If you’re craving bold Louisiana flavor in every bite, these New Orleans Chicken Wings will be your new obsession! Juicy, oven-baked wings get tossed in a zesty blend of Cajun spices, smoked paprika, herbs, and just the right touch of heat, all finished off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with that classic Creole kick that makes this dish so irresistible. Whether you’re hosting game night or just treating yourself, these wings are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that capture the unforgettable spirit of New Orleans.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these New Orleans Chicken Wings is all about the right balance of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component adds its own special flavor, giving the wings their signature color, taste, and irresistible crunch.
- Chicken wings (2 pounds, split and tips removed): The main attraction, perfect for baking up juicy and crispy.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the seasonings stick and crisps up the skin beautifully.
- Cajun seasoning (1 tablespoon): Brings the iconic New Orleans flavor with a savory blend of spices.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Lends a deep, smoky undertone and rich color.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds delicious savory depth to every bite.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives subtle sweetness and rounds out the flavor.
- Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a slightly earthy, herbal note reminiscent of classic Creole dishes.
- Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Layer in some Mediterranean zest, which pairs perfectly with the other spices.
- Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon, adjust to taste): Delivers that signature fiery kick—feel free to go bold!
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors and makes the wings pop.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a gentle heat and earthiness.
- Hot sauce (1 tablespoon, optional): For those who love extra heat and classic Southern zing!
- Chopped parsley (for garnish): Adds freshness and a pop of color to finish your platter.
How to Make New Orleans Chicken Wings
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. This little bit of prep not only saves you from scrubbing a messy pan later, but it also helps the wings cook more evenly and prevents any sticky messes.
Step 2: Dry and Oil the Wings
Pat your chicken wings dry with paper towels—don’t skip this step! Removing excess moisture is the secret to getting that ultra-crispy skin. Once dry, place the wings in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss them around until every wing looks glossy and ready for its spice spa treatment.
Step 3: Make and Add the Cajun Spice Mix
In a small bowl, whisk together your Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Now, shower this magical seasoning blend over the wings and toss again, making sure every wing gleams with that unmistakable New Orleans Chicken Wings flavor. The mix should coat them evenly without clumping.
Step 4: Arrange and Bake
Lay the wings out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. It’s essential they’re not crowded—space means the heat can circulate, giving you golden, crispy skins. Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping each wing halfway through for that gorgeous all-over crunch. If you love things extra crispy, finish by broiling them for 2–3 minutes.
Step 5: Sauce, Garnish, and Serve
Once your New Orleans Chicken Wings emerge sizzling from the oven, drizzle them with hot sauce (if you dare) and shower with chopped parsley. Serve them right away while they’re piping hot and practically crying out for a side of ranch or blue cheese dip.
How to Serve New Orleans Chicken Wings
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on hot wings adds a pop of color and just a touch of grassy freshness. For even more vibrant flavor, try a squeeze of lemon over the top right before serving—the citrus plays beautifully with the Cajun spices and cuts through the richness of the chicken.
Side Dishes
No batch of New Orleans Chicken Wings is complete without some crave-worthy sides. Think classic celery and carrot sticks for crunch, or maybe creamy coleslaw and cornbread muffins as a nod to Southern comfort. Seasoned fries, dirty rice, or even a green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also make for excellent, flavorful companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Make it a party platter with a pile of wings arranged on a big serving tray, mounded high with dips in the center for easy access. Skewer the wings for appetizer-style finger food or tuck them into a basket lined with parchment for a casual, street-food vibe. However you present them, New Orleans Chicken Wings always steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have some wings left? Simply let them cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep happily in your fridge for up to three days, retaining much of their tender, juicy deliciousness.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, let the wings cool all the way, then layer them in a freezer-safe bag or container (with parchment between layers to prevent sticking). They’ll freeze well for up to two months. To preserve the best flavor, wrap them tight and squeeze out excess air.
Reheating
To bring your New Orleans Chicken Wings back to life, place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet and heat in a 375°F oven for about 10–15 minutes, or until crisp and hot. For quick snacks, the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes will do wonders. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to make the skin soggy.
FAQs
How spicy are these New Orleans Chicken Wings?
They’ve got a satisfying kick but aren’t overwhelmingly spicy. If you’re heat-shy, reduce the cayenne or skip the hot sauce. Love spice? Add extra hot sauce or a touch more cayenne to suit your own tastebuds.
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless wings or chicken tenders will work with the same seasoning blend and baking instructions, though you may need to adjust the cook time slightly—just watch closely for that golden crispness.
What’s the best dipping sauce for these wings?
Classic ranch and blue cheese are always favorites, but you could also try a creamy remoulade or even a yogurt-based dip with fresh herbs to offset the spices of New Orleans Chicken Wings.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Simply arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes, shaking halfway through. They’ll turn out just as crispy and delicious as the oven-baked version.
Do I need to marinate the wings beforehand?
No marinating is needed! The bold seasoning blend works its magic right away, so you’ll be ready to bake after just a quick toss—perfect for when you want mouthwatering New Orleans Chicken Wings fast.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to bring the flavors of the Big Easy right to your table, there’s no better way than with these New Orleans Chicken Wings. They pack a punch of flavor, come together with ease, and never fail to impress a hungry crowd. Grab those spices, preheat your oven, and dig in—you’re about to discover a wing recipe worth repeating!
