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Brown Sugar Cajun Wings Recipe

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4.8 from 63 reviews

Deliciously crispy and flavorful Brown Sugar Cajun Wings, baked to perfection with a homemade Cajun spice mix and a sticky brown sugar glaze. These wings offer a perfect balance of heat, smokiness, and sweetness, making them ideal for game days or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Wings

  • 2 pounds Chicken Wings
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil

For the Spice Mix

  • 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional)

For the Glaze

  • 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
  • Hot Sauce (to taste)

For Garnish

  • 1 tablespoon Chopped Parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare baking equipment: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Spray the wire rack with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Dry and coat the wings: Pat your chicken wings dry thoroughly with paper towels. In a large mixing bowl, toss the wings with olive oil until they are well-coated, ensuring even crisping during baking.
  3. Mix and apply seasoning: In a separate bowl, combine the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute flavors. Sprinkle this spice mix over the wings, tossing them to coat thoroughly on all sides.
  4. Arrange and bake: Place the seasoned wings in a single layer on the prepared wire rack. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispiness.
  5. Add brown sugar glaze: About 10 minutes before the wings finish baking, evenly sprinkle brown sugar over each wing. Return them to the oven until the sugar melts and caramelizes, forming a sticky, flavorful glaze.
  6. Finish and serve: Optional: Drizzle your favorite hot sauce over the glazed wings and garnish with chopped parsley to add freshness and color. Let the wings sit for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Patting the wings dry before coating helps achieve maximum crispiness.
  • If you prefer less heat, omit the cayenne pepper and adjust the hot sauce accordingly.
  • Light brown sugar works best as it melts easily to create a perfect glaze.
  • Using a wire rack during baking allows the wings to cook evenly and prevents sogginess.
  • Leftover wings can be reheated in the oven to restore crispiness.