Crispy Grilled Dry Rub Wings with Tangy BBQ Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce
Dry Rub Wings are the ultimate crowd-pleaser and undeniably the EASIEST way to prepare succulent chicken wings. Forget messy sauces during cooking; all you need is an outstanding seasoning blend to infuse your grilled chicken wings with an incredible depth of flavor. Whether served sizzling straight off the grill or paired with a zesty, tangy BBQ blue cheese dipping sauce, these wings promise to be the star of any gathering.
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Head Country Bar-B-Q. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Cake ’n Knife.
As the football season reaches its thrilling conclusion, the excitement for game day gatherings is palpable! While not every year brings a team to passionately root for, one thing remains constant: the importance of an epic spread of snacks and delicious food. For me, the “big game” is often more about the culinary experience and memorable commercials than the play-by-play.
And when it comes to game day food, nothing quite beats the universal appeal of chicken wings. This year, I implore you to elevate your snack game with these dry rub chicken wings. They are not just good; they are *essential* for any festive occasion, especially when paired with an irresistible dipping sauce.
Table of Contents
The Irresistible Appeal of Dry Rub Wings
My household has a profound love for all types of wings, but lately, dry rub chicken wings have stolen the show. While saucy wings certainly have their place, there’s an unparalleled depth of flavor and an addictive crispy texture that only dry rub wings can deliver. The char from the grill combined with a robust seasoning creates an extra punch that’s simply irresistible.
The beauty of dry rub wings lies in their simplicity and the intense flavor they carry. Unlike sauced wings, which can sometimes become soggy, dry rub wings retain their crispy exterior throughout the eating experience. This makes them perfect for parties, as they hold up well even when sitting out for a bit. Plus, the concentrated flavor of the rub means every bite is a savory explosion, complemented perfectly by a creamy, tangy dipping sauce.
The Secret to Ultimate Flavor and Crispiness
The Magic of Head Country Seasonings
The true “flavor bomb” in this recipe comes from the seasoning, specifically Head Country Bar-B-Q’s outstanding blends. If you weren’t aware that Head Country offered seasonings, prepare to have your spice rack revolutionized! These blends are about to become a permanent fixture in your pantry. I personally adore their High Plains Heat seasoning for its wonderfully spicy kick, but their original Championship Seasoning and the Sweet & Spicy blend are equally fantastic and can be used interchangeably in this recipe.
What makes these seasonings so fantastic is that they eliminate the need to measure out a multitude of individual spices like salt, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, onion powder, brown sugar, black pepper, oregano, and cumin. Head Country has expertly crafted a balanced and flavorful blend that covers all your bases, saving you time and ensuring consistent, delicious results every time.
Crafting the Perfect BBQ Blue Cheese Dip
No wing experience is complete without a stellar dipping sauce, and our Tangy BBQ Blue Cheese Dip is a game-changer. You can use any of the Head Country Bar-B-Q sauces for the dip! For this recipe, I opted for their Apple Habanero sauce, which introduces a delightful sweet heat that perfectly complements the spicy dry rub on the wings. The blue cheese adds a tangy, creamy element that cools and balances the spice, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
However, the versatility doesn’t stop there. Feel free to experiment with any Head Country sauce you love – whether you prefer the rich smokiness of their Hickory Smoke blend or the classic, robust flavor of their Original sauce, they all work wonderfully. This dip is not only delicious but also incredibly practical for using up any leftover BBQ sauce you might have in your fridge. For those who prefer a quicker alternative, store-bought ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, or a pre-made blue cheese dressing can also be used as a fantastic accompaniment.
Essential Tools for Perfect Dry Rub Wings
To truly master these Dry Rub Wings, having the right equipment makes all the difference. Beyond the star ingredients – Head Country Bar-B-Q sauce and seasoning – a few key tools will ensure your wings are perfectly cooked and delightfully crispy.
For those familiar with my culinary adventures, you know I’m a staunch advocate for Traeger grills for all my grilling and smoking needs. These wings achieve their signature flavor and texture on a grill, and as demonstrated in the video, a Traeger grill was my choice. Using Traeger grill signature pellets adds an authentic smoky depth that enhances the dry rub. Don’t forget a sturdy pair of Traeger grill tongs to easily flip your wings for even cooking and a beautiful char.
Even if you don’t own a Traeger, any good quality grill will work, but ensuring it’s well-maintained and preheated is key. A baking sheet with a wire rack is also indispensable for the pre-grilling preparation stage, allowing air circulation for maximum crispiness.
Craving more wing recipes? Explore these other delicious options: Grilled Honey Sriracha Wings | Crispy Korean BBQ Chicken Wings | Grilled Cajun Wings | Beer Marinated Chicken Wings
How to Make Crispy Dry Rub Wings
Prepare and Rest the Wings
The journey to unbelievably crispy dry rub wings begins with proper preparation. First, pat your chicken wings thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving that coveted crispy skin. Next, coat the wings generously with your chosen Head Country Bar-B-Q seasoning and a small amount of baking powder. Why baking powder, you ask? This kitchen secret is a game-changer! Baking powder raises the pH level on the chicken skin, causing the proteins to break down, which then helps the skin to dry out more effectively and crisp up beautifully during cooking.
After seasoning, arrange the wings on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet. This setup allows air to circulate around all sides of the wings, further aiding in the drying process. Refrigerate the wings, uncovered, for at least 8 hours (or overnight). This resting period is where the magic happens, ensuring the skin is perfectly dry and ready to achieve maximum crispiness on the grill. Trust the science – you’ll never have to worry about soggy wing skin again!
Grill to Perfection
Once your wings have rested and are ready, preheat your grill to a high temperature, around 400°F (200°C), for about 15 minutes. A hot grill is essential for getting that initial sear and char. Place the seasoned wings on the hot grill, cover, and let them cook for approximately 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll only need to flip them once, halfway through, to ensure even cooking and a consistent crispy texture on both sides. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, but don’t be afraid of a nice, golden-brown char – that’s where much of the dry rub flavor comes alive.
Whip Up the Tangy Dip
While your wings are grilling, it’s the perfect time to prepare the delectable BBQ Blue Cheese Dip. This sauce is incredibly simple, requiring just two ingredients: Head Country Bar-B-Q sauce and blue cheese dressing. Simply combine them in a small bowl and stir until you achieve a smooth, uniform consistency. The blend of sweet, spicy BBQ and rich, tangy blue cheese creates a dip that perfectly complements the savory, crispy wings. For a classic presentation, serve your grilled wings on a platter alongside the dip, complete with crisp celery and carrot sticks.
Looking for more big game day inspiration? Browse my extensive Snacks page for a wealth of tasty ideas that are sure to be a hit!
Can You Bake These Dry Rub Wings Instead?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill or prefer to bake, these dry rub wings turn out wonderfully crispy in the oven too. The same principles of pre-seasoning with baking powder and resting them uncovered in the fridge still apply and are key to achieving that desirable crispy skin. To bake, simply line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier cleanup, then place a wire rack on top. Arrange the seasoned wings on the rack, ensuring they are in a single layer with some space between them for even air circulation.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the wings for 30 to 40 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when a meat thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the wing, avoiding the bone. For extra crispiness, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch them closely to prevent burning. Baking offers a convenient alternative without sacrificing flavor or crunch, making these dry rub wings accessible to everyone.
Pro Tips for Flawless Dry Rub Wings
- Thaw Completely: If you’re using frozen wings, ensure they are fully thawed before beginning the recipe. Any residual ice or moisture will hinder the crisping process and dilute the rub’s flavor.
- Preheat Your Grill (or Oven): Always preheat your cooking appliance for at least 15 minutes before adding the wings. A properly preheated surface allows for even cooking, prevents sticking, and helps achieve that desirable natural caramelization and char on the outside of the wings.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Whether grilling or baking, arrange the wings in a single layer with sufficient space between each piece. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of crisping, resulting in soggy wings.
- Invest in a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken, a reliable meat thermometer is your best friend. Chicken wings are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures they are safe to eat while remaining juicy and tender.
- Consider Air Frying: For another fantastic crispy option, consider using an air fryer! Air frying dry rub wings is incredibly efficient and produces outstanding results. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 18-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Finally, if you create this dry rub chicken wing recipe at home, please make sure to give it a star rating on the recipe card below and/or leave a comment! Your feedback is invaluable, and I genuinely love hearing about your culinary successes. I strive to respond to every single comment, so don’t hesitate to share your thoughts or ask any questions you might have.
And of course, remember to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! Seeing these delicious creations come to life in your kitchens is truly my favorite part of sharing these recipes – it means the world to me!
To stay updated on my latest recipes and news, be sure to sign up for my newsletter!
Dry Rub Wings with BBQ Blue Cheese Sauce
equipment
-
9-Inch Tongs
-
Hickory Hardwood Grill Pellets
-
Traeger Lil Tex Elite 34 Pellet Grill
-
Large Mixing Bowl
-
Baking Sheet with Wire Rack
-
Meat Thermometer
ingredients
- 4 lbs chicken wings broken down into drummettes and flats
- 2 1/2 Tbsp Head Country Bar-B-Q High Plains Heat Seasoning or any Head Country Championship Seasoning!
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup Head Country Bar-B-Q Sauce I used Apple Habanero but you can use any one you love!
- 1 cup blue cheese dressing or ranch!
- Freshly chopped parsley for garnish
instructions
-
Place wings in a large bowl. Sprinkle the wings with the Head Country Bar-B-Q seasoning and baking powder. Toss to coat evenly. Ensure wings are patted dry beforehand for best crispiness.
-
Place a wire rack on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Arrange the seasoned chicken wings on the rack, ensuring they are not touching. Refrigerate, uncovered, for a minimum of 8 hours, or preferably overnight. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
-
When ready to grill, preheat your grill to high heat (400˚F / 200°C) for at least 15 minutes. Once the grill is hot, add the wings. Cover and grill for 30 to 35 minutes, turning them once halfway through cooking to ensure even char and crispiness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
-
While the wings are grilling, prepare the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine the Head Country Bar-B-Q sauce (like Apple Habanero) and blue cheese dressing. Stir thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
-
Remove the perfectly grilled wings from the grill and arrange them on a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of freshness, and serve immediately with the tangy BBQ Blue Cheese Dip alongside.