happy® coffee chicken wings recipe

We know coffee is more than a beverage — it’s a spark of joy, a ritual, and yes, even a secret ingredient. Beyond your morning mug, coffee can transform everyday dishes into something bold, flavorful, and seriously delicious™.

So, we created this 3-part recipe series in collaboration with Detroit-based chef Sarah Mikulski (aka @chefsarahmick) to show off how happy coffee can bring depth, fun, and yum to the kitchen. This is part 3.

------------------------------------

bbq coffee rub wing

Game day, BBQ night, Tuesday dinner — wings are always a crowd-pleaser. Add a happy coffee spice rub and suddenly they’re unforgettable: smoky, spicy, crispy, and infused with coffee’s rich character.

Recipe

• 1 package whole chicken wings
• 2 Tbsp happy ground coffee
• 2 Tbsp Olive oil
• 1 Tbsp each chili powder, smoked paprika, paprika
• 1 Tsp each cumin, cayenne, salt 
• 2 Tbsp garlic powder
• 3 Tsp black pepper

Dry wings in the fridge, coat with the coffee-spice rub, bake low and slow, then crank up the heat for crispy, golden magic.

Step by Step: 

1. Remove the wings from their package, cutt off tails, and lay them on a baking sheet sprayed with non-stick spray
2. Put them in the fridge, uncovered, for at least an hour. The longer the better! This dries them out and helps form a crispy skin. 
3. Combine the olive oil, ground coffee, chili powder, smoked paprika, paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to make your rub. 
4. Take wings out of the fridge and coat them in the rub. Pro tip: dip each wing and rub each wing to distribute evenly
5. Preheat the oven to 250℉
6. Cook the wings for 30 mins
7. Turn up the heat to 425℉
8. Bake for an additional 40 mins, flipping halfway 
9. Add your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy! 

Why it works: Coffee brings depth and balance, enhancing the spice rub and giving wings a flavor that’s bold but approachable.