Chipotle Pumpkin Wings

I was mighty skeptical about pumpkin on chicken wings. Sure, I’m in the Halloween mood, but hey, are we sure we should be messing with my beloved chicken wings? Yes, yes we should is the answer, because chipotle pumpkin wings are just flat out crazy good. There’s a wonderful smoky heat from the chipotles, with just a hint of sweetness from the pumpkin. The pumpkin flavor is there, but it’s not like you’re going to think you’re eating grandma’s favorite pumpkin pie.

Chipotle Pumpkin Wings

A Different Kind of Wing

The chipotle pumpkin sauce is not only great on wings, but it is just as fantastic on ribs. Personally, I like heat, so I put quite a bit of chipotle in the sauce. Tone it down or add more depending on your tastes. The pumpkin flavor is subtle, so if you want it to be more pronounced, add a bit more. But go slow.

I store my leftover homemade sauces in squeeze bottles. If refrigerated, I set them out an hour before using so they come to room temperature. You don’t want to put cold sauce on hot wings!

Also try my chipotle blackberry wings.

Check out my always-growing list of over 100 homemade wing recipes, including sauces and seasonings!

Chipotle Pumpkin Wings
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4 from 1 vote

Chipotle Pumpkin Wings

The chipotle pumpkin sauce is not only great on wings, but it is just as fantastic on ribs.
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: pumpkin, spicy, wings
Servings: 6
Calories: 557kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the wings

For the sauce

Instructions

For the wings

For the sauce

  • Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Whisk, heating thoroughly. Keep warm until ready to use.

Notes

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce on the side, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 557kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 176mg | Sodium: 549mg | Potassium: 508mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 2485IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.

Carolina Wings

I’ve always been a fan of Carolina BBQ sauces. And although there are lots of variations from region-to-region, they all have vinegar in common. These Carolina wings packed that great vinegar punch, and then some. I found myself not able to get enough of the sauce on these wings. I’m quite sure I’ll end up using this exact recipe on more than wings.

Carolina Wings

The Perfect Heat

These Carolina wings are a bit spicy, but they have the right amount of spiciness in my opinion. I like a little kick in just about everything I eat, but that doesn’t mean I need to be in pain and not able to taste my meal. The balance between the heat and sweetness is necessary, and the sauce on these wings has achieved that balance spot-on. It’s fantastic stuff.

I store my leftover homemade sauces in squeeze bottles. If refrigerated, I set them out an hour before using so they come to room temperature. You don’t want to put cold sauce on hot wings!

Also try my Detroit hot honey wings.

Check out my always-growing list of over 100 homemade wing recipes, including sauces and seasonings!

Carolina Wings
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5 from 1 vote

Carolina Wings

These Carolina wings are a bit spicy, but they have the right amount of spiciness in my opinion.
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: barbecue, wings
Servings: 6
Calories: 534kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the wings

  • 3-4 pounds chicken wings flats and drumettes separated, tips saved to make stock

For the Carolina wing sauce

Instructions

Notes

Keep any leftover sauce in a sealed container in the fridge. Let the sauce sit out on the counter for at least 30 minutes before using. You don’t want to ‘shock’ hot, just-cooked wings with a cold sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 534kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 175mg | Sodium: 774mg | Potassium: 411mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 416IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.

Cajun Honey Lime Wings

There’s wing sauce and there’s WING sauce. The Cajun honey lime sauce on these wings was so good that I’ll be using it on a lot more than ‘just’ wings. A little spice, a little sweet, and a little citrus, all in a thick but not gooey sauce that doesn’t just flow off your wings into the bottom of the basket. Finger-licking good, that’s for sure.

Cajun Honey Lime Wings

A Wonderful Citrus Flavor

I used a fairly tame and not overpowering BBQ sauce when I made these Cajun honey lime wings. The flavors could easily be drowned out by an overly sweet smoky BBQ sauce. Just grab your run-of-the-mill regular ole BBQ sauce. Nothing fancy.

To keep things kinda Cajun-y, I used Crystal Hot Sauce. Man that stuff is so good!

I store my leftover homemade sauces in squeeze bottles. If refrigerated, I set them out an hour before using so they come to room temperature. You don’t want to put cold sauce on hot wings!

Also try my Cajun wings.

Check out my always-growing list of over 100 homemade wing recipes, including sauces and seasonings!

Cajun Honey Lime Wings
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4 from 1 vote

Cajun Honey Lime Wings

Just grab your run-of-the-mill regular ole BBQ sauce. Nothing fancy.
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cajun wings, wings
Servings: 6
Calories: 525kcal

Ingredients

For the wings

For the sauce

Instructions

For the wings

For the sauce

  • Combine all ingredients by whisking together in a small bow.

Notes

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce on the side, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 525kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 176mg | Sodium: 246mg | Potassium: 464mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 2064IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.

Cajun Bay Wings

A few weeks ago I made a beer-can chicken recipe that used a 50/50 combination of Cajun seasoning and Old Bay seasoning. I instantly fell in love with the combination. A little heat, a little sweet, cloves, allspice, paprika… just about all you could imagine. I knew right then and there that I wanted to use the same mix on chicken wings. And so my Cajun Bay chicken wings were born. And oh how good they were. I served them dry, not sauced. Just that great combination of Cajun and Old Bay seasonings, with a little Ranch dressing on the side for dipping. The flavor combination was fantastic, and one you will see here again soon.

Cajun Bay Wings

One Deliciously Different Wing

Once the wings are cooked, you can dust them with more of the Cajun and Old Bay mix if you want even more pronounced flavors. I skipped it since my wife isn’t quite the fan of Old Bay as I am. She doesn’t like cloves or allspice so much. That’s one nice thing about this mix. You still get those flavors, but they are toned down a bit because of the addition of the Cajun seasoning.

Also try my honey Old Bay wings.

Check out my always-growing list of over 100 homemade wing recipes, including sauces and seasonings!

Cajun Bay Wings
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5 from 1 vote

Cajun Bay Wings

A little heat, a little sweet, cloves, allspice, paprika… just about all you could imagine.
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cajun wings, Old Bay, wings
Servings: 6
Calories: 521kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

If you want to add more seasoning to the wings after they are cooked make another batch using 1/2 tablespoon each of the Cajun and Old Bay seasonings. Sprinkle the cooked wings with the mix just before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 521kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 176mg | Sodium: 187mg | Potassium: 417mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 1222IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.

Buffalo Wild Wings Lemon Pepper Dry Wings

Buffalo Wild Wings Lemon Pepper wing seasoning makes for some of the best dry wings I’ve ever had. The lemon isn’t too overpowering. The pepper is good and strong, like I like it, but also not overwhelmingly peppery. All I had to do was cook up some naked wings (I nothing on them before they cooked) and then toss them with a good amount of rub. Wow, what great wings these were!

Buffalo Wild Wings Lemon Pepper Dry Wings

More is Better

Don’t be shy with the Buffalo Wild Wings Lemon Pepper wing seasoning. It’s very good stuff. Put it on the wings right after they cook, while they’re still hot. The moist wings give a place for the seasoning to ‘stick’ so you don’t have to worry it all falling to the bottom of your plate. You’ll get plenty in each and every bite!

Make sure you seal your wing seasonings well after using. You don’t want any moisture sneaking in. This Buffalo Wild Wings seasoning comes in a shaker bottle that seals perfectly!

Want a wet version instead? Try Buffalo Wild Wings Lemon Pepper wings!

Check out my always-growing list of over 200 favorite store-bought wing sauces and seasonings!

Buffalo Wild Wings Lemon Pepper Dry Wings
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5 from 1 vote

Buffalo Wild Wings Lemon Pepper Dry Wings

Wow, what great wings these are!
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: dry wings, lemon pepper
Servings: 6
Calories: 503kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

I prefer to season my wings immediately after cooking them. The seasoning will stick to the surface of the hot wings better than if you wait until they cool off.

Nutrition

Calories: 503kcal | Protein: 42g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 175mg | Sodium: 166mg | Potassium: 354mg | Vitamin A: 333IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.

Buffalo Wild Wings Buffalo Dry Wings

Oh yum. Buffalo seasoning. Just the right amount of classic flavors, with a hint of butter. In a powder! Woo hoo! Boy, this is finger-licking good stuff, here. I’m a huge fan of ‘dry’ wings. These Buffalo Wild Wings Buffalo dry wings (try saying that 10 times fast!) are amazingly great and definitely one of my favorite dusted wings. If you’ve never tried dry wings, now is the time. Honestly, I hadn’t heard of them until just a few years ago and now I make or order them all of the time.

Buffalo Wild Wings Buffalo Dry Wings

A Good Seasoning for all Seasons

Buffalo Wild Wings Buffalo seasoning is definitely not just for chicken wings, although there’s no doubting that it’s spectacular on them! Sprinkle it on popcorn. Crackers. Grilled chicken. Burgers. Anything that needs a buttery Buffalo kick.

Make sure you seal your wing seasonings well after using. You don’t want any moisture sneaking in. This dust comes in shaker bottles that seal perfectly!

Also try Buffalo Wild Wing’s Desert Heat dry wings!

Check out my always-growing list of over 200 favorite store-bought wing sauces and seasonings!

Buffalo Wild Wings Buffalo Dry Wings
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5 from 1 vote

Buffalo Wild Wings Buffalo Dry Wings

Fantastic dry wings!
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Buffalo wings, dry wings
Servings: 6
Calories: 503kcal

Ingredients

Notes

I prefer to season my wings immediately after cooking them. The seasoning will stick to the surface of the hot wings better than if you wait until they cool off.

Nutrition

Calories: 503kcal | Protein: 42g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 175mg | Sodium: 166mg | Potassium: 354mg | Vitamin A: 333IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.

Buffalo Ranch Dry Wings

I was perusing the spice section at our local GFS store when I spied a big container of Frank’s RedHot Original Seasoning. Yeah, like I’d pass up on anything wing-related. I grabbed a bottle and stopped by my grocery store and picked up a family pack of fresh chicken wings. I was going to make wings. Great wings. Buffalo Ranch dry wings.

Buffalo Ranch Dry Wings

Dry is Good

Dry wings really bring out the flavor of the wing and the seasoning. They aren’t buried in sauce so much that its all you can taste. Now that doesn’t mean I’m shy with the seasoning, but I am careful that I can still taste the chicken. These wings are absolutely fantastic, with that traditional Buffalo wing flavor, but without the mess. If you don’t have a GFS in your area you can find other brands of Buffalo style seasoning in your grocer’s spice section.

I like to make my spice, rub and seasoning mixes in big batches and keep them in large bottles with easy-to-pour shaker lids.

Also try my crazy-good blackened dry wings.

Check out my always-growing list of over 100 homemade wing recipes, including sauces and seasonings!

Buffalo Ranch Dry Wings
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5 from 1 vote

Buffalo Ranch Dry Wings

Dry wings really bring out the flavor of the wing and the seasoning.
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Buffalo wings, dry wings, Ranch, wings
Servings: 6
Calories: 694kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

I prefer to season my wings immediately after cooking them. The seasoning will stick to the surface of the hot wings better than if you wait until they cool off.

Nutrition

Calories: 694kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 57g | Fat: 49g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 19g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 234mg | Sodium: 615mg | Potassium: 488mg | Vitamin A: 445IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.

Brined Sous Vide Air Fryer Wings

I’ve been making wings in my air fryer for a bit now. They make for a great quick lunchtime meal, that’s for sure. But, I’m always on a quest for something different, a twist. Brining wings (or any poultry) helps tenderize the meat and keeps it juicy during the cooking process. Sous vide provides a perfectly-cooked, consistent dish that is amazingly tender. Combine those and cook the wings in the air fryer and wow! Crazy good brined sous vide air fryer wings!

Brined Sous Vide Air Fryer Wings

It’s brine time!

I used a standard brining solution for my brined sous vide air fryer wings. You can add other ingredients if you want to infuse other flavors. Adding herbs, hot sauce or spices can make a big flavor impact. Try different combinations to see what you like. Not that there’s anything wrong with salt, sugar and pepper. Depending on which sauce you’re going to use on your wings, you might not want a strong wing flavor that ends up fighting with your sauce for taste.

My air fryer

The air fryer that I own doesn’t have a lot of bells (ok, it does have a bell) and whistles, but it makes for crazy good chicken wings.

Also try my crab boil brined wings! They’re different and delicious!

Check out my always-growing list of over 200 favorite store-bought wing sauces and seasonings!

Brined Sous Vide Air Fryer Wings
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5 from 1 vote

Brined Sous Vide Air Fryer Wings

These wings make for a great quick lunchtime meal,
Prep Time18 hours
Cook Time15 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: wings
Servings: 6
Calories: 845kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a large resealable container, combine the salt, sugar, pepper and water. Stir until the salt and sugar are well dissolved.
  • Add the wings. Cover and place in the fridge for 1-33 hours.
  • Set up your sous vide for 155 F.
  • Remove wings from brine. Shake off excess brine and transfer to a sealable bag. Vacuum seal making sure to remove all of the air.
  • Sous vide the wings for 3 hours.
  • Remove the wings from the sous vide bag and spread out on a sheet pan. Pan dry and transfer to the fridge overnight. This will let the skin dry to get crispier. If you are in a hurry you can skip this step.
  • Preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes at 350 F.
  • Toss wings in your favorite seasoning. Lightly spray your air fryer basket with non-stick spray. Add to the air fryer basket and cook for 6 minutes. Flip and cook 6 more minutes. If the wings need to be crisper at this point, turn the heat up to 400 F and cook another 3 minutes.

Notes

You can do the final wing cook using whatever technique you prefer, and not just in an air fryer. Use my guide for cooking wings as a basis, but remember that the wings are already cooked. You are just warming them and crisping the skin. So whichever technique you use you won’t need as much time. I use a general rule of half the cook time as I’d need for raw wings.

Nutrition

Calories: 845kcal | Carbohydrates: 87g | Protein: 45g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 175mg | Sodium: 14319mg | Potassium: 1064mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 78g | Vitamin A: 3923IU | Vitamin C: 53mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.

Bloody Mary Dry Wings

I’ve been to quite a number of Pepper Palace stores over the years. My rule is if I’m anywhere near one, I’m stopping. And I’m backing up the truck on sauces and seasonings. My wife loves a great Bloody Mary now and then, so last time we were at the Pepper Palace store at the Island in Sevierville, TN, we picked up a jar of their Bloody Mary seasoning. Heck yeah, this stuff makes for a great Bloody Mary. But, oh me, does it ever go good on wings! If you love dry wings with a wonderful savory flavor, you’re about to have some truly yummy wings. Celery seed, paprika, a little cayenne and a few other spices make this a seasoning to remember. Get some!

Bloody Mary Dry Wings

One Bite Will Convince You

If you’re not a believer in dry wings, Bloody Mary dry wings will change your mind in one bite. Or one sniff. As soon as you open the jar and start sprinkling it on hot just-cooked wings, you’ll smell the wonderful combination of spices.

Pepper Palace makes a ton of great sauces and seasonings, not just for wings. Find a store near you and spend an hour or two wandering the shelves. They always have an area where you can sample sauces and spices, too. It’s like flavor heaven. Instead, if there’s not one near you, take a road trip (it’ll be worth it) or order online.

Also try my homemade Bloody Mary seasoning and wing sauce.

Check out my always-growing list of over 100 homemade wing recipes, including sauces and seasonings!

Bloody Mary Dry Wings
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5 from 1 vote

Bloody Mary Dry Wings

If you're not a believer in dry wings, Bloody Mary dry wings will change your mind in one bite.
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Bloody Mary, wings
Servings: 6
Calories: 503kcal

Ingredients

Notes

I prefer to season my wings immediately after cooking them. The seasoning will stick to the surface of the hot wings better than if you wait until they cool off.

Nutrition

Calories: 503kcal | Protein: 42g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 175mg | Sodium: 166mg | Potassium: 354mg | Vitamin A: 333IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.

Blonde Beard’s Rooster Dry Wings

Blonde Beard’s is known for their wing sauces. But they also sell a wing seasoning, known as Rooster Dry Rub. It’s a wonderful combination of Cajun flavors and roasted garlic. It has a very low heat level so you don’t worry about scaring anyone off. Blonde Beard’s Rooster dry wings are fantastic and if you’ve not tried dry wings, this will make a believer out of you with the first bite!

The bottle says ‘wing rub’ but I can ensure you that’s not all it’s good on. It’s really good on wings. I love the roasted garlic flavor most. It’s a different flavor for wings, for me at least, and reminds me of roasted whole chicken (hint: roast a chicken and put this rub on it and you’ll thank me!).

Blonde Beard's Rooster Dry Wings

More Is Definitely Better

I prefer to season my ‘dry’ wings after they are cooked, especially if the seasoning I’m using might char a bit when exposed to high heat. I found that to be the case with Rooster Dry Rub when I applied it to wings before cooking them in an air fryer. Blonde Beard’s Rooster dry wings were much better when seasoned after cooking instead. And don’t be shy with it either. It’s really good and you really can’t go wrong with adding more. You can go wrong with not adding enough!

Like I said, Blonde Beard’s claim-to-fame is their sauces (look at them! Yowsa!) but don’t overlook their rub!

Make sure you seal your wing seasonings well after using. You don’t want any moisture sneaking in. This dust comes in shaker bottles that seal perfectly!

Also try Blonde Beard’s Black Magic wing sauce!

Blonde Beard's Wing Sauces

Check out my always-growing list of over 200 favorite store-bought wing sauces and seasonings!

Blonde Beard's Rooster Dry Wings
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5 from 1 vote

Blonde Beard’s Rooster Dry Wings

These wings have a wonderful combination of Cajun flavors and roasted garlic.
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: dry wings
Servings: 6
Calories: 503kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

I prefer to season my wings immediately after cooking them. The seasoning will stick to the surface of the hot wings better than if you wait until they cool off.

Nutrition

Calories: 503kcal | Protein: 42g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 175mg | Sodium: 166mg | Potassium: 354mg | Vitamin A: 333IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.