Get ready to bring some Southern flair to your kitchen with our Louisiana Chicken Wings Rub inspired by Wingstop! This irresistible blend of spices delivers the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors, making every bite a taste of the South. Whether it’s for game day, a backyard BBQ, or a cozy family dinner, these wings promise bold flavors that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to absolutely love this recipe for its mouth-watering blend of flavors that perfectly capture the essence of Louisiana! It’s incredibly easy to whip up with just a few pantry staples, making it ideal for both last-minute dinners and planned party platters. Plus, the versatility of this rub means you can enjoy it on more than just chicken wings—try it on grilled veggies or ribs for an extra kick. Dive into this recipe and let the bold, vibrant tastes transport you straight to the heart of Cajun country!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Rub
- Brown sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness that balances the heat.
- Smoked paprika: Infuses a rich, smoky depth.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: Essential for that bold, savory kick.
- Chili powder: Brings just the right amount of heat.
- Cumin: Adds warm, earthy undertones.
- Dried oregano: Offers a touch of herbal brightness.
- Salt & black pepper: Enhances and ties all the flavors together.
For the Chicken
- Chicken wings: Fresh wings are the star, delivering juicy, flavorful bites.
- Olive oil: Helps the rub adhere and locks in moisture.
Variations to Try
- Add More Heat: Mix in cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
- Sweet & Smoky: Use honey or maple syrup for a caramelized finish.
- Herbal Twist: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an earthy note.
- Zesty Citrus: Incorporate orange or lemon zest into the rub for a refreshing tang.
- BBQ Style: Brush the wings with your favorite BBQ sauce before the final minutes of cooking for a sticky, smoky glaze.
- Grilled Option: Grill the wings for a smoky char that enhances the rub’s flavors.
Tips for Best Louisiana Chicken Wings Rub Wingstop
- Pat Dry for Crispiness: Removing excess moisture helps the rub adhere and ensures crispy skin.
- Marinate for Deeper Flavor: Let the rubbed wings sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight to enhance the flavor.
- Don’t Skimp on the Rub: A generous coating ensures every bite is packed with bold, aromatic goodness.
- Use a Wire Rack: If baking, place the wings on a wire rack to allow heat to circulate evenly and crisp the skin.
- Broil for Extra Texture: Finish with a quick broil to caramelize the rub and create a slightly crispy coating.
Try more flavorful oven-baked recipes like Soy and Garlic Chicken Wings, Oven-Baked Indian Butter Chicken Thighs, Lemon Butter Baked Salmon, and Baked Meatballs for easy and delicious meals.
How to Store
For the Rub:
Store leftover rub in an airtight container or spice jar. It stays fresh for up to 6 months in a cool, dry place.
For Cooked Wings:
Refrigerate: Let the wings cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze cooked wings in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll remain flavorful for as long as 3 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much rub should I use per pound of wings?
Use about 1 tablespoon of rub per pound of wings for a flavorful coating.
What’s the best way to get crispy wings?
Bake at 400°F on a wire rack for 40-45 minutes, then broil for a crispy finish.
Louisiana Chicken Wings Rub Wingstop
Ingredients
For the Louisiana Wingstop rub
- 1 tbsp granulated brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika or regular
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp fine salt or sea salt flakes optional add-in
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper optional add-in
For the chicken wings
- 2 pounds chicken wings bone still in
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- To start, you can combine all of the Louisiana rub ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Mix the ingredients well so the flavors are evenly distributed.
- You can leave out the salt and pepper if you’d like, or adjust the quantity in this recipe to your liking.
- When the rub is finished, you can proceed with making the chicken wings. First, preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC).
- Use a paper towel to pat the chicken wings dry. Place them in a clean large mixing bowl.
- Then, cover the wings with olive oil. You only want enough to coat them. They shouldn’t be dredged in oil or the spice rub won’t stick.
- Next, add the spice rub (one whole recipe we just made above) and rub it over the wings. Massage the chicken as you coat them in spices. This helps tenderize them.
- Finally, add the wings to a lined baking tray in a single layer. Leave the wings to cook for roughly 35-45minutes.
