These Sweet and Spicy Brown Sugar Cajun Wings are a tasty treat! They’re coated in a spicy Cajun mix and a sweet brown sugar glaze, making each bite super delicious.
I love how they have that perfect balance of sweet and heat. They’re great for game day or just a fun dinner at home. Grab some napkins—things might get a little messy! 🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: This recipe shines with fresh or frozen chicken wings. If you want to go healthier, skinless wings can be substituted, but will result in less crispiness.
Brown Sugar: The brown sugar gives a lovely sweetness. You can replace it with coconut sugar for a healthier option or even honey, but reduce the amount of honey slightly as it’s sweeter.
Cajun Seasoning: You’ll want a good Cajun mix for flavor. If you don’t have any, create your own with paprika, thyme, onion powder, and garlic powder. For a milder version, use Italian seasoning instead.
Cayenne Pepper: This adds heat, but you can leave it out or use a less spicy pepper like sweet paprika or even chili powder if you prefer milder wings.
How Do You Get Crispy Baked Chicken Wings?
Achieving crispy wings without frying is all about the right techniques. Here’s how to make sure your wings come out perfectly crispy:
- Coating: Make sure to toss the wings in oil and your seasoning blend well; this creates a crispy layer.
- Wire Rack: Using a wire rack elevates the wings, allowing hot air to circulate for even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
- High Heat: Baking at 400°F (200°C) is essential for crisping up the skin without drying them out. Don’t skip turning the wings halfway through cooking.
Sweet and Spicy Brown Sugar Cajun Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 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 for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. In total, you should allocate around 55-60 minutes from start to finish, including cooking time to get these wings perfectly crispy and flavorful!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack on top. This setup helps the wings cook evenly and achieve a nice crispy finish!
2. Coat the Chicken Wings:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken wings with olive oil. Toss them gently until they’re evenly coated in the oil. This step is important to help the seasoning stick and for that delightful crispiness.
3. Prepare the Seasoning Mix:
In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This blend gives your wings that perfect sweet-and-spicy flavor.
4. Season the Wings:
Sprinkle your seasoning mix over the wings, making sure to toss them well so every piece gets coated evenly. You want that flavorful goodness on every wing!
5. Arrange and Bake:
Place the seasoned wings in a single layer on the wire rack. This allows airflow to circulate around the wings. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy on both sides.
6. Make the Butter Sauce:
While the wings are baking, mix the melted butter with the hot sauce (if using) in a small bowl. This will add an extra layer of flavor and moistness to your wings!
7. Toss the Wings:
Once the wings are fully cooked and crispy, carefully remove them from the oven. Immediately brush or toss them in the butter sauce mixture for that exciting burst of flavor!
8. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, sprinkle a little extra brown sugar or Cajun seasoning over the wings for a garnish. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy your delicious Sweet and Spicy Brown Sugar Cajun Wings!
These wings are sure to be a hit with family and friends—enjoy every flavorful bite!
FAQ for Sweet and Spicy Brown Sugar Cajun Wings
Can I Use Other Types of Chicken Cuts for This Recipe?
Yes! While wings are traditional, you can use chicken drumsticks or thighs. Just adjust the cooking time as larger cuts may need a longer bake to ensure they’re cooked through (about 50-55 minutes).
How Can I Make These Wings Spicier?
If you love heat, increase the cayenne pepper in the seasoning blend or add more hot sauce to the butter mixture. You can also experiment with other spicy seasonings like crushed red pepper flakes or a hotter Cajun spice blend.
Can I Prepare These Wings in Advance?
Absolutely! You can marinate the wings in olive oil and seasoning a few hours or up to a day before cooking. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This will enhance the flavor!
What Should I Serve with These Wings?
These wings pair perfectly with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese. For a complete meal, serve them with sides like coleslaw, potato wedges, or a fresh salad. They also go great with beer for game day!
