You ever take that first bite of something so good, so packed with flavor, that you just have to close your eyes and savor it? That’s exactly what happens when you sink your teeth into these Cajun chicken wings.
I grew up in Louisiana, where Cajun cooking isn’t just food—it’s a way of life. My grandma would throw together spices like she was casting a magic spell, and let me tell you, every bite was pure fire (in the best way).
These wings? They’re bold, smoky, a little spicy, and packed with that real-deal Cajun flavor. And the best part? They’re baked to crispy perfection, so you get all the crunch without the deep fryer.
Whether you’re grilling for game day, feeding the family, or just need something that punches you in the taste buds (in a good way), these wings got you covered.
Serving Suggestions
These wings are fire on their own, but here’s how to take them up a notch:
🔥 Serve with a side of homemade ranch or blue cheese dressing to cool down the heat.
🔥 Pair them with celery sticks and carrot sticks for some crunch.
🔥 If you love carbs (who doesn’t?), whip up some Cajun fries or cornbread on the side.
Tips & Variations
✅ Want them grilled? Grill over medium-high heat for about 20-25 minutes, flipping occasionally until crispy.
✅ Not a fan of spicy? Cut the cayenne in half or skip it altogether.
✅ Air fryer option? Cook at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
✅ More heat? Add a dash of extra hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Cajun Chicken Wings
Crispy, bold, and spicy Cajun chicken wings baked to perfection and tossed in a buttery, flavorful glaze.
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Ingredients
(Serves 4-6)
For the Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings (split at the joint, tips removed)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust based on your spice level)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp white pepper (optional, but adds depth)
For the Cajun Butter Glaze:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (like Louisiana Hot Sauce or Frank’s Red Hot)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp honey (adds a touch of balance)
- ½ tsp additional smoked paprika
Instructions
Prep the Wings
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top (this helps the wings get extra crispy).
- Pat the wings dry with a paper towel. The drier the wings, the crispier they’ll be.
- In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil and all the Cajun seasoning ingredients. Make sure every wing is coated in that spicy goodness.
2. Bake to Perfection
- Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through. You want them golden brown and crispy on the outside.
3. Make the Cajun Butter Glaze
- While the wings are baking, mix the melted butter, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, and extra smoked paprika in a small bowl.
- Once the wings are done, toss them in the glaze or brush it on top for a more even coating.
Notes
Can be baked, grilled, or air-fried. Adjust spice level as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 4 wings
- Calories: ~320 per serving
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
