Description
These Cajun Garlic Chicken Wings are a perfect blend of spicy and garlicky flavors with a crispy texture achieved by baking and broiling. Ideal for game day, parties, or a flavorful snack, these wings are coated in Cajun seasoning and garlic butter with a zesty kick of lemon and hot sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds fresh or frozen chicken wings
Cajun Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder as substitute)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure the wings will become crispy once baked.
- Prepare the Chicken Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove moisture, which helps achieve a crispy skin.
- Season the Wings: In a large bowl, toss the wings with the Cajun seasoning mixture, making sure each wing is evenly coated with spices.
- Make the Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Lemon and Hot Sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice and hot sauce, mixing until combined.
- Coat the Wings: Pour the warm garlic butter sauce over the seasoned wings and toss well to ensure all wings are coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Spread the wings out in a single layer to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Bake the Wings: Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. Flip the wings halfway through baking to crisp up both sides evenly.
- Broil for Extra Crispiness: For an extra crispy finish, switch your oven setting to broil and broil the wings for an additional 5-7 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the wings from the oven and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Patting the wings dry is crucial for crispiness.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce to manage the spice level.
- Using fresh garlic adds more flavor, but garlic powder can be used as a substitute.
- For a healthier alternative, substitute unsalted butter with olive oil.
- Broiling at the end intensifies crispiness, but watch closely to avoid burning.
