Description
These Brown Sugar Cajun Wings offer a perfect balance of bold Cajun spices and sweet, caramelized brown sugar. Baked to crispy perfection, they are a crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion, from game nights to family dinners. Easy to make with pantry staples, these wings deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs chicken wings, split and tips removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly spray the rack with non-stick cooking spray.
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Add olive oil and toss to coat.
- In a small bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Sprinkle the spice mixture over the wings and toss to evenly coat.
- Spread the wings in a single layer on the prepared rack.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
- In the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the wings and return to the oven. The sugar will melt and caramelize, creating a sticky, glossy glaze.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra heat, drizzle with hot sauce right before serving.
- To ensure crispiness, pat the wings thoroughly dry before seasoning.
- Using a wire rack allows hot air to circulate, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.
- Light brown sugar caramelizes more evenly than dark brown sugar.
- Let the wings rest for 5 minutes after baking for the glaze to set.
- The Cajun spice mix can be doubled and stored for other uses.
- Leftover wings can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 4 wings)
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Brown Sugar Cajun Wings, cajun chicken wings, sweet and spicy wings, brown sugar chicken, cajun recipe, baked chicken wings, party food, game day food