Kristina's Atomic Wings Dry-Rub Style Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Spicy Grilled Chicken Wings

These spicy grilled chicken wings are a flavor-packed treat with a perfect balance of heat and aromatic spices. Ideal for a summer barbecue or any gathering, they are easy to make and sure to impress your guests. Follow these simple steps to create the perfect wings every time.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon ground jalapeno pepper
• 1 tablespoon ground habanero pepper
• teaspoon dried oregano
• teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 12 chicken wings, thawed if frozen

Directions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the cayenne pepper, jalapeno pepper, habanero pepper, dried oregano, salt, white sugar, black pepper, and ground cinnamon. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to create your dry rub.
2. Step 2: Place the chicken wings in a large resealable bag or . Add the dry rub mixture to the wings and seal the . Shake well until the wings are evenly coated with the rub.
3. Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Lightly oil the grill grate to prevent sticking.
4. Step 4: Place the seasoned chicken wings on the preheated grill. Grill the wings, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and fully cooked, about 15 to 20 minutes. Ensure the wings are no longer pink in the center.
5. Step 5: Once the wings are cooked through, remove them from the grill and serve immediately. Enjoy your flavorful, spicy chicken wings!

Cook's Notes

• Wear gloves while handling the dry rub, especially when working with hot peppers. Avoid contact with your eyes or any open skin to prevent irritation.
• You can adjust the amount of rub used based on the size of your wings or your preferred level of spiciness.
• If you prefer to bake the wings instead of grilling them, preheat your oven to 350F (175C) and bake for about 1 hour until crispy and fully cooked.
• Alternatively, you can deep-fry the wings for a crispier texture.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	141
Total Fat	9g (12%)
Saturated Fat	3g (13%)
Cholesterol	39mg (13%)
Sodium	235mg (10%)
Total Carbohydrate	2g (1%)
Dietary Fiber	1g (3%)
Total Sugars	1g
Protein	13g (25%)
Vitamin C	2mg (3%)
Calcium	14mg (1%)
Iron	1mg (6%)
Potassium	129mg (3%)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is based on available data for the ingredients used. Consult a healthcare provider for specific dietary concerns.

Recipe Overview: This spicy wing recipe is perfect for those who love a fiery kick! With a dry rub of cayenne, jalapeno, and habanero peppers, these atomic chicken wings will light up your taste buds. Grill, bake, or fry them for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

History and Origin

The origins of spicy chicken wings date back to the United States, specifically Buffalo, New York, where the iconic "Buffalo wings" were first created in 1964. While traditional Buffalo wings are tossed in a buttery hot sauce, dry-rubbed wings like Kristina's Atomic Wings have grown in popularity, particularly among spice enthusiasts. The combination of cayenne, jalapeno, and habanero peppers reflects a growing global appreciation for heat and spice in cooking, drawing influences from various regions where hot peppers are a staple. The addition of cinnamon in this recipe is a unique twist, adding complexity and depth to the fiery profile.

Regional Variations

Wings are a beloved dish across the United States, but each region has its own way of preparing them. In the Southern United States, wings are often deep-fried and served with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing. In contrast, dry-rubbed wings like Kristina's are common in areas that embrace bold flavors without the added moisture of sauces. This style of wing is especially popular in places like Texas, where spicy foods and barbecues are a major part of the local culture. The dry rub, which is essential to this recipe, allows the wings to maintain their crisp texture, while packing a punch of heat.

What Makes It Different?

Compared to traditional sauced wings, Kristina's Atomic Wings stand out due to the dry rub method. While sauced wings can become soggy, dry-rubbed wings maintain a crisp exterior. Additionally, the mix of ground cayenne, jalapeno, and habanero peppers creates a layered heat that builds as you eat, unlike more straightforward spicy sauces. The addition of cinnamon is another distinguishing feature, as it balances the heat with a subtle sweetness, creating a complex flavor profile that is both intense and intriguing.

Where to Serve

Kristina's Atomic Wings are perfect for casual gatherings, game days, or barbecues. These wings are best enjoyed with a cold beverage on the side, as their heat can be intense. Theyre commonly served as an appetizer, but they can also stand as a main dish when paired with sides like coleslaw, fries, or corn on the cob. Given their fiery nature, it's important to warn guests about the heat level before servingthese wings are not for the faint of heart!

Interesting Facts

Did you know that the world's spiciest pepper, the Carolina Reaper, can reach up to 2.2 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU)? While Kristinas Atomic Wings don't use the Carolina Reaper, they do feature a potent blend of cayenne, jalapeno, and habanero peppers, each packing significant heat. The Scoville Heat Scale measures the heat of peppers based on the concentration of capsaicin, the compound responsible for their spicy kick. When preparing wings with this kind of spice, its advisable to wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterward, as the oils from these peppers can irritate the skin and eyes.

Recipe Instructions

• Combine cayenne pepper, jalapeno pepper, habanero pepper, oregano, salt, sugar, black pepper, and cinnamon in a small bowl; mix well to make the dry rub.
• Place chicken wings in a large resealable bag or container. Add dry rub mixture to wings; seal container and shake well until evenly distributed.
• Preheat a grill for medium heat and lightly oil the grate.
• Cook the chicken wings on the preheated grill, turning occasionally, until the chicken is well-browned and no longer pink, 15 to 20 minutes.

Cook's Note: You may want to wear gloves when handling the rub, as the spice can linger on your hands. Also, depending on the size of your wings, feel free to adjust the amount of dry rub to suit your taste.

Nutrition Facts

FAQ about Kristina's Atomic Wings Dry-Rub Style Recipe

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