Make Ahead

Sweet and Spicy Rubbed Wings

by:
September 23, 2010
5
1 Ratings
Sweet and Spicy Rubbed Wings
  • Serves 4-6
Author Notes

I've been obsessed with this homemade spice rub lately- I've used a variation of it on ribs, roasted nuts, and now these wings. I went a little light on the chipotle chile powder (because I didn't want to overwhelm my kids), but feel free to add some more if spicy is your thing. If it wasn't raining, I probably would have grilled these, but they did very well in the oven (just please line your sheet pan with foil, folks). —WinnieAb

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 1/3 cup organic sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle pepper
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon organic freeze-dried coffee
  • 1 teaspoon organic cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 2 pounds organic chicken wings, rinsed and patted dry
  • 2 tablespoons organic butter, melted
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
  2. In a small bowl, mix sugar through ginger. Stir well to combine.
  3. Place wings in a medium bowl. Pour the butter over the wings, then sprinkle the spice mix in, rubbing so that all the wings are completely covered.
  4. Spread the wings out onto a baking sheet that you've covered with foil. Bake for 30 minutes, until browned and starting to crisp on top and at the edges.
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  • Jen Hayes
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WinnieAb
I grew up in a restaurant family (my parents owned the now closed Quilted Giraffe in NYC) and I've always loved to cook. My interest in the connection between food and health led me to pursue a graduate degree in naturopathic medicine. I don't practice medicine anymore; I have a blog called Healthy Green Kitchen that I started in May of 2009 and I wrote a book called One Simple Change that will be published in January, 2014. I live in upstate New York with my family and many pets.

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11 Reviews

Jen H.
Jen H. March 16, 2020
I cannot say enough good things about this recipe. I've been making this rub in a large batch (multiply the recipe times 6 to fit in a large mason jar) for the last two years and it is a family favorite. It's amazing as described, on wings and drumsticks (baked or grilled). My partner and I also put it directly on chicken breast, or breast tenders, when we're looking for an easy dinner. The flavors are PERFECT, and win over any dinner guest. I highly recommend you give this a try... and then fill up that mason jar.
 
Antoniabalonia
Antoniabalonia March 5, 2016
What would you substitute for freeze-dried coffee? I have coffee beans...
 
maggiesara
maggiesara March 23, 2014
MY but these were delicious! I made two small changes to the recipe: I used brown sugar rather than white, and when mixing the butter and spices with the chicken, I had a WhatTheHell moment and splashed in the last 1/4 cup or so of a bottle of bourbon that was on the counter. I haven't had them sans bourbon, but with bourbon? MORE PLEASE
 
lapadia
lapadia September 23, 2010
WOW, these flavors, I second that thought "to die for"...and I can't wait to make this recipe, your picture is mouthwatering too!
 
WinnieAb
WinnieAb September 23, 2010
Thanks lapadia!
 
TheWimpyVegetarian
TheWimpyVegetarian September 23, 2010
This rub looks to-die-for. I particularly love rubs with coffee in them, but adding cocoa? Genius.
 
WinnieAb
WinnieAb September 23, 2010
Thanks ;)
 
halfasiangirl
halfasiangirl September 23, 2010
love this idea. they look luscious.
 
WinnieAb
WinnieAb September 23, 2010
Thank you! I love them...
 
nannydeb
nannydeb September 23, 2010
Mmmmm, the spices sound yummy! And coffee? And cocoa? I bet they're great!
 
WinnieAb
WinnieAb September 23, 2010
Thanks nannydeb- yes, I really love this spice combo. Like I said, I've been using it on everything :)