Mardi Gras Wing Seasoning
Cuisine,  Dressings & Marinades,  Recipes,  Tiny Tips of Thyme

Mardi Gras Wings Seasoning Blend

February 3, 2019 / 82 Comments
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We LOVE Publix Mardi Gras Wings aka Mardi Gras Wings Seasoning Blend. 

Any time I have to run to the grocery store for a last minute ingredient I can count on someone shouting to me as I go out the door, “pick up a couple Mardi Gras Wings.” 

I have all I can do not to eat them on the drive home.  Their aroma alone makes my mouth water.

Mardi Gras Wing Seasoning Jar on Lemony Thyme

Since we roast a whole chicken each week I’m always looking for new ways to prepare it.  Why has it taken me this long to infuse Mardi Gras Wing flavor into the whole bird?

Mardi Gras Wing Seasoning

I did a good amount of internet research looking for a copycat recipe. 

It seems the company, A.C. Legg, who makes this particular seasoning blend, makes it exclusively for Publix Super Markets and their lips are sealed. 

I was able to coax the deli counter gal into showing me the bag.  The ingredient list was quite short…dry mustard, some chemical sounding words, and “assorted spices.” 

They’re not giving this secret recipe up.

When all else fails rely on the one you can always trust….your taste buds!! 

Rosemary is definitely the star ingredient, but there is a slightly salty subtle heat as well. 

After three attempts and side-by-side comparisons I finally got a thumbs up from my taste-kitchen testers. 

Here is our version of Mardi Gras Wing Seasoning.

Mardi Gras Wing Seasoning2

Whether you are making Mardi Gras Wings or Mardi Gras Whole Roasted Chicken, I found it easier to keep the spices stuck to the chicken by making a paste. 

I added 3 Tbl. of sunflower or canola oil to the Mardi Gras Wings Seasoning.  Then I rubbed this all over the chicken before baking.

Are there recipes that remind you of a favorite vacation that you’d like to see us recreate? I’d love for you to comment below. Your feedback is so important to me (and keeps the recipe love fresh).

Don’t forget to follow us @LemonyThyme on Instagram and Facebook! And check out our latest TikTok videos and Pinterest boards too!

All my best,
xo Libby

Mardi Gras Wing Seasoning

Mardi Gras Wings Seasoning

Libby with Lemony Thyme (inspired by Publix)
4.77 from 26 votes
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Ingredients
  

  • 2 Tbl. dried rosemary
  • 2 Tbl. chili powder
  • 1 Tbl. kosher salt
  • 1 Tbl. garlic powder
  • 1 Tbl. dried ground oregano
  • 1 Tbl. Tony’s Creole seasoning
  • 1 1/2 tsp. cumin
  • 1 tsp. dry yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp. black pepper
  • 3 Tbl. canola oil optional for making paste

Instructions
 

  • Combine all seasoning ingredients and store in an air tight container.

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82 Comments

  • Sandy

    February 6, 2024 at 9:25 pm Reply

    5 stars
    Wow! Just made Mardi Gras chicken thighs tonight and they were so good! We thought they tasted just like Publix Mardi Gras wings. Thank you for figuring out the recipe and sharing it with everyone.

    • Leitha Mangum

      May 5, 2024 at 2:19 pm Reply

      5 stars
      I made these wings some time ago and they were very good. Then I made another batch and purchased some of publix’s mixture and did a comparison. They were too close to call in a taste comparison. Today, I will try your seasoning on small turkey wings. I will marinade them for about three hours and then bake. I’m looking forward to trying them. Thanks so much for this recipe.

  • Julie Goggans

    July 29, 2023 at 10:21 pm Reply

    5 stars
    My daughter asks for thse every time she comes home from college. ?her other favorite is steak made with McComick’s Meat Marinade (red envelope package with steak on the front). But the have quit making it. I’ve tried to find a copy cat recipe for this, bit not success. I know if has dried minced onion and mustard seeds. So so good on flank steak. Any thoughts on where to find a copy cat recipe. Thank you!

  • Jennifer

    May 21, 2023 at 6:59 pm Reply

    3 stars
    This is good I have tried it however this is not a good copycat. The mix they use has orange, lemon, and onion powder in it too

  • Kara

    May 22, 2022 at 12:34 pm Reply

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious! Used this on chicken thighs last night, grilled them and scarfed them down so fast! Going to try this on a steak tonight. Can’t find anything on the internet for using this for beef but I’m adventerous and will let you know how it turns out. BTW I have never had Publix Mardi Gras wings, I just read all the rave reviews about them and did this myself. Next time I’m at the store I’ll get some fennel seeds and add to the recipe and yea, I guess I should try the originals from Publix soon lol

  • Vicki

    March 26, 2022 at 5:28 pm Reply

    Our Publix in Huntsville, Alabama will sell the mix-but it’s a big bag! So I made your recipe & keep it on my spice rack.
    Your recipe is great & hubby LOVES it! I also use the it on chicken breast, ribs, pork loin, even on roasted vegetables!
    Here is how I bake the wings. Cut 6 wings into 6 flats & 6 drumettes. Pat well to dry. In ziplock bag add 1/2 tsp baking POWDER (not baking soda!!) Baking powder makes them crispy like they were fried! Drop wings in the bag & shake to lightly coat wings. You will NOT taste it when cooked. Add in about 4 Tbs of Mardi Gras mix. More or less depending on your personal taste. Line a small sheet pan with foil. (Optional) I also place a rack in the pan that I spray with non stick spray. Place the wings on the rack & bake at 425 degrees (conventional oven) for 45-50 min turning once about half way through. Hubby gave a thumbs up! Delish!

  • Nicole

    July 12, 2021 at 7:34 pm Reply

    I have been searching and searching for this rub forever because we, too, can’t enter a Publix without taking home some Mardi Gras wings! I am actually going to try and brine them in the spice blend for 24 hours to see how they do frying them and then add a sprinkle once they are removed. We usually do a parboil the first stage and then grill them for the second stage. So looking forward to this!!

    • Laura

      August 12, 2022 at 10:42 am Reply

      5 stars
      I went to Publix to get the spices for this yesterday because I like to always have it on hand since I put it in a lot of different dishes. Anyway, the store had some Mardi Gras wings fresh out of the oven, Yay! I snagged them. I noticed on the packaging it says it uses thyme. I thought on it a minute or two (after all I was there to pick up the spices to make some more) and realized I don’t want to change your recipe. It is simply perfect.

  • Heather

    October 24, 2020 at 9:24 pm Reply

    5 stars
    I really love this copycat recipe. It may not be exact, but it’s truly tasty and I devour it. The last time I mixed it, I just made a single batch. This time, I tripled it so it will last longer and put it in a Mason jar.

      • Ed M

        August 15, 2020 at 10:34 am Reply

        5 stars
        Hi
        Libby I love this recipe. I made boneless chicken breasts last week and my husband and our friends loved it. Tonight I’m going to try and do country style ribs on the grill with the Mardi gras rub

        • libby

          August 15, 2020 at 1:14 pm Reply

          Yes!!! We’ve done Mardi Gras Ribs and they are so good. Also whole roasted chickens and pork chops. I’m addicted. Glad you both enjoyed. I’m actually working on a new wing seasoning that’s pretty tasty as well. Coming soon. Have a great weekend!

          • shroomn

            November 27, 2020 at 4:35 pm

            5 stars
            i made a cornish hen with this seasoning last night.
            sooo glad you mentioned pork ribs. thats what im gonna try tonight.

  • Zee

    February 2, 2020 at 10:46 pm Reply

    I used this recipe for a family gathering…and they loved them. I used peanut oil instead what was recommended.
    * I understand that using peanut oil is not the best due to food allergies.

  • Will

    January 2, 2019 at 4:50 pm Reply

    5 stars
    This recipe is so great. So close to the real thing. I’ve yet to find any type of chicken it wont work on. I’ve done grilled wings, breasts, kabobs, whole chickens, you name it.

    Well done!

  • Ken Payne

    December 20, 2018 at 1:39 am Reply

    5 stars
    Went by the recipe only changes I made were, added 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon fennel seed with 4 lb of wings cooked at 350 degrees for 45 minutes turn over for 10 minutes they were absolutely delicious.

      • Christine Handle

        December 31, 2020 at 12:04 am Reply

        They will not sell ot any more. I used to buy it by the case. Call the company that makes it. Theyhave a recipe that is close to the Publix one.Not an exact.
        Love this stuff.

    • S Murphy

      December 27, 2024 at 6:10 pm Reply

      So missing the Publix in Navarre FL, fell in love with the Mardi Wings several years ago. We have since had to return to Ohio and miss the beach area so much. I am almost out of the spice mix Publix sold to me just before we left, so I am so appreciateive for your recipe, will be making soon for Mardi Gras Ohio style what ever that might be! Thanks so much

  • Sana

    April 3, 2016 at 7:00 pm Reply

    Just left my local publix store and they do in fact now sell the seasoning! The deli said they don’t sell it but I went up front to the manager who called back to the deli and informed them that they do in fact sell it and it’s 3.79 a bag. I went ahead and purchased a bag but will be trying this recipe as well

  • Denise Rivers-Lyons

    January 14, 2016 at 11:49 am Reply

    5 stars
    I’m a big fan of Publix Mardi gras wings and had been looking for the seasoning recipe. I made them last night and I MUST say, they were excellent. Thank you for sharing this recipe. I’ll be making my own from NOW ON!!!

  • Yani

    December 3, 2015 at 7:01 pm Reply

    Let me first begin saying that I rarely leave any reviews but I thought I’d make an exception for this recipe. I love Publix Mardi Gras wings but my local store barely makes them. I made this Sunday for my fiancé and he really enjoyed these! This will now be a staple for us. Thank you.

  • Leslie

    June 20, 2015 at 4:20 pm Reply

    Wanted to cook up some good chicken for Father’s Day and thought about Mardi Gras wings at Publix. Wanted the recipe and I found this site. I was prepared to make it and went to Publix to buy the spices. First, I took a chance and swung by the deli and asked if I could purchase this delicious Mardi Gras seasoning. Without hesitation, the manager went and got me a bag. It took him a minute to find out what to price it at and I walked away with a bag of seasoning for $1.93. Woot!

  • Kay V

    June 18, 2015 at 2:33 pm Reply

    I just found this recipe this week and am planning this for tonights dinner…although I’m going to marinade chicken breasts and grill them after a couple of hours…can’t wait!!

  • Greg

    January 10, 2015 at 5:11 pm Reply

    We also have loved Publix Mardi Gras wings for years. Sometimes they would be under-cooked so we always wanted to make our own. My wife actually got them to sell her bags of the seasoning. They labeled it as “deli supplies” and sold her a whole bag for $3.00. We will try your recipe once our supply runs out since we no longer live near a Publix. Thanks for your efforts! By the way, the original definitely has fennel seed in it.

  • Sierra

    January 5, 2015 at 5:23 pm Reply

    How could you tweek the cook timing for chicken breasts? I’m not a huge eater of bone-in chicken, haha. But I’ve tried these and the flavor is amazing! I’d really love to know how to make them as just breasts if you have any ideas!

    • libby

      January 6, 2015 at 10:04 am Reply

      Hi Sierra. You can definitely slather up some chicken breasts in this rub and then bake them. I’d go at 350 for 35-40 minutes depending on thickness (internal temp of 165).

  • Marie

    September 14, 2014 at 9:07 am Reply

    Libby, I am about to pick up the ingredients for the wings now. I call Publix to have them save wings for me nearly every other day, in hopes to figure out the recipe. Can’t wait to try your recipe. Thank you so much; I never would have gotten it. Should I combine the ingredients, store them, and add the canola oil when ready to bake?

    • libby

      September 14, 2014 at 4:23 pm Reply

      Sorry for the late reply. The seasoning can be made a minute or a month in advance. It’s a beautiful thing. And yes, add the oil just before tossing with the wings. Glad you found us and I hope you love them like we do.

  • Andre'

    July 18, 2014 at 6:45 pm Reply

    I’ve literally been trying to pry this recipe out of dozens of Publix employees for years. When I found this recipe, I was very excited. I tried it for the first time tonight and all I can say is WOW!!! Libby, your taste buds are impeccable!!! One slight variation I made (which makes them a little more spicy) is that I added 1 Tbl of Caribbean Jerk seasoning (by McCormick). I put the mixture in a zip-loc bag and added roughly 3 pounds of wings and worked the seasoning in. I then cooked the wings in a Nu Wave oven for 15 mins on each side and BAM (insert Emeril voice here)!!!! I’ll never have to buy Mardi Gras Wings from Publix again (unless I just need the convenience).

    Thanks Libby (and your impeccable taste buds) :-)

  • Jason McCall

    July 13, 2014 at 9:28 pm Reply

    5 stars
    Very good recipe, i lessened the rosemary and next more cumin and maybe chili powder. No More Publix Visits for MEEEE!!!

  • Natalie

    July 3, 2014 at 2:53 pm Reply

    I used to work at Publix. It was always difficult to make large batches of these wings and not eat them. I do not know the secret spice blend either but your recipe is pretty close. I would decrease the rosemary and add some fennel seed. At Publix we baked these on a large sheet pan. We covered the wings in canola oil and liberally sprinkled on seasoning and then mixed wings around with our hands. Stir them several times while baking. I don’t recall how long we baked them for but it was also a convection oven. Now I’m craving these so I will try this recipe soon.

    • libby

      July 3, 2014 at 5:26 pm Reply

      Thanks so much Natalie for sharing. I knew rosemary was the most prominent ingredient but the fennel seed sounds like a great add too. They are definitely addicting.

  • Whiskey_and_Koffee

    June 7, 2014 at 9:09 pm Reply

    I very much complement you for your hard work on this project. I tried your recipe and absolutely loved it. I think you were very close, but candidly, I believe you were too heavy on the Rosemary.

  • Ralf

    April 27, 2014 at 9:13 am Reply

    Hi: I went through the same ordeal. Even contacted the factory in Alabama several times. Was told no one in the factory knows the secret to this seasoning and no one can get their hands on it. to send me a bag. Finally one day I offered to buy a bag from a person who worked in the deli. They would not sell it but gave me about a 1/4 of a bag. My intent was to send it off to be analyzed, but haven’t – if you would like to have this bag with what’s left in it, I am happy to send it to you. Just send your address to my email.

    Thanks, RB

  • Brenda

    March 11, 2014 at 3:02 pm Reply

    Yum! Thanks for figuring this one out. We love Publix’s mardi gras wings as well as their chicken fingers. Can you share how you cook the wings?

    • L. Flowers

      August 11, 2022 at 11:10 pm Reply

      5 stars
      I have been using this recipe because Publix quit selling Mardi gras wings for a while and I use it on any piece of chicken because it’s so good. The Publix recipe includes thyme (read it on the container tonight), but to be honest? I won’t add it to your recipe because yours is perfect.

  • Kim

    February 12, 2014 at 2:41 pm Reply

    5 stars
    Mustard! Well, I’ll be darned. I had everything else going in my version. lol! I can’t believe you got someone to let you see the bag!

    • L.Flowers

      August 11, 2022 at 11:17 pm Reply

      5 stars
      I have used your recipe for a while because Publix didn’t have mardi gras wings because of the wing shortage. Lately I have been buying their non breaded wings putting them on warm in the oven in foil with a little water with your recipe sprinkled on them, delicious. Today when I found some actual mardi gras wings in store it says on the label it contains thyme. Yours taste so close to theirs I feel no need to include this ingredient. It may not be true Publix mardi gras, but I think it is more perfect. Kudos

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