These Sweet and Spicy Brown Sugar Cajun Wings are a tasty mix of flavors! They’re crispy, sticky, and have just the right kick of heat that makes you want more.
Whenever I make these wings, my friends can’t get enough! They’re perfect for game day or a cozy night in. Plus, they’re super fun to eat—who doesn’t love finger food?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: The star of this dish! Fresh or frozen wings will work. If you can’t find wings, try using chicken drumsticks—they’ll still soak up all that delicious sauce!
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that sticky glaze. If you want a lower-glycemic option, you can substitute coconut sugar or maple syrup, although the flavor will vary slightly.
Hot Sauce: I love using Frank’s RedHot for its flavor and heat. If you prefer a milder version, try Sriracha or a milder hot sauce. You can also adjust the amount based on your heat preference!
Cayenne Pepper: This gives the wings their signature kick. If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce the amount or use paprika for flavor without the spice.
How Can I Get the Wings Extra Crispy?
To achieve perfectly crispy wings, follow these tips during the cooking process:
- Make sure to pat the wings dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps them crisp up while baking.
- Using a wire rack allows air to circulate around the wings, leading to better crispiness.
- Baking at high temperature (400°F) is key! It helps render out fat, making them crunchier.
- Flip the wings halfway through for even cooking and browning on both sides.
Sweet and Spicy Brown Sugar Cajun Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 40-45 minutes of cooking time. In total, you should have these delicious wings ready in about 1 hour! Perfect for a quick and tasty meal or snack.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is important for getting those wings nice and crispy! Next, line a baking sheet with foil to make cleaning up easier, and place a wire rack on top of it. The rack helps air circulate around the wings as they cook.
2. Season the Wings:
In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme. Mix well until all the wings are evenly coated with the spices. The aroma will be fantastic!
3. Bake the Wings:
Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on the prepared wire rack. This helps them cook evenly. Bake the wings in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through to make sure they are crispy on both sides. They should be golden brown and delicious!
4. Make the Sauce:
While the wings are baking, it’s time to prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the brown sugar, hot sauce, butter, and apple cider vinegar. Stir occasionally until the butter melts and the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened—about 5 minutes. This sweet and spicy sauce is what takes the wings to the next level!
5. Coat the Wings:
Once the wings are done baking, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm brown sugar Cajun sauce over the wings and toss them until they are well coated with all that flavorful goodness. Every bite will be sweet and spicy!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your wings immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired for some extra color. Gather your friends (or just treat yourself) and enjoy these tasty sweet and spicy wings!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings! Just be sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water before seasoning and baking.
What Can I Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use coconut sugar or white sugar combined with a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon of molasses per cup of white sugar) for a similar flavor and texture. Keep in mind that this might slightly alter the taste.
How Do I Get My Wings Extra Crispy?
For extra crispy wings, make sure to pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning. Using a wire rack for baking allows air circulation, helping them crisp up evenly. Baking at a high temperature also contributes to that desirable crunch!
Can I Make These Wings Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can bake the wings in advance and prepare the sauce, then refrigerate both separately. When ready to serve, just reheat the wings in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes and toss them in the warm sauce right before serving.
