Name: Cajun Spiced Chicken Wings Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 pounds split chicken wings; 2 tablespoons baking powder; 3 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 2 tablespoons butter (substitute with vegan butter for a dairy-free option, or ghee for Paleo/Whole30); ¼ cup Crystals hot sauce; 1 tablespoon coconut aminos (substitute with soy sauce); Freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

If you love food that packs both flavor and a little fire, Cajun Spiced Chicken Wings will become your new go-to. Imagine crispy, golden-baked wings tossed in a buttery, peppery sauce bursting with bold Louisiana flavor—these wings are devoured straight off the tray every time I bring them out. Whether you’re gearing up for game day or want to spice up weeknight dinners, this dish is all about easy steps and big rewards. Let’s dive in and make these unforgettable Cajun Spiced Chicken Wings together!

Cajun Spiced Chicken Wings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about making Cajun Spiced Chicken Wings at home is that you only need a handful of simple ingredients, but each one makes a big difference. From the crispy coating to the lively Cajun seasoning and that iconic hot sauce, everything in this recipe brings its own special touch to the finished wings.

Chicken wings: Opt for split wings for maximum surface area, which means more crunch and more flavorful coating.
Baking powder: The secret to ultra-crispy skin without deep-frying—don’t skip it!
Kosher salt: Enhances all the savory notes and keeps the wings perfectly seasoned.
Black pepper: Adds sharpness and depth that balances the heat.
Smoked paprika: Delivers that irresistible smoky warmth that feels so classic in Cajun cooking.
Garlic powder: Gives layers of aromatic flavor and makes the spice blend sing.
Dried oregano: Brings earthiness and a hint of Mediterranean flair that brightens up the blend.
Cayenne pepper: The source of that famous Cajun kick—add a little more if you like it hot!
Dried thyme: Subtly woodsy, thyme provides complexity that rounds out the spice profile.
Butter: Melts into the sauce for richness; swap for vegan butter or ghee depending on your diet.
Crystal’s hot sauce: The tangy, bright heat in the sauce that takes these wings over the top.
Coconut aminos (or soy sauce): Adds umami and just a touch of sweetness to balance the spice.
Freshly chopped parsley: Finishes your Cajun Spiced Chicken Wings with a sprinkle of color and vibrant flavor.

How to Make Cajun Spiced Chicken Wings

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Setup

This first step is all about setting the scene for crispiness. Adjust your oven rack to the upper-middle position and preheat it to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil—trust me, this makes cleanup a breeze. Set a wire rack on top of the baking sheet and give it a quick spritz with non-stick spray. The rack means the hot air circulates all around the wings for perfectly crispy skin—no flipping or fussing in oil required.

Step 2: Dry the Wings

Grab those chicken wings and pat them down with paper towels. The drier, the better! This is the real secret to achieving that shatteringly crispy skin in the oven—any extra moisture is the enemy of crunch. Don’t be shy; blot away until they’re good and dry.

Step 3: Coat the Wings with Seasoning

Toss the dry wings into a large bowl, then sprinkle in the baking powder, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne, and thyme. Get in there with your hands or a spatula and toss the wings until every nook and cranny is coated. The baking powder especially works its magic here, giving your Cajun Spiced Chicken Wings that craveable, golden crust.

Step 4: Arrange the Wings on the Rack

Now, lay the seasoned wings out in a single layer on the wire rack. Leave a little space between each piece so the hot air can do its thing and crisp all sides. Crowding leads to steaming, and we’re going for pure crunch here!

Step 5: Bake the Wings

Slide the tray into the oven and set your timer for 20 minutes. After that, carefully flip all the wings over and bake for another 20 minutes. Give them their final flip—skin side up again—and return to the oven for 5 to 10 more minutes. When they’re done, the wings should be deeply golden, crispy, and cooked clear through. Your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly at this point.

Step 6: Make the Sauce

As the wings finish up in the oven, pop a small saucepan on the stove over medium heat. Add the butter, let it melt, then stir in Crystal’s hot sauce and coconut aminos. Let the whole thing simmer gently for about 5 minutes; this gives it just enough time to thicken up slightly and meld all those flavors together. The result? A glossy, vibrant sauce perfect for tossing.

Step 7: Toss the Wings in Sauce

Once the wings are tantalizingly crisp, move them from the rack into a clean large bowl. Pour the hot sauce mixture over them, then toss carefully to coat every single wing. Now each bite will have that signature Louisiana flavor in all its spicy, tangy, buttery glory.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Transfer your saucy Cajun Spiced Chicken Wings to a platter and shower with chopped parsley. This step isn’t just for looks—the fresh parsley adds a little pop of color and a cooling, herbal note that complements the spicy wings perfectly. Serve immediately while they’re piping hot and irresistibly crispy.

How to Serve Cajun Spiced Chicken Wings

Garnishes

The finishing touch is one of the easiest but most impactful parts. Sprinkle your Cajun Spiced Chicken Wings liberally with fresh chopped parsley, or swap in cilantro for a slightly different vibe. For extra flair, you could also add thinly sliced scallions or a light grating of lemon zest just before serving. These quick garnishes make your platter look beautiful and taste even brighter.

Side Dishes

The bold, feisty flavor of Cajun Spiced Chicken Wings goes hand-in-hand with cool and creamy sides. Think celery and carrot sticks paired with classic ranch or blue cheese dip for dipping and crunch. You could also whip up a simple coleslaw, some cornbread, or even roasted sweet potatoes to balance out the heat and make it a true Southern-inspired feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your creativity shine when you bring these wings to the table! Serve them piled high on a rustic wooden board alongside small bowls of extra sauce, or set out “wing flights” with different dips for each. For a party, offer the wings in parchment paper cones or arrange them on skewers for an easy, hands-on appetizer experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If (and it’s a big if!) you have leftovers, store your Cajun Spiced Chicken Wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’ll stay tasty, though the skin may soften a little, so keep an eye out for the best texture when reheating.

Freezing

These wings freeze surprisingly well. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months—and you can reheat straight from frozen for ultimate convenience.

Reheating

Bring those wings back to life by laying them out on a wire rack over a baking sheet, and baking at 400°F until heated through and crispy again—usually about 12 to 15 minutes. If you’ve frozen your wings, they may take a little longer but will still come out satisfyingly fresh.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the wings completely in the fridge before patting them dry and starting the recipe. This step ensures the spice coating stays on and you get as much crispiness as possible.

Are Cajun Spiced Chicken Wings really spicy?

They do have a satisfying kick thanks to the Cajun seasoning and hot sauce, but you’re in full control. Dial back the cayenne pepper or use a milder hot sauce if you like things a little tamer.

What if I don’t have Crystal’s hot sauce?

No worries at all—any tangy Louisiana-style hot sauce will work in this recipe. Frank’s RedHot, Tabasco, or even a homemade hot sauce can be just as delicious with Cajun Spiced Chicken Wings.

Can these be made gluten-free?

Yes! Baking powder, the seasonings, and coconut aminos are naturally gluten-free, so as long as you check your labels, you can serve these wings to gluten-sensitive friends without any issue.

Do I have to use a wire rack to bake the wings?

While a wire rack ensures maximum crispiness by circulating heat all around, you can bake them directly on a foil-lined tray if needed—just flip an extra time to crisp up both sides. Your Cajun Spiced Chicken Wings will still be totally irresistible.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to spice up mealtime or need that next-level party snack, Cajun Spiced Chicken Wings are a surefire hit. The crispy texture, punchy seasoning, and zingy sauce tick all the right boxes. Give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself making a double batch next time!

Cajun Spiced Chicken Wings Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 10 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Delicious Cajun-spiced chicken wings with a crispy coating and a flavorful sauce. These wings are perfect for game day, parties, or a fun family dinner!

Instructions

Prepare Your Oven and Baking Setup – Adjust the oven rack, preheat to 425°F, line a baking sheet, and place a wire rack on top.
Dry the Wings – Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels.
Coat the Wings with Seasoning – Toss wings in a seasoning mixture in a large bowl.
Arrange the Wings on the Rack – Place seasoned wings on the wire rack in a single layer.
Bake the Wings – Bake wings in preheated oven for a crispy finish.
Make the Sauce – Heat butter, add hot sauce and aminos, simmer for 5 minutes.
Toss the Wings in Sauce – Coat wings evenly in the prepared sauce.
Serve and Garnish – Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American