Easy to Make Cajun Chicken Wings

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An incredibly simple and delicious recipe to make Cajun Chicken Wings right in your kitchen. Whether for your next tailgate, family gathering or just a Saturday afternoon, these wings are going to be added to your favorites!

These Cajun Chicken Wings are:

A hand dipping a crispy Cajun chicken wing into a creamy dipping sauce, with celery sticks and more chicken wings in the background.

Table of Contents

7 Reasons to love this recipe

  • Low carb and keto-friendly.
  • Easy to make, perfect for grilling or baking in the oven.
  • Packed with amazing Cajun flavors for a tasty kick.
  • Wings that are tender inside and deliciously crispy outside.
  • Ideal for any gathering, from family dinners to tailgating.
  • Easily adjustable to your preferred spice level.
  • Loved by everyone who tries them!

Is this Cajun Chicken Wing Recipe low carb or keto?

Yes, this recipe is both low carb and keto-friendly! The estimated net carbs per wing is less than 1g… so they are perfect for the low carb lifestyle! To know more about the Carbs In Chicken Wings, check out the in-depth article written by our nutritionist onboard.

Ingredients List

The ingredients for this recipe are fairly straightforward. I’ve suggested some alternatives below if you don’t have the ingredients in your pantry.

Note to Readers: Please find the detailed recipe card with preparation and cooking instructions located at the bottom of this post.

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds chicken wings, separated into drums and flats
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried mustard (Coleman’s)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Substitute Ingredients:

  • Apple cider vinegar: use white or red wine vinegar or even freshly squeezed lemon juice. 
  • Smoked paprika: use regular ground paprika.
  • Coleman's mustard powder: I like the flavor of this specific mustard powder, but any ground mustard will work fine.
  • Cayenne pepper: use a chipotle pepper for a more smoky flavor, or ground ancho chili powder for more depth and less heat.

Alternative Ingredients:

If you're looking to customize this recipe, here are some ideas you might want to try:

  • More meat: if you love turkey and are looking for a bigger meal, go ahead and try this recipe with turkey wings. They take longer to cook, but they are really tasty!
  • Citrus: I like to give the wings a quick squeeze of lemon juice over the top of them before serving. The citrus really makes the spices pop and the smoke flavor more pronounced. You could also add some lemon or lime zest after grilling too.
  • Celery: this is one of the primary ingredients for Cajun-style cooking. Slice some celery sticks and have some homemade Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing ready to go! 

Cooking Tools (Suggestions)

For this recipe, I suggest having the following on hand:

  1. Measuring cups and spoons
  2. Cutting board
  3. Sharp knife (if you're separating the wings)
  4. Bowl large enough to hold all the wings
  5. Tongs for mixing and for cooking the wings

How to make Cajun Chicken Wings

To whip up a batch of Cajun Chicken Wings, start by placing the wings in a mixing bowl. Add the apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried mustard, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and black pepper.

Toss the chicken wings thoroughly with the seasonings and let them rest for a bit while the grill (see alternate cooking method for oven cooking) is heating.  Fire up the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the wings, turning occasionally, until they're crispy and browned all over, which should take about 20-25 minutes.

Make sure the wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they're cooked safely. Serve hot and enjoy.

Cooking Steps

Step 1: add the wings and seasonings to a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: toss the wings with the seasonings to coat evenly.

Step 3: place the wings in a singly layer on the grill over medium-high heat.

Step 4: cook the wings, turning occasionally, until they reach 165F internally. Remove from the grill and serve hot.

My Pro Tips:

  • I let the wings come closer to room temperature after adding the spice mixture. This keeps the meat tender when cooking.
  • Don’t be afraid of the spices. It looks like a lot, but once the wings are coated and cooked they will have the perfect balance.
  • The flats tend to cook faster than the drums. As the wings cook, I place the finished flats on the warming rack of the grill so they don’t overcook.
  • If I cook these in the oven, I always cook them on a wire rack over a sheet pan.

Time Saving Tips:

  1. You can create a Cajun spice blend ahead of time and keep on hand for all your Cajun style cooking.
  2. Season the wings and place them, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You can then just uncover and cook when you’re ready.
  3. Buy pre-cut wings. Cutting and trimming wings takes time. Pre-cut wings are easy, but ensure they have no flavorings added!

Storage and Reheating

Proper storage and reheating are crucial to maintaining the deliciousness of your Cajun Chicken Wings. Here’s how to keep them tasty and safe to eat, whether you’re enjoying them fresh, reheating for a quick meal, or saving them for later.

Storage Tips:

First, the wings must be allowed to cool to room temperature before storing. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container for up to a week in the refrigerator.

Reheating Tips:

Reheating wings should be done either in an oven under the broiler or on the grill. For either method, it will take between 10-12 minutes to reheat. This will make the wings tender and juicy again. Reheating in a pan on the stove or in the microwave will result in mushy, almost glue-like skin and an odd flavor.

Freezing Tips:

Once the wings have cooled to room temperature, place them in a freezer bag. Mark the date on them and keep them frozen for up to 3 months. To use, remove from the freezer and allow to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Follow the reheating tips from there.
A close-up of grilled chicken wings with a crispy, charred exterior, served on a white plate. A portion of creamy dipping sauce is visible in the background.

What to serve with Cajun Chicken Wings

These wings love to be dipped… and paired with fresh celery! Here are some of my favorite dipping sauces for these wings:
 
Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing: the tang of acid and creamy base work wonders with these wings.
 
Garlic Parmesan Wing Sauce: a creamy and delicious pairing where the garlic just adds a nice undertone to the wings.
 
Keto Ranch Dressing: a match made in wing nirvana… but this Ranch dressing keeps the carbs in check!
 
Avocado Lime Crema: watch out world! The smoothness from the avocado cuts the spice while the lime adds a delightful zing! Delicious.

Savory Cajun Chicken Wings Conclusion

There you have it… a delicious and easy recipe for Cajun Chicken Wings ready to spice up your table for just about any occasion.
 
With simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking method, these wings can easily be added to your go-to rotation for low carb and keto-friendly recipes. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Cajun wings the same as New Orleans style wings?

No. They are close, but Cajun wings use more spice and heat while New Orleans style would have a more Creole spice blend with slightly less heat.

Are Cajun wings spicy?

Yes, traditional Cajun style wings are spicy. When you make them at home, however, you can control the level of spice to your preference.

Other Chicken Wing Recipes You Will Love

  • Lemon Garlic Wings: Delight in the zesty harmony of lemon and garlic with these wings, offering a refreshing twist that promises to tantalize your taste buds.
  • Spicy Italian Wings: Dive into the robust flavors of Italy with these spicy wings, seasoned to perfection with herbs and spices that bring the Mediterranean right to your plate.
  • Fiery Hot Wings: Brace yourself for a heat-packed adventure with these fiery wings, guaranteed to ignite your love for all things spicy.
  • Crispy Smoked Wings: Savor the deep, smoky essence infused in every bite of these crispy wings, a perfect blend of texture and flavor that's hard to resist.
  • Sweet Thai Chili Wings: Experience a sweet and spicy delight with these Thai chili wings, a harmonious blend that beautifully balances contrasting flavors.
  • Chipotle Chicken Wings: Get ready for a smoky, spicy kick with these chipotle wings, offering a bold and irresistible flavor that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Amazing Cajun Chicken Wings

Experience the bold and spicy flavors of our Cajun Chicken Wings, designed to complement your low carb and keto-friendly lifestyle. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, these wings are the perfect addition to any gathering!
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Appetizer, Finger Food
Cuisine: American, Gluten Free, Paleo
Keyword: cajun chicken wings, easy chicken wing recipe, grilled chicken wings, keto chicken wings, low carb chicken wings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 20 Wings
Calories: 58kcal
Author: Scott Groth

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds chicken wings separated into drums and flats
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried mustard Coleman’s
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, add the chicken wings and all the seasonings. Toss with tongs to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
  • Heat the grill to the medium-high mark. When the grill is hot, add the wings in a single layer to the grill.
  • Cook for 4-5 minutes, then flip all the wings on the grill. Check for spots that are hotter than others on the grill surface and adjust the wings accordingly. We want them to cook evenly.
  • Cook, turning the wings occasionally, until the temperature reaches 165F internally. This should take between 20-25 minutes depending on the heat of the grill.
  • Remove the cooked wings from the grill and serve hot with your favorite hot sauce or dipping sauce.

Notes

Alternate Cooking Method:
If you would like to cook the Cajun Chicken Wings in the oven, follow these steps:
  1. Add ¼ teaspoon baking powder (not baking soda) to the spice mixture.
  2. Preheat the oven to 425F.
  3. Lay the wings on a wire rack in a rimmed baking sheet. 
  4. Cook in the oven for 12-15 minutes, rotate the wings and return to the oven.
  5. Cook for another 12-15 minutes or until the wings are crisp and the internal temperature is 165F.
 

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Amazing Cajun Chicken Wings
Amount Per Serving (1 Wing)
Calories 58 Calories from Fat 36
% Daily Value*
Fat 4g6%
Saturated Fat 1g5%
Trans Fat 0.05g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 2g
Cholesterol 19mg6%
Sodium 77mg3%
Potassium 51mg1%
Carbohydrates 1g0%
Fiber 0.2g1%
Sugar 0.1g0%
Protein 5g10%
Vitamin A 108IU2%
Vitamin C 0.3mg0%
Calcium 6mg1%
Iron 0.4mg2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”

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Scott Groth image for I'd Rather Be A Chef

I'm Scott, just a regular guy who has experienced amazing benefits from embracing a low carb (occasionally keto) lifestyle. Join me as I share low carb recipes that are family friendly, delicious and fun to eat.

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