These spicy Cajun garlic chicken wings are full of flavor and perfect for sharing! They’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, giving you the best of both worlds.
Honestly, the garlic kicks in just the right way, making every bite a little party in your mouth. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, and you’re in for a tasty treat! 🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: Fresh chicken wings are ideal for this recipe. If you can’t find wings, try using drumsticks instead. They have a similar texture but will need a bit more cooking time.
Olive Oil: Olive oil helps the wings crisp up nicely. If you prefer, you can substitute it with vegetable oil, canola oil, or even melted butter for added richness.
Cajun Seasoning: You can make your own Cajun seasoning at home by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper. This way, you can adjust the heat level to your liking.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds great flavor, but if you only have garlic powder, double the amount (2 tablespoons) for a similar impact. You can also use garlic salt—just be careful with extra salt in the recipe.
What’s the Best Way to Roast Chicken Wings for Crispiness?
Achieving crispy chicken wings is all about the cooking method. Firstly, patting the wings dry is crucial. This helps them crisp up instead of steaming during baking.
- Preheat your oven and use a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate around the wings, making them crispy all over.
- Make sure to arrange the wings in a single layer without overcrowding. This helps them get a nice, even browning.
- Flipping the wings halfway through baking helps achieve that perfect golden crisp. Just a quick turn will do the trick!
Enjoy making your Cajun garlic chicken wings crispy and flavorful!
How to Make Cajun Garlic Chicken Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, tips removed and wings separated into flats and drumettes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Spice Mix:
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake. Including some resting time after baking, you can expect to spend around an hour for delicious and crispy Cajun garlic chicken wings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). To catch any drippings and make cleanup easier, line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. This will help the wings cook evenly and get crispy!
2. Prepare the Spice Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix together the garlic powder, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This blend of spices will give the wings their fantastic flavor.
3. Dry the Chicken Wings:
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is important for achieving that perfect crispy texture!
4. Coat the Wings:
Add the dry chicken wings to the bowl with the spice mixture. Drizzle olive oil over the wings and add in the minced garlic. Toss everything together until the wings are completely coated with the oil and spices. You want every wing to be flavor-packed!
5. Arrange and Bake:
Lay the seasoned wings on the wire rack in a single layer. Make sure they’re not touching each other to ensure they cook evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through the cooking time to get them golden brown and crispy on both sides.
6. Rest and Garnish:
Once they’re crispy and fully cooked, remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps them tender. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color!
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the Cajun garlic chicken wings hot with your favorite dipping sauces or alongside some fresh veggies. Enjoy every flavorful bite of your crispy and spicy wings!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings?
Yes, you can, but it’s important to fully thaw them first. The best way to do this is by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or using the quick method of submerging them in cold water in a sealed bag. Pat them dry before seasoning to ensure they get crispy during baking.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! If you prefer more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the spice mix. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the marinade or toss the baked wings with extra hot sauce before serving for that extra kick.
How Do I Store Leftover Wings?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, which will help retain their crispiness.
Can I Grill These Wings Instead?
Yes! If you prefer grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the wings for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally until they are cooked through and crispy. Just make sure to monitor them closely to prevent flare-ups!