These Cajun Chicken Wings are coated in a flavorful blend of herbs, spices, garlic, and citrus before being baked until perfectly crisp and deeply golden. Inspired by classic Louisiana flavors, they're spicy, savory, and ideal for game days, gatherings, or whenever you're craving something with a little kick.
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Wire rack
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Paper towels
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed stockpot
- Deep-fry thermometer
- Tongs
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Small saucepan (for melting butter and preparing sauce)
- Serving platter
Ingredients
For the Wings
- 12 chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
- Water, for parboiling
For the Cajun Spice Paste
- 5 bay leaves, crumbled
- ¾ teaspoon caraway seeds
- ½ to ¾ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¾ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¾ teaspoon ground coriander
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1½ teaspoons dry mustard
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- ¾ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons brandy
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or lime juice
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Wings
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the chicken wings and cook for 10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and allow the wings to cool slightly.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
Step 3: Make the Cajun Paste
In a spice grinder, food processor, or mortar and pestle, combine the bay leaves, caraway seeds, cayenne pepper, cumin, coriander, garlic, dry mustard, paprika, thyme, and salt. Grind until finely blended.
Add the brandy and lemon or lime juice, stirring until a thick paste forms.
Step 4: Season the Wings
Using a pastry brush or spoon, coat both sides of each wing evenly with the Cajun spice paste.
Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the wings are deep golden brown, crisp, and cooked through.
For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes during the final minutes of cooking.
Recipe Notes
Adjusting the Heat
For milder wings, reduce the cayenne pepper. For extra heat, increase the cayenne or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Citrus Options
Fresh lemon and lime juice both work beautifully in this recipe. Lime provides a slightly brighter flavor while lemon adds classic citrus balance.
Make-Ahead Tip
The spice paste can be prepared up to two days in advance and refrigerated until ready to use.
CAJUN CHICKEN WINGS #1 (Bold, Smoky, and Packed with Southern Flavor)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the chicken wings and cook for 10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and allow the wings to cool slightly.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
- In a spice grinder, food processor, or mortar and pestle, combine the bay leaves, caraway seeds, cayenne pepper, cumin, coriander, garlic, dry mustard, paprika, thyme, and salt. Grind until finely blended.
- Add the brandy and lemon or lime juice, stirring until a thick paste forms.
- Using a pastry brush or spoon, coat both sides of each wing evenly with the Cajun spice paste.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the wings are deep golden brown, crisp, and cooked through.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes during the final minutes of cooking.
Nutrition
Notes
For milder wings, reduce the cayenne pepper. For extra heat, increase the cayenne or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Citrus Options
Fresh lemon and lime juice both work beautifully in this recipe. Lime provides a slightly brighter flavor while lemon adds classic citrus balance.
Make-Ahead Tip
The spice paste can be prepared up to two days in advance and refrigerated until ready to use.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Inspired By
This recipe was inspired by traditional Cajun spice blends and Southern-style baked chicken wings that showcase bold herbs, warm spices, garlic, and citrus in every bite.
Inspired by: Louisiana Travel
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
