Get ready to bring some Southern flair right into your kitchen with our Louisiana Chicken Wings Rub inspired by Wingstop! This rub combines the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and sweet to make your wings irresistible. Whether you’re prepping for a game day feast or just want to spice up your dinner routine, this rub promises to deliver bold flavors that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into the magic of Louisiana-style cooking!
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 will need:
For the Rub:
- Brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder: These key spices blend together to create a sweet, smoky base that’s enhanced with the zesty punch of garlic and onion.
- Cumin, dried oregano, salt, black pepper: This mix adds a warm depth with a hint of earthiness from the cumin, brightness from the oregano, and the essential seasoning duo of salt and pepper to tie everything together.
For the Chicken:
- Chicken wings, olive oil: Fresh chicken wings are the star of the show, made irresistibly crispy and delicious when coated in a light drizzle of olive oil, ensuring your rub sticks perfectly and the flavors really pop.
How to store?
Storing these Louisiana Chicken Wings correctly means you can always have a taste of the South ready at a moment’s notice! Whether you’ve made too much rub or you’ve got leftovers from a wing feast, keeping everything fresh is super easy. Here’s how you can savor every flavorful bite, even days later:
- For the Rub:
- Store any leftover dry rub in an airtight container or a sealed spice jar. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 6 months in your pantry, ready to kick up the flavor in your next meal.
- For Cooked Wings:
- Allow the wings to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll be perfect for quick reheating for up to 3 months.
Tips for Best Louisiana Chicken Wings Rub Wingstop
Diving into the art of making the perfect Louisiana Chicken Wings with our special Wingstop-inspired rub is all about embracing bold flavors and a few insider tricks! Here are some tips to ensure your wings are the talk of the table:
- Choose the Right Wings: Start with fresh, preferably organic chicken wings. These tend to have better flavor and texture once cooked.
- Dry Pat Before Rubbing: Make sure your wings are as dry as possible before applying the rub. Pat them dry with paper towels—this helps the spices adhere better and ensures your wings get that desirable crispy finish.
- Generous with the Rub: Don’t be shy with the seasoning. Coat the wings evenly and liberally with the rub to infuse every bite with the rich, aromatic flavors of the spices.
- Let It Marinate: If time allows, let the rubbed wings sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or even overnight. This marination step deepens the flavors and helps the spices penetrate the meat, elevating the taste profile significantly.
- Optimal Cooking Method: For crispy wings, baking in the oven is a great method, but you can also deep-fry them for that authentic, indulgent texture. If you’re using the oven, line your tray with foil and place a rack over it to help heat circulate evenly around the wings, crisping them up all over.
- Finish with a Flash Broil: After baking, give the wings a quick broil on high for a couple of minutes. This will caramelize the outer layer of the rub, adding a deliciously crispy texture and intensifying the flavors.
Variations:
Spicing up our Louisiana Chicken Wings with a Wingstop twist can be a delicious adventure! Here are some fun variations to try:
- Add Heat: Boost the spice by adding more chili powder or a dash of cayenne. Consider mixing hot sauce into the rub for extra zing.
- Sweeten the Deal: Mix in some brown sugar or honey to create a caramelized finish. Smoked paprika enhances this sweet and smoky combo.
- Herbal Touch: Incorporate finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the rub for an earthy flavor.
- Citrus Burst: Sprinkle in some orange or lemon zest to add a refreshing citrus note that cuts through the richness.
- BBQ Flavor: Brush your wings with BBQ sauce before the final minutes of cooking for a sticky, smoky finish.
- Go Grilled: For a change, grill the wings to add a delightful char and enhance the smokiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aim for about 1 tablespoon of rub per pound of wings to ensure they’re well-coated and flavorful. Adjust more or less based on your taste preferences.
Yes, marinating the wings with the rub overnight in the fridge can deepen the flavors. Just be sure to cover them well or use a sealed container.
For crispy wings, baking is effective. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit on a wire rack over a baking sheet for 40-45 minutes, turning once, then broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness.
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.
