Chili Lime Chicken Rub

Chili Lime Chicken Rub: A Smoky, Spicy Kick for Your Chicken Wings
If you're looking for a way to take your chicken wings to the next level, then this Chili Lime Chicken Rub is just what you need! With a mix of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors, this rub will coat your chicken wings or drumsticks with a burst of bold flavors. The best part? You don’t need to be a professional pitmaster to create this deliciously seasoned chicken. Whether you’re using a grill, smoker, or oven, this rub is sure to impress your family and friends at your next cookout or game day party.

Why This Chili Lime Chicken Rub WorksThe Chili Lime Chicken Rub is a combination of several spices that bring out the best in your chicken. The chipotle pepper gives it a smoky, spicy kick, while the smoked paprika and ancho chili add depth and complexity. The chili lime seasoning brings that perfect tangy twist, balancing out the heat with its zesty citrusy flavor. To round it all off, we’ve got Grill’n Magic, a special seasoning that adds the perfect finishing touch to your wings, along with a bit of baking powder to ensure crispy skin.

Ingredients

• Brined Chicken Wings/Drummies (pre-brined for extra juiciness)
• 1 tsp Chipotle Pepper (adds smoky heat)
• ½ C Smoked Paprika (for that deep smoky flavor)
• ¼ C Ancho Chili Powder (adds a mild heat and rich flavor)
• 1 Tbsp Chili Lime Seasoning (for that tangy, zesty kick)
• 2 Tbsp Grill’n Magic (a flavorful blend that works wonders on grilled meats)
• 2 Tbsp Baking Powder (helps crisp up the skin while cooking)

Directions

1. Prepare Your Rub: In a small bowl, mix together the chipotle pepper, smoked paprika, ancho chili, chili lime, Grill’n Magic, and baking powder. Stir everything together until well combined. This rub is packed with flavor and the perfect balance of heat and zest!
2. Coat the Chicken: Place your brined chicken wings or drumsticks into a large mixing bowl. Add the prepared rub and toss the chicken until it’s evenly coated. Make sure every piece of chicken is covered with the seasoning for maximum flavor.
3. Set Up the Grill: Preheat your Louisiana Grill (Founder’s Edition or Legacy model) to 280°F. If you’re using a smoker, set it up for indirect cooking with wood pellets of your choice to add extra smoky flavor.
4. Smoke the Chicken: Once the grill is preheated, place the chicken on the grill. Close the lid and let the wings cook for about an hour and a half, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. The slow smoking process at this temperature ensures the chicken becomes incredibly juicy, flavorful, and perfectly crispy on the outside.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken wings or drumsticks are cooked to perfection, remove them from the grill. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute. Enjoy your perfectly smoked, chili-lime-infused chicken!

Tips for Perfect Chili Lime Chicken Wings

• Baking Powder Trick: Adding baking powder to the rub isn’t just for flavor—it helps the skin crisp up when cooked. If you’re looking for that perfect crispy exterior, this little trick makes a huge difference.
• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer your wings spicier, feel free to add more chipotle pepper or ancho chili. For a milder version, scale back the chili components and increase the chili lime seasoning for more tang without the heat.

• Wood Pellets Matter: For the best smoky flavor, consider using hickory, mesquite, or applewood pellets in your Louisiana Grill or smoker. Each wood type gives a different depth of flavor, so experiment to find your favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chili Lime Chicken Rub recipe is all about bold, layered flavors that complement the natural juiciness of the chicken. The combination of smoky chipotle, tangy lime, and earthy ancho chili is a crowd-pleaser every time. The rub works wonders for chicken wings or drumsticks, but you could also use it for other meats like chicken breasts, thighs, or even pork ribs!

Plus, smoking the chicken at a low temperature ensures that your wings stay juicy and tender, with just the right amount of crispy skin. Whether you're an experienced smoker or just getting started, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to give you delicious results.
So, fire up that grill and try this Chili Lime Chicken Rub recipe at your next gathering. Your guests will be asking for seconds (and probably the recipe too)!

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