Get ready for some tasty fun with these Sweet and Spicy Brown Sugar Cajun Wings! They are crunchy, sticky, and packed with flavor, perfect for game days or gatherings.
When I make these wings, everyone goes wild! I love how the sweet brown sugar and spicy Cajun seasoning mix together. They are a hit, and honestly, I can’t resist sneaking a few before serving! 🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: Fresh or frozen chicken wings work well. If you can’t find wings, you can use drumsticks instead. Just adjust the cooking time as they may take a bit longer due to size.
Brown Sugar: This gives the wings a sweet flavor. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute it with white sugar plus a little molasses or use honey, but keep in mind the consistency might change.
Cajun Seasoning: You can buy this pre-made or make your own with a mix of paprika, garlic powder, and various spices. If you’re not into the heat, reduce the amount, or opt for a milder seasoning blend.
Olive Oil: It helps with crisping up the wings. If that’s not on hand, feel free to use vegetable oil or melted butter for a richer flavor.
How Do You Get the Wings Extra Crispy?
To achieve that perfect crispy skin, start by patting the wings dry. Removing moisture helps them crisp up better when baking. Using a wire rack allows air to circulate around the wings, helping with even cooking. Here’s a step-by-step:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lining your baking sheet with foil makes cleanup easy!
- After coating the wings with oil, make sure they are not overcrowded on the rack. This prevents them from steaming and ensures crispiness.
- Flipping them halfway through cooking promotes even browning.
- If you want a final crispy touch, broil for 2-3 minutes while keeping a close eye.
Give these tips a try, and you’ll have wings that are not just tasty but also irresistibly crunchy!
Sweet and Spicy Brown Sugar Cajun Wings Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Seasoning Mix:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, followed by 35-45 minutes of baking time. Plus, you might want to take a few extra minutes to let the wings rest after baking, making the total time around 50 to 60 minutes. A little wait for delicious flavor is totally worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps the wings get crispy! Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack on top. The rack allows more air to circulate around the wings for even cooking.
2. Prep the Wings:
Take your chicken wings and pat them dry with some paper towels. This step is important because it helps to make the skin crispy when they bake.
3. Coat with Oil:
In a large bowl, toss the dried chicken wings with olive oil until they’re all evenly coated. The oil helps the seasonings stick and promotes that crunchy texture we all love.
4. Mix the Seasonings:
In a separate small bowl, combine the brown sugar, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Blend them well so the flavors can mingle! This mix is what makes these wings sweet, spicy, and delicious.
5. Season the Wings:
Sprinkle the prepared seasoning mixture over the wings. Toss them gently to ensure each wing gets a good coating of that yummy spice and sugar blend.
6. Arrange for Baking:
Place the seasoned wings in a single layer on the wire rack. Be sure not to crowd them, as this will help keep them crispy.
7. Bake the Wings:
Put the wings in the oven and bake for 35-45 minutes. Flip them halfway through to get that golden-brown color on both sides. You want them crispy and cooked through!
8. Broil for Extra Crispiness:
If you like your wings extra caramelized, you can turn on the broiler for an additional 2-3 minutes once they are done baking. Just keep a close eye so they don’t burn!
9. Let Them Rest:
Once out of the oven, let the wings rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle back in, making them juicier when you bite into them.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
If you want, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Serve these wings hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing, and don’t forget celery sticks or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy your delicious creation!
These Sweet and Spicy Brown Sugar Cajun Wings are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Happy cooking!
FAQ: Sweet and Spicy Brown Sugar Cajun Wings
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings! Just make sure to thaw them completely before starting the recipe. The best way to do this is to leave them in the fridge overnight or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge them in cold water for a quicker thaw.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer milder wings, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning in the spice mix. You can also use a mild seasoning blend or leave out the cayenne entirely. Taste the seasoning before applying it to the wings to ensure it’s to your liking!
How to Store Leftover Wings?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may not stay as crispy.
Can I Make These Wings Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the wings and seasoning the day before. Just store the seasoned wings in the fridge, covered, until you’re ready to bake them. You’ll need to adjust the cooking time if they’re chilled; it may take an additional few minutes for them to cook through.
