Easy Grilled Cajun Chicken Wings: Perfect Party Recipe

These Cajun Chicken Wings are a flavor explosion waiting to happen. The secret lies in the perfect blend of Cajun spices combined with a technique that ensures ultra-crispy skin. After marinating in a spice rub that includes paprika, garlic powder, and a touch of cayenne, the wings are grilled to perfection and then tossed in a tangy, buttery sauce.

What sets these wings apart is the use of baking powder in the rub. This unexpected ingredient is the key to achieving that irresistible crunch without deep frying. The result? Wings that are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with bold Cajun flavor.

Ingredients

For the Rub:

• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 pounds chicken wings, cut into drumettes and flats

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup Louisiana-style hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Directions

1. In a small bowl, create your Cajun-inspired spice blend. Mix together baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, and cayenne. This magical mix will transform your wings into a crispy, flavorful delight.
2. Prepare your chicken wings by patting them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving that coveted crispy skin. Place the wings in a large bowl and sprinkle them generously with the seasoning mixture. Toss until each wing is evenly coated, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite.
3. Arrange your seasoned wings on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Leave a little space between each wing to allow for even cooking. Now, here’s the secret to extra crispiness: refrigerate the wings, uncovered, for 8 hours or overnight. This allows the skin to dry out, setting the stage for ultimate crunchiness.
4. When you’re ready to grill, prepare the sauce. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then stir in the hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce. This simple yet flavorful sauce will be the perfect finishing touch for your wings.
5. Fire up your grill! Light one chimney full of charcoal. Once the coals are covered with gray ash, arrange them on one side of the charcoal grate. This creates two heat zones – direct and indirect – which is key for perfectly cooked wings.
6. Place the wings skin side up over the cool side of the grill. Cover and let the magic happen. Grill until the skins are crisp and beautifully browned, about 45 minutes. The indirect heat ensures the wings cook through without burning.
7. Once your wings are grilled to perfection, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour your prepared sauce over the wings and toss until each piece is thoroughly coated. The hot, crispy wings will soak up the buttery, spicy sauce, creating a mouthwatering combination.
8. Serve your Grilled Cajun Chicken Wings immediately while they’re hot and at their crispiest. Watch as your guests dive in, savoring the perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and buttery flavors with an irresistible crunch.

Notes

These Grilled Cajun Chicken Wings are more than just a meal – they’re an experience. The combination of the crispy, spice-encrusted skin and the savory Buffalo-style sauce creates a flavor profile that’s hard to resist. While they’re perfect for game day celebrations, don’t limit yourself – these wings are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Remember, the key to success is in the preparation. Don’t skip the overnight refrigeration – this step is crucial for achieving that restaurant-quality crispiness. And feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. Whether you like them mild or fiery hot, these wings are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Pair these wings with a cool, creamy dip and some crisp vegetable sticks for a balanced meal. And don’t forget the napkins – these saucy delights are gloriously messy, but that’s half the fun!