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Brown Sugar Cajun Chicken Wings Recipe

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4.5 from 74 reviews

These Brown Sugar Cajun Wings are crispy, flavorful chicken wings baked to perfection with a spicy Cajun seasoning and a sticky sweet brown sugar glaze. The wings are oven-baked for a healthier alternative to frying, featuring a blend of smoky, spicy, and savory notes with a touch of sweetness. Garnished with fresh parsley and optionally drizzled with hot sauce, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack.

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
  • To taste Hot Sauce (optional)

For Garnish

  • 1 tablespoon Chopped Parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: 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. Prepare the Wings: Pat your chicken wings dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispiness. In a large mixing bowl, toss the wings with olive oil until they are evenly coated.
  3. Mix the Seasonings: In a separate bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to blend all spices evenly.
  4. Coat the Wings: Sprinkle the combined spice mix over the oiled wings. Toss thoroughly to make sure each wing is fully covered with the seasoning.
  5. Arrange and Bake: Arrange the seasoned wings on the prepared wire rack in a single layer so heat circulates evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through cooking for even crisping.
  6. Add the Brown Sugar Glaze: With about 10 minutes remaining in the baking time, sprinkle brown sugar evenly over each wing. Return the wings to the oven and bake until the sugar melts and caramelizes, creating a sticky glaze.
  7. Optional Finishing Touches: After removing the wings from the oven, if desired, drizzle with hot sauce for extra heat and garnish with chopped parsley for freshness and color. Let the wings rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Patting wings dry is essential for crispy skin.
  • If you prefer milder wings, reduce or omit cayenne pepper and hot sauce.
  • Substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika if unavailable.
  • Using a wire rack allows air circulation for even cooking and crispiness.
  • Brown sugar caramelizes quickly, so keep an eye on wings during the last 10 minutes to avoid burning.