Description
Prepare to elevate your game-day spread or party menu with these mouthwatering Brown Sugar Cajun Wings. This recipe combines the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, creating a finger-licking appetizer that’s sure to be the hit of any gathering.
Ingredients
- Chicken Wings: The foundation of this dish, choose either whole wings or drumettes and flats for the perfect bite-sized portions.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil helps the seasoning adhere to the wings and promotes even browning.
- Brown Sugar: This sweetener adds a rich, caramelized flavor and helps create a crispy exterior.
- Paprika: For a touch of smoky depth and vibrant color.
- Cajun Seasoning: The star of the show, this blend of spices like garlic, onion, and cayenne pepper lends a bold, Cajun-inspired kick.
- Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, and Pepper: These classic seasonings enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Cayenne Pepper, Thyme, and Oregano: For an extra layer of warmth and complexity.
- Honey, Soy Sauce, and Lemon Juice: These ingredients come together to create a tantalizing glaze that infuses the wings with sweet, savory, and citrusy notes.
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil. Place a wire rack on top and lightly grease it to ensure the wings don’t stick.
2. Prep the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.
3. Mix the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, thyme, and oregano. Mix well to create the flavorful seasoning blend.
4. Coat the Wings: Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the wings and toss until they are fully coated.
5. Bake the Wings: Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on the prepared wire rack. Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are crispy and golden brown.
6. Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Warm the mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
7. Glaze and Serve: Brush the warm glaze over the hot, freshly baked wings, or serve the glaze on the side for dipping.
Notes
Choose the Right Chicken Wings: Opt for whole wings or a mix of drumettes and flats for the perfect balance of crispy skin and juicy meat.
Marinate vs. Dry Seasoning: While the dry seasoning method works wonderfully, you can also try marinating the wings in the seasoning blend for an even more intense flavor.
Achieving Crispy Perfection: The key to crispy wings lies in the oven temperature and placement on the wire rack. Ensure the wings are in a single layer and flip them halfway through for optimal crispiness.
Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder or spicier version, simply adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper to suit your taste preferences.
Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover Brown Sugar Cajun Wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to restore the crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 18
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 24
- Cholesterol: 70