Ultimate Grilled Cajun Wings: Sweet & Spicy Perfection for Your Next Gathering
Grilled Cajun Wings are an incredibly easy, yet astonishingly flavorful snack that delivers a powerful spicy punch! These wings are generously rubbed with a homemade Cajun seasoning, expertly grilled to perfection, and then gloriously slathered with a sweet and spicy sauce. The result? Downright addictive wings that will be the star of any party or casual meal.
Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Sprouts Farmers Market! As always, all opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!
As the anticipation builds for the Big Game or any exciting gathering you might be hosting or attending, one appetizer consistently reigns supreme: chicken wings. They are not just a snack; they are a celebration in themselves, a communal dish that brings people together. Their versatility is unmatched, easily adapting to countless flavor profiles, ensuring there’s a wing for every palate. But if you’re looking to truly impress, to serve something that will have everyone reaching for more, these Grilled Cajun Wings are your secret weapon.
Forget plain wings; these aren’t your average game day fare. We’re talking about succulent, tender chicken enveloped in a robust, homemade Cajun dry rub, then kissed by the smoky flame of the grill. The final flourish is a sticky, sweet, and spicy glaze that elevates these wings from great to unforgettable. Once you experience the depth of flavor and the perfect texture of these crispy, juicy wings, you’ll understand why they are an absolute must for any game-watching session or festive get-together. Prepare for them to disappear in record time – they are truly that good!
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Sourcing the Best Chicken Wings: Prepped or Whole?
One of the most common questions I receive about preparing chicken wings revolves around the chicken itself: Is it better to break them down yourself, or should you opt for pre-cut wings and drumettes? Having tried both methods extensively, I can confidently say that these days, I predominantly turn to The Butcher Shop at Sprouts Farmers Market. The convenience of purchasing wings already broken down into perfect drumettes and flats is a game-changer. The time saved in preparation genuinely outweighs any perceived benefit of cutting them yourself, and crucially, it makes no discernible difference in the final taste or texture of the cooked wings. This allows me to focus on the exciting part: seasoning and grilling!
Beyond the convenience, selecting high-quality chicken is paramount for truly exceptional wings. When you choose chicken wings from Sprouts, you’re not just buying chicken; you’re investing in a premium product that guarantees flavor and peace of mind. Their chicken wings are consistently fresh, never frozen, and are 100% all-natural and cage-free. Sprouts is committed to sourcing their chickens responsibly; they are hatched, raised, and harvested right here in the U.S., without any added hormones, steroids, or artificial ingredients. This dedication to quality means you can be absolutely confident in what you’re serving, not just to your cherished friends and family, but also when you’re indulging yourself. It’s the kind of quality that truly shines through in every bite, making these Grilled Cajun Wings even more remarkable.
The Secret to Epic Flavor: A Double-Dose of Cajun Seasoning
What truly sets these Grilled Cajun Wings apart and imbues them with that “touchdown” flavor is the strategic double-dose of Cajun seasoning. This two-pronged approach ensures maximum flavor penetration and a perfectly balanced sweet and spicy kick that will tantalize your taste buds.
The Dry Rub: Building the Flavor Foundation
The journey to flavor perfection begins with a homemade Cajun dry rub. This isn’t just a sprinkle; it’s a meticulously crafted blend of spices designed to infuse deep, hearty notes into every piece of chicken. By rubbing the wings with this seasoning the night before you plan to cook, you allow the spices ample time to work their magic. This extended contact ensures that the chicken meat absorbs those robust flavors, resulting in wings that are seasoned from the inside out, not just on the surface. The baking powder in the rub is a crucial addition, helping to draw moisture from the skin and create that incredibly crispy texture that everyone loves on a grilled wing.
The Grilling Process: Smoky Perfection
On game day, or whenever the craving strikes, these dry-rubbed wings are ready for the grill. Grilling adds an invaluable smoky dimension that you simply can’t achieve with other cooking methods. The indirect heat cooking technique ensures the wings cook through evenly, becoming incredibly tender on the inside while the dry rub creates a beautifully rendered, crispy skin. This process builds a fantastic textural contrast that is essential for a truly great wing. As the wings near completion, the magic continues.
The Spicy Sweet Glaze: The Grand Finale
In the final minutes of cooking, a vibrant, spicy-sweet sauce is introduced to the mix. This is where the second “dose” of Cajun flavor comes in, perfectly complementing the dry rub. This glaze, a harmonious blend of melted butter, your favorite hot sauce, sweet honey, a touch of apple cider vinegar for tang, and savory Worcestershire sauce, is brushed generously over the hot wings. As it cooks, it caramelizes on the grill, creating an irresistible sticky coating that locks in moisture and adds another layer of complex flavor. This makes the wings gloriously sticky, intensely spicy, and wonderfully sweet in all the best ways!
These wings are guaranteed to be a sensational hit. Trust me when I say they will be devoured in what feels like mere minutes. If you’re hosting a party, don’t just think about a single batch – go for a double batch to ensure everyone gets their fill. For those who love variety, consider serving these alongside another crowd-pleaser like my dry rub wings. Or, keep the focus on these incredible Cajun wings and add a bowl of hot boudin dip as another delightful appetizer to complement the spread. Just a little pro tip, from me to you!
Before your big event, make sure to visit your local Sprouts Farmers Market Butcher Shop. Their expert butchers can help you craft the perfect menu for your gathering, offering not just high-quality chicken wings, but also other delicious items like handcrafted sausages, freshly ground meats, and a variety of marinated, ready-to-cook options. These selections are sure to make your party a surefire WIN! Don’t hesitate to pick their brains for valuable cooking tips and remember to ask them for custom cuts to significantly shorten your prep time. They are an invaluable resource for any home cook.
Are you hosting or attending a Big Game watch party this year? Make sure these Grilled Cajun Wings are on the menu!
Essential Equipment for Perfect Grilled Cajun Wings
Having the right tools can make all the difference in preparing these fantastic wings. Here are my go-to items that ensure a smooth and successful grilling experience:
To get your wings perfectly prepped and seasoned before they even hit the grill, I highly recommend this USA Pan Bakeware Extra Large Sheet Baking Pan and Bakeable Nonstick Cooling Rack Set. The wire rack is crucial for allowing air circulation around the wings, which contributes to that desirable crispy skin, and the entire setup fits perfectly in the bottom shelf of my fridge for convenient overnight marination.
For the grilling itself, I absolutely adore my Traeger Lil Tex Elite 34 Pellet Grill. It’s incredibly versatile, perfect for grilling, smoking, baking, and so much more. Seriously, once you experience the consistent heat and smoky flavor of a Traeger, you just won’t want to go back to anything else. For these Cajun wings, I typically use Traeger Hickory 100% All-Natural Hardwood Grill Pellets, which impart a wonderful depth of flavor, but feel free to experiment with any of their fantastic pellet chip flavors to find your favorite!
To evenly slather that delicious sweet and spicy sauce onto the wings, you’ll definitely need this Traeger Silicone Basting Brush. Its long handle keeps your hands safely away from the heat, and the silicone bristles make it incredibly easy to clean compared to traditional non-silicone brushes, ensuring no sauce goes to waste.
Another essential grilling tool I can’t do without are these Traeger 18″ BBQ Grill Tongs. Like the basting brush, their impressive length ensures you can flip and move wings safely on a hot grill without fear of burning yourself. Plus, they boast excellent grip strength, which is vital for handling slippery wings coated in sauce.
Pin this Grilled Cajun Wings recipe for later!
Grilled Cajun Wings
equipment
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Traeger Lil Tex Elite 34 Pellet Grill
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Half Sheet Pan
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9-Inch Tongs
ingredients
- 4 lbs chicken wings broken down into drummettes and flats
- 1 Tbsp baking powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 4 Tbsp butter melted
- 4 Tbsp hot sauce I used buffalo style hot sauce, but you can use your favorite kind
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 tsp cajun spice mix reserved from above
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Fresh parsley for garnish
instructions
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In a small bowl, thoroughly mix together the dry rub ingredients: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Reserve about 1/2 teaspoon of this spice mixture for the sauce later. Then, mix in the baking powder with the remaining, larger portion of the spice mix.
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Using paper towels, pat the chicken wings very dry. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Place the dried wings in a large bowl and generously sprinkle them with the main portion of the Cajun seasoning (the one mixed with baking powder). Toss thoroughly to ensure all wings are evenly coated. Arrange the coated wings in a single layer on a wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. This setup allows for air circulation. Refrigerate the wings, uncovered, for at least 8 hours or preferably overnight. This dry brining process enhances flavor and crispiness.
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Preheat your grill for indirect heat cooking to around 375-400°F (190-205°C). Place the seasoned wings skin side up on the grates over indirect heat. Close the grill lid and cook for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is starting to crisp and turn golden brown.
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While the wings are grilling, prepare the spicy Cajun sauce. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, whisk together the melted butter, hot sauce (buffalo style works great, but use your favorite!), honey, the reserved 1/2 teaspoon of Cajun spice mix, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. Heat gently if needed to fully incorporate.
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Once the wings are almost done, generously brush them with the prepared spicy Cajun sauce. Close the grill lid and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes over indirect heat, allowing the sauce to caramelize and become sticky.
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Remove the wings from the grill. If desired, transfer any remaining sauce to a large bowl and toss the hot wings in the extra sauce for an even more intense flavor and sticky coating. Transfer the sauced wings to a serving bowl or platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving immediately.
notes
No grill? No problem! You can easily make these incredibly flavorful Cajun wings in your oven and still achieve delicious results.
Follow the recipe instructions through Step 2 for preparing and seasoning the wings, including the overnight refrigeration on the wire rack. To bake, preheat your oven to 400˚F (200°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, then place the wire rack with the seasoned wings onto the prepared baking sheet.
Spread the wings in an even layer on the wire rack, ensuring they are not overcrowded, which can lead to steaming instead of crisping. Bake for an initial 35 to 50 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the skin is golden brown and crispy. Halfway through the baking time, carefully flip the wings to ensure even crisping on both sides.
While the wings are baking, prepare the spicy Cajun sauce as instructed in Step 3. Once the wings are crispy and cooked, remove them from the oven. Generously brush the hot wings with the sauce. Return the sauced wings to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes to allow the sauce to set and create a sticky glaze. Continue to Step 6 for final tossing and serving suggestions.