Put the cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder into a dry pan for a couple of minutesᅳjust until they start to smell amazing. This quick step takes the flavor up a notch.
  • Grind Your Own: Got whole spices? Grinding them fresh right before you mix up the rub really amps up the flavor!
  • Balance of Flavors: Sweet tooth? Like it spicy? Adjust the brown sugar or cayenne to suit your tasteᅳthere’s no wrong way to do it.
  • Storage: Making a big batch? Store it in a sealed container, and it’ll stay good for months. Perfect for when those wing cravings come back!
  • Application: Rub those wings generously and let them chill for at least 30 minutesᅳovernight is even better! It gives the spices time to really soak into the meat.
  • Cooking Method: Grill, bake, or air fryᅳwhichever you choose, you’ll get a new twist on those spices. Each method brings out a little something different.

Faq’s

Can I adjust the spiciness of the rub?

You bet! Adjust the cayenne pepper to dial the heat up or down to your liking. That’s the great thing about homemade rubsᅳyou can totally make it your own.

Is it necessary to use smoked salt?

Not really! Smoked salt gives a nice smoky touch, but if you’ve got kosher salt on hand, you’re good to go. The flavor will still be awesome.

How long should I let the wings sit with the rub before cooking?

At least 30 minutes is perfect, but if you’ve got more time, a few hoursᅳor even overnight in the fridgeᅳwill make the flavors even richer.

How long can I store this rub?

Store it in an airtight container somewhere cool and dryᅳit should last around 3-6 months, but don’t forget to label it! Just make sure to mark the date so you know when it’s freshest!

Is brown sugar necessary in the rub?

It’s not essential, but it does add a little sweetness that balances out the spices. If you prefer a purely savory rub, feel free to skip it.

Equipment Needed

  • Mixing Bowl: Grab a medium bowl—something with enough space so you don’t end up spilling spices all over the place.
  • Measuring Spoons: Gotta get those measurements right! You’ll need teaspoons and tablespoons to keep the flavors balanced.
  • Whisk or Spoon: Use whatever you’ve got handy to mix everything up. If your brown sugar’s clumping, a whisk should do the trick.
  • Airtight Container (Optional): If you’re making extra, toss the rub in a sealed container to keep it fresh. Moisture’s the enemy here!
The image captures a top-down view of a lazy susan adorned with seven small glass cups, each containing a different spice. These spices vary in color, suggesting a range of flavors. One cup holds a white powder, likely salt, essential for enhancing the taste of wings. Another contains a bright yellow spice, possibly turmeric or mustard powder, known for its vibrant hue and earthy tones. There's a rich, red spice that could be paprika or chili powder, adding color and heat to the mix. A beige-colored spice, perhaps garlic or onion powder, offers a milder but aromatic quality. There's also a deep brown spice, which might be cumin or clove, known for its warm and intense flavor. The collection of spices on the rotating server suggests a preparation for a flavorful wing seasoning blend, each spice ready to contribute its unique qualities to create a complex and harmonious flavor profile for a batch of wings. The variety of colors from the spices adds a visual appeal to the preparation process, highlighting the culinary artistry involved in seasoning.
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Dave’s Legendary Wing Rub

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Author: Dave @ Savory Kitchin
Course: Spices
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Yield: 1
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Guess what’s cooking in my kitchen? It’s my secret weapon, the wing rub that’s nothing short of magic – I’m serious! It’s simple, but oh, the wonders it does to those wings! A blend of spices that transforms wings into a flavor blast. The ancho chili powder sweeps in with its smoky depth, setting the stage for the warm, earthy embrace of cumin. But wait, there’s a twist – a punch of cayenne pepper to wake up your taste buds! And just when you think it can’t get better, a bit of brown sugar steps in, smoothing everything over with its subtle sweetness. It’s like taking your wings from ‘meh’ to ‘more, please!’ in a heartbeat. You’ve got yourself a batch of wings that’ll make your taste buds sing. Ready to turn your kitchen into the hottest wing spot in town?”

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp sweet smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp ancho chili powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground cayenne pepper (adjust for spiciness)
  • 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt – smoked salt is highly recommended, See Note below for my favorite smoked salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground rosemary – optional
  • 1 tsp ground thyme – optional
  • 1 tsp ground oregano – optional

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, combine all the ingredients listed above.
  • Mix well to ensure an even distribution of spices and flavors.

Notes

This is my absolute favorite Smoked Salt.  It is NOT an affiliate link, I just love it!
Did you make this recipe?Please leave a star rating and review below!