This buffalo chicken dry rub recipe is easy to throw together and super flavorful. It’s perfect for crispy buffalo wings of course but also works for just about any other protein or even veggies. It’s the perfect balance of flavor and heat and easily customizable to fit your preferred heat level!
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Why you’ll love this
You don’t need to visit Buffalo Wild Wings to eat some delicious buffalo dry rub chicken wings- this easy seasoning blend makes THE best wings and we especially love making them for game day each week.
This dry buffalo seasoning is one of my favorite spice blends to keep on hand because it’s so easy to use and stores well. That means you can make a batch ahead of time and have your spice blend ready to go whenever you need it!
It’s made with classic buffalo spices like cayenne pepper, garlic and paprika, and it’s customizable so that you can add more or less of whatever spices you prefer! If you like it super hot, you can add more cayenne, or turn it down if you need to too.
You can use this before cooking like I do with chicken wings, or you can even sprinkle it on after cooking for extra flavor. It’s even amazing on scrambled eggs!
I love serving my hot wings with a side of ranch dressing, but if blue cheese dressing is your thing you can do that too!
Let’s get into what you need to make this easy buffalo spice mix.
Ingredients
- Sea salt: You’ll need regular sea salt or table salt. This rub has a decent saltiness, so if you prefer something with less salt you can start with a little less.
- Garlic powder: Garlic is a non-negotiable in pretty much anything I make, but definitely in buffalo seasoning!
- Onion powder: I like to add just a small amount of onion powder for more flavor.
- Paprika: Paprika adds color and flavor to this blend. You can also use smoked paprika for a smokier flavor.
- Black pepper: Black pepper adds a little bit of mild spice and flavor!
- Cayenne pepper: This is where the spicy flavors come from! You can add more or less depending on how spicy you like your wings.
- Powdered vinegar: This ingredient is optional but SO worth it if you ask me. It’s the best way to give the spice blend the classic “hot sauce” flavor that you get from hot sauce and buffalo sauce. You can grab some on Amazon here!
One of the best things about this buffalo blend is that you can customize it based on what you like best! Other spices you can add: chili powder, red pepper flakes, powdered butter, ground cumin, or mustard powder.
I prefer to leave it out for a more traditional buffalo flavor, but you prefer a more classic rub flavor with a brown sugar addition, add a couple of tablespoons of light or dark brown sugar.
How to make buffalo chicken dry rub
- Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl or directly in a small airtight glass container. Feel free to adjust the amounts to meet your preferences!
- Use it as a seasoning before cooking or add after cooking for a boost of flavor.
How to use for an easy buffalo wing recipe
Use this dry spice blend recipe for the easiest chicken wing recipe! You can also toss your wings in this dry seasoning and then add your favorite wing sauce or spicy sauce before cooking.
- Start by patting your chicken wings dry with a paper towel.
- Lightly coat with oil or melted butter (for max buffalo flavor!). Season generously with spice blend.
- Arrange on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer.
- Bake for 25-40 minutes until cooked through and crispy. Chicken should read at least 165 degrees with a meat thermometer. Cooking time will vary based on how big your wings are and how many you’re making.
How to store
Store your buffalo spice mix in an airtight container just like you would any other spices, away from direct light, extreme temperatures or moisture. These mini mason jars are perfect.
More ways to use it
- Sprinkle on veggies before roasting for a spicy kick.
- Use this buffalo rub as the seasoning for Air Fryer Shredded Chicken.
- Add a sprinkle to my Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe, Healthy High Protein Buffalo Chicken Dip, or my Easy Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl!
- Use as seasoning for roasted buffalo-style potatoes.
- Add some seasoning after cooking to meat, fish, or veggies- your taste buds will be very happy.
- For a more traditional dry rub flavor, add 2 tbsp of brown sugar.
More buffalo recipes
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1.5 tbsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1/2 tbsp black pepper
- 2 tsp cayenne pepper more or less to taste
- 1-2 tsp powdered vinegar optional
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl or directly in a small airtight glass container. Feel free to adjust the amounts to meet your preferences!
To use for buffalo wings
- Start by patting your chicken wings dry with a paper towel.
- Lightly coat with oil or melted butter (for max buffalo flavor!).
- Season generously with spice blend (use as much or as little as you prefer).
- Arrange on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer.
- Bake for 25-40 minutes until cooked through and crispy. Chicken should read at least 165 degrees with a meat thermometer. Cooking time will vary based on how big your wings are and how many you're making.
