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Brown Sugar Cajun Wings Recipe

Brown Sugar Cajun Wings Recipe

5 from 15 reviews

Brown Sugar Cajun Wings are a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors, featuring crispy baked chicken wings coated in a caramelized brown sugar and robust Cajun seasoning mix. These wings deliver a mouthwatering combination of smoky heat and sticky sweetness, making them an ideal appetizer or game day snack. Easy to prepare and versatile, they can be baked or air-fried to crispy perfection and paired with a variety of sides and dips.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Wings

  • 2 lbs chicken wings (drumettes & flats)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Dry Rub

  • ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Optional Extras

  • Cayenne pepper (for added heat)
  • Smoked paprika (for extra depth)
  • Green onions or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the wings.
  2. Dry the Wings: Pat the chicken wings thoroughly with paper towels to remove moisture, ensuring crispiness during baking.
  3. Prepare Dry Rub: In a large mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create an even spice blend.
  4. Coat Wings with Oil: Drizzle olive oil over the wings in a large bowl and toss to coat evenly, which helps the spices adhere properly.
  5. Apply Seasoning: Sprinkle the dry rub mixture over the wings and toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the sweet-spicy mixture.
  6. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Spread wings in a single layer, preferably on a wire rack to allow air circulation for extra crispiness.
  7. Bake Wings: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
  8. Broil for Crispiness: For an extra crispy finish, switch the oven to broil and heat the wings for an additional 2–3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning due to the sugar content.
  9. Rest and Garnish: Remove wings from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

  • Pat wings dry thoroughly before seasoning to ensure crisp skin.
  • Toss wings evenly with oil before applying the dry rub for better spice adhesion.
  • Using a wire rack during baking helps air circulate for crisper results.
  • Broil briefly at the end for caramelized, crispy wings—watch closely to avoid burning.
  • Marinate wings with seasoning for 1 hour or overnight to deepen flavor.
  • Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • Store leftover wings in an airtight container refrigerated up to 4 days or frozen up to 2 months.
  • Reheat wings in oven, air fryer, or pan to maintain crispiness; avoid microwave reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: Brown Sugar Cajun Wings, Cajun Chicken Wings, Sweet and Spicy Wings, Baked Chicken Wings, Game Day Wings, Crispy Chicken Wings, Cajun Seasoning Chicken