These Cajun Garlic Chicken Wings are packed with flavor! Spicy Cajun seasoning and garlic give them a tasty kick that makes your mouth water. Perfect for game day or a fun gathering!
Whenever I make these wings, they’re gone in a flash! I love serving them with a cool ranch dip; it balances the spice perfectly. Get ready for finger-licking goodness! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: Fresh or frozen wings both work! If you’re short on time, look for pre-seasoned or already marinated wings for convenience.
Cajun Seasoning: You can make your own Cajun seasoning by combining garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and oregano if store-bought isn’t available. My homemade mix adds a more personal touch!
Olive Oil: This oil is great for roasting, but feel free to use vegetable or canola oil, especially if olive oil is not on hand.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for flavor. For a milder taste, you can use garlic powder as a substitute, but I love the fresh taste. You can use as much or as little as you like!
How Do I Get Satisfyingly Crispy Wings?
Achieving crispy wings might seem tricky, but with the right techniques, it’s easy! The key is using a wire rack to allow air to circulate around the wings as they bake.
- Preheat your oven before placing the wings in; this helps them begin cooking at a high temperature for crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the wings on the rack. Give them space to cook evenly and allow their edges to crisp up nicely.
- Flipping the wings halfway through ensures they cook evenly on both sides.
- Lastly, tossing the cooked wings in butter and garlic adds flavor and helps crisp them even more.
How to Make Cajun Garlic Chicken Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Optional dipping sauce: ranch or a spicy mayo
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 35-40 minutes of baking time. With everything ready to go in a little over 45 minutes, you’ll have delicious, crispy wings to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Wings:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to keep cleanup easy, and place a wire rack on top. This will help air circulate around the wings as they bake, making them nice and crispy.
2. Flavoring the Wings:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken wings in this mixture until they are fully coated in those bold flavors.
3. Baking the Wings:
Place the wings on the wire rack in a single layer with space in between each piece for even cooking. This will help them get crispy instead of soggy. Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly on both sides and turn golden brown.
4. Adding the Garlic Butter:
While the wings bake, melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant, but be careful not to let it brown—this keeps the garlic flavor fresh.
5. Tossing the Wings:
When the wings are fully cooked, take them out of the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the garlic butter over the hot wings and give them a good toss to coat them evenly in that delicious buttery garlic goodness.
6. Garnishing and Serving:
Garnish your wings with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve them right away with lime wedges on the side and your choice of dipping sauce, like ranch or spicy mayo, for that extra flavor kick!
Enjoy your crispy, spicy, and garlicky Cajun Chicken Wings! They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings! Just make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight before preparing. This ensures even cooking and helps them get crispy in the oven.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer milder wings, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the recipe or skip it altogether. You can also add a bit of honey or a sweet sauce on the side to balance the heat!
Can I Prep the Wings in Advance?
Absolutely! You can marinate the wings in the spice mixture the night before and store them in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld even more. Just remember to let them come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before baking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.