Cajun Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe

Introduction

Cajun Garlic Chicken Wings are a flavorful, spicy finger food perfect for any occasion. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these wings are tossed in a zesty Cajun seasoning and garlic butter that will keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients

• 1.2 kg chicken wings, separated at joints, tips removed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 4 large garlic cloves, finely minced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, and place a wire rack on top if you have one.
2. Step 2: Pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly with paper towels to help them crisp up in the oven.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Add the wings and toss well to coat evenly.
4. Step 4: Arrange the coated wings in a single layer on the prepared wire rack or baking sheet, leaving space between each wing for better air circulation.
5. Step 5: Roast the wings in the oven for 35–40 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking until they are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
6. Step 6: While the wings roast, melt the butter in a small pan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook gently for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
7. Step 7: When the wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the garlic butter over the hot wings and toss to coat evenly.
8. Step 8: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, dry the wings thoroughly before seasoning and consider using a wire rack to allow air circulation during roasting.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper to your desired heat level or omit it for milder wings.
• Make your own Cajun seasoning by combining paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
• Try grilling the wings instead of roasting for a smoky flavor.
• Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens the flavors nicely.

Storage

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes to help restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the skin soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning to ensure the wings crisp up well.

What can I serve with Cajun Garlic Chicken Wings?

These wings pair well with celery sticks, carrot sticks, ranch or blue cheese dip, and a cold beverage. They also make a great appetizer or party snack.

Cajun Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 79 reviews

These Cajun Garlic Chicken Wings are a flavorful and crispy snack perfect for game day or casual gatherings. The wings are seasoned with a bold blend of Cajun spices, roasted to golden perfection in the oven, and then tossed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce for a deliciously savory finish.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Wings

• 1.2 kg chicken wings, separated at joints, tips removed

Seasoning Blend

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Garlic Butter Sauce

• 4 large garlic cloves, finely minced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Garnish

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare oven and baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, and place a wire rack on top if you have one to allow heat circulation and promote crispiness.
2. Prep chicken wings: Pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly using paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy skin when roasted.
3. Mix marinade and coat wings: In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss well until all wings are evenly coated with the spice mixture.
4. Arrange wings on baking sheet: Place the coated chicken wings in a single layer on the prepared wire rack or directly on the lined baking sheet, making sure there is ample space between each wing for even roasting.
5. Roast wings: Roast the wings in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. Flip the wings halfway through cooking to ensure they become golden and crispy on both sides and are cooked through.
6. Prepare garlic butter: While the wings roast, melt the unsalted butter in a small pan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook gently for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, to infuse the butter with garlic flavor.
7. Toss wings with garlic butter: Once the wings are done roasting, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm garlic butter over the wings and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly.
8. Garnish and serve: If desired, sprinkle the wings with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving.

Notes

• Patting the wings dry before seasoning is key to getting crispy skin.
• Using a wire rack helps air circulate and keeps the wings crispy on all sides.
• Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
• Do not brown the garlic in the butter to avoid bitterness; just cook gently until fragrant.
• Serve wings hot for the best texture and flavor.

Keywords: chicken wings, Cajun seasoning, garlic butter, spicy wings, oven roasted, appetizer, snack