These Cajun garlic chicken wings are a tasty treat! Crispy on the outside and packed with flavor, they are seasoned to perfection with a zesty Cajun mix.
Perfect for game day or a fun night in, these wings are hard to resist. Just give them a try, and you’ll be hooked! I love to pair them with some cool ranch sauce for dipping. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: Fresh chicken wings are best for this recipe. If you want a lighter option, you could try using chicken drumsticks or thighs, but keep in mind cooking times will vary.
Olive Oil: Olive oil helps crisp the wings, but you can substitute with vegetable oil or canola oil if you prefer. Both are great alternatives!
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These give a lovely base flavor. If you’re out of garlic powder, fresh minced garlic works too—just reduce it to about 2-3 cloves. For onion powder, you could use finely chopped onion instead, but that may add more moisture.
Cajun Seasoning: You can make your own with a mix of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and herbs. This allows you to control the spice level, which is great if you have kids or prefer milder flavors!
Cayenne Pepper: This is optional if you want a milder version of the wings. Adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance—just a pinch can go a long way!
How Do I Get My Chicken Wings Extra Crispy?
Crispy chicken wings are a must for a great bite! Here are some tips to help achieve that perfect crunch:
- Dry the wings: Patting the wings dry removes excess moisture, which helps them crisp up better while cooking.
- Use a wire rack: If baking, place wings on a wire rack over the baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate around all sides for more even cooking.
- Cook at high heat: Both grilling and baking at medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C) is key. This temperature helps achieve that nice golden color and crispy texture.
- Flip them: If baking, flip the wings halfway through cooking to ensure both sides get crispy.
- Broil at the end: If baking, you can broil the wings for the last few minutes for added crispiness—but watch them closely to prevent burning!
These tips will make your wings deliciously crispy! Enjoy preparing your Cajun Garlic Chicken Wings!
How to Make Cajun Garlic Chicken Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, tips removed and separated into drumettes and flats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes for preparation, plus 30 minutes to 1 hour for marinating (if you choose to marinate). Cooking takes about 20-45 minutes, depending on whether you’re grilling or baking. In total, plan for around 1 hour to 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Wings:
Start by patting the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This will help them get nice and crispy when cooked. No one likes soggy wings!
2. Mix the Seasoning:
In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper (if you’re using it), salt, and black pepper. Mix it well so all the spices are combined.
3. Season the Wings:
In a large bowl, add the chicken wings and drizzle the olive oil over them. Toss the wings to coat them evenly in the oil. Then, sprinkle the seasoning mixture all over the wings, tossing again until every piece is well-coated with the delicious spices.
4. Marinate (Optional):
If you have a little extra time, cover the bowl and refrigerate the wings for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. This step is optional, but the flavors will be much better if you let them marinate a bit!
5. Cook the Wings:
Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). If you’re using an oven, line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top to catch drips and allow better airflow around the wings.
– On the Grill: Arrange the wings directly on the grill and cook for about 20-25 minutes. Turn them every 5-7 minutes to ensure they’re cooking evenly and to prevent burning.
– In the Oven: Place the wings on the wire rack and bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until they’re crispy and cooked through.
6. Check Doneness:
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the wings reaches 165°F (74°C). You want the skin to be crispy and beautifully browned!
7. Serve:
Once cooked, transfer the wings to a serving plate. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and add lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick, if desired. Enjoy those scrumptious Cajun Garlic Chicken Wings with your favorite dipping sauce or just as they are!
Happy eating!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. For best results, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or use the quick method by sealing them in a bag and submerging in cold water for a couple of hours.
How Can I Make These Wings Less Spicy?
If you prefer a milder flavor, simply skip the cayenne pepper in the seasoning mix. You can also reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or choose a mild variety to keep the heat down while still enjoying the delicious Cajun flavors.
Can I Prepare These Wings Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and season the wings up to a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When you’re ready to cook, you can either grill or bake them straight from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Wings?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the oven or an air fryer for best results, which will keep them crispy. Just warm them at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
