Epic Dry-Rubbed Baked Chicken Wings (2024)

Tender, juicy baked chicken wings coated in a mouthwatering homemade dry rub that will have your tastebuds singing! Pair it with a creamy gorgonzola dipping sauce and it’s a party hit!

These baked chicken wings are SO good, you won’t miss the deep fryer OR the sauce!!

This post was partially brought to you by the makers of Sutter Home. All opinions expressed are my own.

Who’s starting to get excited for the big game in a couple of weeks? I am!! Not necessarily for the football (my team is the Bengals, and let’s face it, they’re definitely no where near championship material), or the commercials… but for the food!

Game day foods are the most mouthwatering, and can be so creative. Usually, there’s a chicken wing or two on everyone’s game day plate, but this year, I’m inviting you all to take a break from the traditional, and try these epic dry-rubbed baked chicken wings!

I know, I know… chicken wings are supposed to be deep fried and tossed in a spicy sauce right? But what if I told you that these baked chicken wings are every bit as tasty as the traditional variety… in fact, they’re utterly fantastic? Seriously, I’m a huge wing fan, and these knocked my socks off. I meant to save some for my husband after the photoshoot was finished… and well, let’s just say there was nothing left for him to try!

While not a copycat recipe, this dry rub is inspired by one of my favorite local treats. Ohioans love chicken wings… like a lot! We also love our unique chili recipe too 😉

I titled this recipe Epic Dry-Rubbed Baked Chicken Wings, because I truly feel they are epic. They hit nearly every flavor component, and are the perfect little crispy bites of flavor! Even better when this spicy dish is paired with a sweet wine like Sutter Home Riesling!

No chicken wing is complete without a dipping sauce, and this one is truly fantastic. Instead of the traditional blue cheese, I went with a homemade creamy gorgonzola cheese sauce, which is not as sharp, and more buttery. It perfectly balances the heat from the wings… you don’t want to skip it. However, if you don’t have time or the ingredients to make it, a good quality blue cheese dressing could be swapped in for it.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BAKE CHICKEN WINGS IN THE OVEN?

Let’s get down to brass tacks here… how long before you can be munching on these delicious wings? I like to bake my wings at 400 F degrees and it takes about 45 minutes. So yes, it takes a little while, but it’s totally hands-off time… so you can go about your day until the oven timer goes off.

BUT REALLY? WINE WITH BAKED CHICKEN WINGS??

I know… I know. I’m breaking just about EVERY chicken wing rule here… there’s no beer. While you might be thinking I’ve lost my marbles… just hear me out okay? Sutter Home Riesling has an amazing almost tropical fruit taste, which when paired with a spicy dish, is absolutely delicious and memorable! I promise! After pairing it with a sweet wine, I was blown away. Remember back when I paired this spicy chicken meal with white zinfandel? Wine is the way to go here friends!

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR MAKING BAKED CHICKEN WINGS:

• If you’re using frozen wings (I usually do), make sure they’re completely thawed.
• Be sure to pat the wings dry with a paper towel. This helps the oil and rub coat them really well.
• For the most even cooking (and easy cleanup), line a baking sheet with heavy duty aluminum foil (or two sheets of regular), then top that with and oven safe metal cooling rack (like the one below). Spray that with non-stick cooking spray and you’re good to add the wings.
• This rub is insanely flavorful, so make extra and keep it in an airtight container with your other spices. It’s great on chicken of any kind!
• The gorgonzola sauce can be made ahead of time, or while the chicken wings are baking.

So this game day season, treat yourself and make these EPIC dry-rubbed baked chicken wings!

HELPFUL TOOLS:

• Extra large baking sheet AND rack – this is a fantastic combo! I’ve been using this combo for years and it still works like new.
• Nitrile gloves – to keep your hands from being stained from the rub, these gloves are perfect! I like nitrile as it feels stronger than traditional latex.