These Cajun Chicken Wings are tossed in a blend of spices that will have your tastebuds tingling! Baked until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these wings are perfect for game day, parties, or a healthy snack! A tasty Wingstop copycat recipe.
If you're looking for a perfectly crispy and crunchy chicken wing with a pop of bold and zesty flavor, these Cajun wings are a must-try!
This is our copycat version of the popular cajun wings from Wingstop - your favorite chicken wing chain restaurant.
Cajun seasoning is a blend of spices that typically includes paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
You can find this type of seasoning blend in the spice aisle of most grocery stores or you can use spices you already have on hand to make a fresh homemade mix.
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While many wings are deep-fried for crunch, we roast them in the oven. Oven-baked wings can still be just as crispy and crunchy as their fried counterparts, but with a fraction of the fat!
Serve these spicy wings at your next party or bring them along for game day. You can even make them as a snack! Just be sure to have plenty of napkins on hand.
Serve them with Wingstop Ranch copycat dip for the full homemade Wingstop experience! We also love them with Taco Bell Chipotle Sauce or homemade Donair Sauce. Dill Dip is great, too!
Why Make This Recipe
- They're baked in the oven instead of deep-frying to keep them light and healthy.
- The Cajun seasoning can be customized to your own tastes. Like it super spicy? Add more heat! Want it more mellow? Use less cayenne!
- Cajun wings are perfect to enjoy during a game with your favorite dipping sauces. Bring them, along with a dish of Chilli's Skillet Queso and a big batch of Velveeta Mac and Cheese.
- You can place them under the broiler after cooking to make them extra crispy.
- Make them in the air fryer - simply air fry at 400F for 16 minutes, turning halfway, or until cooked through.
Ingredients
- Chicken Wings - You'll need plain chicken wings with the tips cut off for this recipe. If using frozen wings, make sure they are completely thawed out.
- Homemade Cajun Spice Blend - This blend of dried spices includes smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, onion powder, salt, and pepper to make a spicy wing with a smoky kick of flavor. Want to make them even easier? Use a store-bought cajun blend.
- Vegetable Oil - Helps the seasonings stick to the chicken wings while also helping them crisp up in the oven.
Please scroll down to the recipe card below for the full quantities.
Instructions
Wondering how to make this Wingstop copycat Cajun Wings recipe? It's easy!
Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then, scroll down for the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.
Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 375F and get out a large rimmed baking sheet. Set aside.
Prep the wings: Rinse chicken and pat dry. If wings are whole, cut off and discard pointed tip and halve wings at the main joint. See How to Cut Chicken Wings.
Prepare the spice blend: Stir the spices together in a large bowl, then stir in the oil and whisk until all of the spices are fully combined with the oil.
Season the chicken wings: To the bowl with the seasoned oil, add the chicken wings, and toss to coat.
Bake and serve: Spread the wings out on a baking sheet and bake for 35 minutes or until cooked through. If you like them darker, broil for a few minutes until crispy. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Cook's Tips
If you are using frozen wings for this recipe, it's important to make sure they are fully thawed before cooking to remove as much moisture as possible. How to safely thaw chicken.
Before tossing the chicken wings in the seasonings, pat the wings completely dry with a paper towel. This will ensure the seasonings stick better and the wing will be even more crispy.
The safe internal temperature of chicken wings is 165F. Use a kitchen thermometer to determine if the chicken is fully cooked by inserting it into the thickest part.
If you decide to broil the wings after cooking, be sure to watch them as they can burn quickly.
Variations
Feel free to omit the cayenne pepper from the recipe or add more if you like a super spicy wing.
Use freshly chopped thyme and oregano for a burst of garden-fresh flavor.
You can use this seasoning blend on chicken breast or chicken thighs as well. Just bake for slightly less time if using chicken breast. Or try them as Air Fryer Chicken Thighs or Air Fryer Chicken Legs.
Serve with ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or your favorite hot sauce!
Storage
Storing: To store any leftover wings, make sure they are completely cooled, then place them in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to four days.
Reheating: To reheat cajun chicken wings, preheat your oven to 375F. Place the chicken wings on a baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but they will not be as crispy. Reheat in the air fryer at 400F for 8-10 minutes or until hot.
Freezing: This recipe can be made ahead of time and frozen prior to baking. Simply toss the chicken wings with the spice blend, then place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the whole tray in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, preheat the oven and cook from frozen for about 60 minutes or until cooked through.
FAQs
The key to getting the seasonings to stick is to make sure the chicken wings are completely dry before adding them to the bowl with the spices. You can pat them dry with a paper towel.
Cajun seasoning is a blend of spices that typically includes paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. Creole seasoning is similar but also includes oregano, basil, and black pepper.
More chicken recipes
We hope that you love this tasty Wingstop copycat Cajun Chicken Wings recipe! Be sure to also check out these other side dishes too!
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📖 Recipe
Cajun Wings
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons cayenne (or to taste)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- ¼ teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoons pepper
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Stir the spices together in a large bowl, then stir in the oil and whisk to combine.
- Add the chicken wings and toss to coat.
- Spread the wings out on a baking sheet and bake for 35 minutes or until cooked through.
- If you like them darker, broil for a few minutes until crispy.
Notes
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Kate
Just love those cajun spices! Such a quick and easy weeknight dinner - delicious!
Hailey
Chicken wings are one of the main reasons I have an air fryer, and this recipe is delightful. So full of flavor!
Gina
My husband and I love wings! This is a great recipe! Always enjoy a little cajun kick. I know everyone is going to love them as much as we do!
Beth S
These wings are so juicy and tender. My family loved the seasoning!
Tavo
First time using the cajun seasoning on chicken wings and I really liked the result! thanks for the recipe, all the flavors where spot on!
Nic
Helloooooooo yummy! My family loved these and gobbled them up. cajun wings for the win! Great great recipe!