Get ready for a flavor explosion! These Cajun Spiced Chicken Wings are everything you crave: crisp on the outside, irresistibly juicy inside, and absolutely packed with the vibrant, smoky heat of Cajun spices. With every bite, you get a little zing from the hot sauce, the aromatic warmth of thyme and oregano, and all the savory magic that makes Cajun food unforgettable. Pair these wings with your favorite fixings or serve them party-style—they’re bound to steal the show at any gathering!

Cajun Spiced Chicken Wings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of pantry staples create such big, bold character! Every ingredient in this lineup plays a starring role—from the baking powder that guarantees that shatteringly crisp skin, to the medley of Cajun herbs and spices that delivers that unique Southern punch.

Chicken wings (3 pounds, split): The ideal cut for soaking up every bit of spice and turning crispy in the oven.
Baking powder (2 tablespoons): The not-so-secret weapon for golden, crunchy skin—don’t skip it!
Kosher salt (3 teaspoons): Amplifies those spices and brings all the flavors together.
Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds just the right touch of background heat.
Smoked paprika (1 tablespoon): Delivers deep color and an irresistible, smoky aroma to your wings.
Garlic powder (2 teaspoons): A flavor powerhouse that rounds out the spice blend.
Dried oregano (2 teaspoons): Provides a gentle herby lift and unmistakable Cajun character.
Cayenne pepper (1 teaspoon): Brings authentic heat—feel free to dial it up or down.
Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Adds earthy depth and balances the robust flavors.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Melts into the sauce for silky richness; use vegan butter for dairy-free or ghee for Paleo/Whole30.
Crystals hot sauce (¼ cup): Classic Louisiana fire—if you haven’t tried it, you’re in for a treat.
Coconut aminos (1 tablespoon): Softer than soy sauce, but adds irresistible umami; soy sauce is a perfect swap if needed.
Freshly chopped parsley: A sprinkle of green at the end brightens up every plate.

How to Make Cajun Spiced Chicken Wings

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Setup

Let’s set the stage for perfectly crisp wings! Move your oven rack to the upper-middle position and preheat to a hot 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil (you’ll thank yourself at cleanup time), then top with a wire rack sprayed lightly with nonstick spray. This setup helps the air circulate around every wing, crisping them up all over.

Step 2: Dry the Wings Thoroughly

Don’t overlook this crucial move: pat those wings bone-dry with paper towels. Any lingering moisture is the enemy of crispy skin, so really give them a good blotting. The drier they start, the crunchier they’ll finish!

Step 3: Coat the Wings with Cajun Seasoning

Now for the fun part: in a big bowl, combine your dried wings with baking powder, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, cayenne, and thyme. Toss them until every nook and cranny is coated. The aromatic spices and baking powder cling to the skin, promising each bite will be full of Cajun Spiced Chicken Wings flavor and crunch.

Step 4: Arrange the Wings on the Rack

Gently lay your seasoned wings in a single layer on the prepared rack. Be sure they aren’t crowded, giving hot air the space it needs to work its magic. The rack means every side cooks evenly—no awkward flipping halfway through.

Step 5: Bake the Cajun Spiced Chicken Wings

Into the oven they go! Bake for 20 minutes, then flip each wing and bake another 20 minutes. One more flip (to skin side up) and an extra 5-10 minutes will make them gloriously golden and crackling with crispiness.

Step 6: Make the Signature Sauce

While the wings work their alchemy in the oven, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Swirl in Crystal’s hot sauce and coconut aminos (or swap soy sauce), then simmer gently for about 5 minutes. The sauce thickens slightly and develops a rich, mouthwatering flavor that’s positively made for chicken.

Step 7: Toss the Wings in Sauce

Fresh from the oven, slide the hot wings into a large bowl. Pour over your warm, tangy Cajun sauce and toss everything together. Every wing gets a glossy coat—fragrant, vibrant, and utterly irresistible.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Just before serving, shower your Cajun Spiced Chicken Wings with freshly chopped parsley. That burst of green lifts both the flavor and the appearance—making them party-perfect and even more tempting!

How to Serve Cajun Spiced Chicken Wings

Garnishes

Nothing completes a platter of Cajun Spiced Chicken Wings like a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thinly sliced green onions. Add an extra shake of smoked paprika or a squeeze of lemon for bonus zing and extra color on the plate.

Side Dishes

Balance out the heat with classic sides like celery and carrot sticks, or serve with cool, creamy ranch or blue cheese dip. Cornbread, dirty rice, or seasoned fries are all fantastic companions that keep the Cajun spirit alive!

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning party platter, pile the Cajun Spiced Chicken Wings high on a rustic wooden board surrounded by colorful veggies and fresh herbs. Or skewer smaller wings with toothpicks for an easy, pass-around appetizer that disappears in no time!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extra wings? Store any leftover Cajun Spiced Chicken Wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They’ll hold onto their bold flavor, but they’re tastiest when eaten fresh and hot.

Freezing

For longer storage, let the wings cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a sealed freezer bag. They’ll keep their flavor for up to three months and are perfect for last-minute snacks or game day.

Reheating

To bring back that irresistible crisp, spread leftover wings on a baking sheet and reheat in a 400°F oven for 10–12 minutes. This keeps the skin crunchy and the inside moist—just like fresh!

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken wings?

Absolutely, just be sure to thaw and thoroughly pat them dry before seasoning. This ensures they crisp up nicely in the oven.

How spicy are these Cajun Spiced Chicken Wings?

They pack a moderate kick with a full teaspoon of cayenne and plenty of hot sauce, but you can always adjust the cayenne to match your heat preference. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Can I make these Cajun Spiced Chicken Wings in an air fryer?

Yes! Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. They’re just as crispy and delicious!

What can I substitute for Crystal’s hot sauce?

Frank’s RedHot or any Louisiana-style hot sauce works well. The key is choosing one that’s vinegar-based for that signature tang.

Are these Cajun Spiced Chicken Wings gluten-free?

They’re naturally gluten-free if you use coconut aminos and double-check all your seasonings; just be sure your brand of hot sauce is gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried these Cajun Spiced Chicken Wings yet, now’s your moment! Whether you’re making them for a party, game day, or just a fun dinner at home, you’re sure to win fans with every spicy, savory bite. Fire up your oven and let the good times roll!

Cajun Spiced Chicken Wings Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 14 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Cajun Spiced Chicken Wings are a flavorful and spicy twist on a classic favorite. The wings are coated in a blend of Cajun spices and baked until crispy, then tossed in a buttery hot sauce mixture for the perfect finish. Serve these wings as a delicious appetizer or main dish at your next gathering!

Instructions

Prepare Your Oven and Baking Setup
Adjust the oven rack to the upper-middle position and preheat to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top, sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
Dry the Wings
Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
Coat the Wings with Seasoning
Toss wings in a bowl with baking powder, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne, and thyme.
Arrange the Wings on the Rack
Place wings on the wire rack in a single layer, skin side up.
Bake the Wings
Bake for 20 mins, flip, bake another 20 mins, then finish with 5-10 mins until crispy.
Make the Sauce
Heat butter, add hot sauce and coconut aminos, simmer for 5 mins.
Toss the Wings in Sauce
Coat wings in the prepared sauce in a large bowl.
Serve and Garnish
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

You can adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper in the seasoning mix.
Make sure to dry the wings thoroughly before seasoning to achieve maximum crispiness.
For extra heat, you can add a dash of hot sauce to the seasoning mix.

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