New Orleans Chicken Wings Recipe
New Orleans Chicken Wings are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, marrying the bold, soulful flavors of Creole cuisine Appetizer, Main Course. Each bite is a symphony of spicy Cajun seasoning, smoky paprika, and a buttery, tangy hot sauce that clings to the juicy chicken. Whether you’re hosting game night or simply looking for a taste of Louisiana, these wings promise an explosion of flavor and a touch of Southern hospitality in every mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of New Orleans Chicken Wings lies in a handful of simple yet vibrant ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, contributing layers of spice, smokiness, and savoriness that set these wings apart from the ordinary.
- Chicken wings: The heart of the dish, split at the joints for maximum flavor and crispiness.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasonings stick and encourages golden, crispy skin in the oven.
- Cajun seasoning: The signature Creole spice blend, delivering warmth, zest, and a little heat.
- Garlic powder: Adds deep, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the Cajun spices.
- Onion powder: Lends a subtle sweetness and enhances the overall savoriness.
- Smoked paprika: Infuses a hint of smokiness and a gorgeous red hue.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who want an extra fiery kick—totally customizable!
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in the spice blend.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right touch of sharpness to the wings.
- Hot sauce: Choose a Louisiana classic for that tangy, spicy finish.
- Melted butter: Marries with hot sauce for a rich, glossy coating.
- Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the flavor with a touch of umami.
- Chopped green onions or parsley (optional): A fresh, colorful garnish that brightens the finished wings.
How to Make New Orleans Chicken Wings
Step 1: Prep the Wings and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. This little step keeps things tidy and helps the wings bake evenly, so you get that signature crispiness every time.
Step 2: Dry and Season the Wings
Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels—don’t skip this step! Removing excess moisture is the secret to ultra-crispy skin. Next, toss the wings in a large bowl with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne (if you want that fiery edge), salt, and black pepper. Make sure every wing is thoroughly coated in those bold spices.
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Pop them in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping halfway through. This ensures both sides get beautifully golden and irresistibly crispy—just the way New Orleans Chicken Wings should be!
Step 4: Toss in That Signature Sauce
While the wings bake, combine the hot sauce, melted butter, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. When the wings are cooked through and crispy, transfer them to a clean bowl and toss with the sauce until they’re glistening and fully coated. For even more flavor and crunch, you can return the sauced wings to the oven for an extra 5 minutes—highly recommended!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the finished wings with chopped green onions or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately, and watch how quickly they disappear!
How to Serve New Orleans Chicken Wings
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped green onions or parsley is all you need to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness to your New Orleans Chicken Wings. If you’re feeling extra festive, a dusting of extra Cajun seasoning or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can really make the flavors sing.
Side Dishes
These wings shine alongside a spread of classic Southern sides. Think cool, creamy coleslaw, buttery cornbread, or crispy French fries. If you want to up the ante, serve them with celery sticks and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping—just like they do in the Big Easy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, pile your New Orleans Chicken Wings high on a platter with plenty of napkins (trust me, you’ll need them!). For a more intimate gathering, serve them in a cast iron skillet or basket lined with parchment for rustic charm. Want to go all out? Create a DIY wing bar with an assortment of sauces and garnishes so everyone can customize their plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover New Orleans Chicken Wings (which is a rare occurrence!), let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them great for meal prep or next-day snacking.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange cooled wings in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Properly stored, they’ll keep for up to 2 months. When the craving strikes, you’ll have authentic New Orleans flavor ready in a flash!
Reheating
For best results, reheat the wings in a 350°F oven for about 10–12 minutes, until hot and crispy. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the skin soggy. If you’re in a rush, a few minutes in an air fryer brings them back to their original, crispy glory.
FAQs
What’s the secret to super crispy New Orleans Chicken Wings?
The key is patting the wings dry before seasoning, and baking them at a high temperature. Lining your tray helps, as does flipping the wings halfway through baking for even crispiness.
Can I make these wings less spicy?
Absolutely! Simply leave out the cayenne pepper and choose a milder hot sauce. You’ll still get all the classic flavor without the extra heat.
Can I use drumettes or just wingettes for this recipe?
You can use either, or a mix of both—whatever you prefer! Just make sure all pieces are similar in size for even cooking.
Are New Orleans Chicken Wings gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your seasonings and sauces are gluten-free. Always double-check your labels to be sure.
Can I cook these wings in an air fryer?
Definitely! Air fry at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You’ll get that same crispy texture with even less oil.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to bring the spirit of the Big Easy to your kitchen, these New Orleans Chicken Wings are your ticket. Spicy, savory, and downright addictive, they’re perfect for sharing with friends or making any night feel like a celebration. Give them a try—you just might find your new favorite wings!
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New Orleans Chicken Wings Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These New Orleans Chicken Wings deliver a perfect blend of bold Cajun spices and crispy baked texture, making them an irresistible appetizer or main course. Baked to golden perfection and tossed in a flavorful hot sauce blend, these wings bring the authentic taste of Creole and Southern cuisine straight to your table.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds chicken wings (split at joints, tips removed)
Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Crystal or Louisiana brand)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped green onions or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Wings: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly using paper towels to ensure they crisp up well during baking.
- Season the Wings: In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and black pepper. Make sure each wing is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture for maximum flavor.
- Bake the Wings: Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, avoiding overcrowding. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crispiness.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the wings are baking, mix together the hot sauce, melted butter, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. This tangy, buttery sauce will add the classic New Orleans kick.
- Toss Wings in Sauce: After baking, toss the hot wings in the prepared sauce until well coated. For extra crispness and enhanced flavor, return the coated wings to the oven and bake an additional 5 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the wings from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired. Serve the wings hot, paired with ranch or blue cheese dressing for an authentic experience.
Notes
- For an authentic New Orleans kick, use a Louisiana-style hot sauce like Crystal or Louisiana brand.
- These wings are excellent when paired with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- You can also cook these wings in an air fryer at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes as an alternative to baking.
- Patting the wings dry before seasoning helps achieve a crispy texture.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to your preferred heat level or omit for milder wings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Creole, Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5–6 wings
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
