These Cajun Garlic Chicken Wings are packed with flavor! Coated in a zesty Cajun spice mix and drizzled with garlic goodness, they are crispy and delicious.
Perfect for a game night or a casual dinner, I can’t resist munching on these wings. They disappear fast, so make sure to grab a few extra! 😂
What I love most is how easy they are to make. Just toss the wings in spices, bake, and enjoy. They’re a hit every time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: Fresh or frozen wings will work. I prefer fresh for the best texture. If you’re short on wings, you can substitute with drumsticks or even boneless chicken bites—they’ll be tasty too!
Olive Oil: This adds moisture and helps the skin crisp up. You can use vegetable oil or canola oil if you prefer. For a more robust flavor, try using melted coconut oil.
Cajun Spices: Smoked paprika and cayenne are key for that Cajun kick. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works too. For heat, adjust the cayenne to fit your taste—or use a pinch of chili powder instead!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for flavor! In a pinch, you could use garlic powder, but I find fresh provides a richer taste. You can also roast garlic for a different flavor profile.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best, so you can control the salt. If you want a lighter option, you could replace it with olive oil or a vegan butter substitute.
Why is Baking Wings on a Rack Important?
Baking chicken wings on a wire rack keeps them crisp because air can circulate around all sides. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for the best results.
- Using foil on the baking sheet makes cleaning up easier, catching all the drippings.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer on the rack. This helps them cook evenly and get crispy.
Don’t forget to flip them halfway to ensure both sides get that perfect crispness! Trust me, this step makes all the difference.
Cajun Garlic Chicken Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
For the Garlic Butter:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing these wings takes about 15 minutes, plus around 40-45 minutes for baking. So, in about an hour, you’ll have deliciously crispy Cajun Garlic Chicken Wings to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. This will help the wings cook evenly and get crispy all around!
2. Prepare the Wings:
In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with the olive oil until they are well coated. This helps the spices stick and makes them crispy when baked!
3. Make the Cajun Spice Mix:
In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to create your Cajun spice blend.
4. Season the Wings:
Sprinkle the Cajun spice mix over the wings and toss well to ensure each wing is evenly coated with the flavorful spices.
5. Arrange and Bake:
Place the seasoned wings in a single layer on the wire rack. Make sure there’s space between the wings so the heat can circulate and they can become super crispy. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Cook until the skin is golden and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
While the wings are baking, melt the unsalted butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
7. Toss the Wings in Garlic Butter:
When the wings are done baking, remove them from the oven and immediately toss them in the garlic butter. This helps infuse all that delicious garlic flavor into the wings!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the wings to a serving plate, sprinkle generously with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve them hot and enjoy your flavorful Cajun Garlic Chicken Wings!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. The best way to thaw is to place them in the fridge overnight or submerge them in cold water for a few hours. Pat them dry before seasoning to ensure they get crispy when baked!
What If I Don’t Have All the Spices Listed?
No worries! You can still make delicious wings. If you’re missing some spices, try using a pre-made Cajun seasoning blend. Alternatively, you can experiment with what you have on hand—just use paprika, garlic powder, and salt as a base!
Can I Bake the Wings in an Air Fryer?
Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and arrange the wings in a single layer. Cook them for about 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crispiness. Finish with the garlic butter after they’re done!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge 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. This will help retain their crispiness!