Brown Sugar Cajun Wings

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Brown Sugar Cajun Wings

There’s something about these Brown Sugar Cajun Wings that keeps my family coming back for more—every single time. It started as a spur-of-the-moment dinner idea when I had chicken wings in the fridge and was craving something bold, sweet, and a little fiery. I grabbed some Cajun seasoning, brown sugar, and a handful of pantry staples, and from that moment, this recipe quickly earned a permanent spot in our meal rotation.

What I love most is the balance—it’s sticky and caramelized on the outside, yet spicy and savory with just the right kick. The brown sugar adds this deep, almost smoky sweetness that pairs beautifully with the Cajun spices. Every bite is packed with flavor, and when I bring out a tray of these for game day or a casual weeknight dinner, the plate is empty within minutes. Honestly, I usually have to make a double batch because one just isn’t enough.

My husband insists they’re better than any wings he’s had at a restaurant, and the kids love helping brush on the glaze—it’s become a bit of a family tradition. Whether you’re hosting friends or looking for something new to spice up your meal plan, these wings check every box. And if you serve them with a creamy dip on the side? Perfection. Trust me—once you try these, you’ll be making them again and again.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! You can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.

Are they really spicy?
They have a mild-to-medium heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, use less Cajun seasoning or choose a mild blend. If you love heat, add cayenne or hot sauce to the glaze.

Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can cook the wings and store them in the fridge. Reheat them in the oven at 375°F until hot, then toss them with the glaze.

What’s the best dip to serve with these wings?
Ranch or blue cheese dressing pairs perfectly with the sweet and spicy glaze. A simple garlic aioli also works great.

Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes! Boneless wings or chicken tenders work well with this recipe—just adjust cooking time to avoid overcooking.

What You Need to Make Brown Sugar Cajun Wings

Ingredients:

2 lbs chicken wings (split and tips removed)

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp Cajun seasoning

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup honey

2 tbsp hot sauce (optional, adjust to taste)

2 tbsp butter

1 tbsp soy sauce

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Tools & Equipment:

Large mixing bowl

Baking sheet with rack or air fryer

Small saucepan

Tongs

Pastry brush (for glazing)

How to Make Brown Sugar Cajun Wings

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly grease the rack.

Season the Wings: In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure they’re evenly coated.

Bake the Wings: Place the wings in a single layer on the prepared rack. Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden. For extra crisp, broil for 2–3 minutes.

Make the Glaze: While the wings are baking, combine brown sugar, honey, butter, hot sauce, and soy sauce in a saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring until smooth and bubbling. Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Toss or Brush: Once the wings are cooked, either toss them in the glaze or brush it over them generously. Return them to the oven for 5 minutes to caramelize slightly, if desired.

Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips for Making the Best Brown Sugar Cajun Wings

Dry the wings well before seasoning—this helps them crisp up better in the oven or air fryer.

Use parchment paper under the rack for easier cleanup.

Don’t skip the broil! That final blast of heat gives the wings a nice charred edge.

Customize the heat level by adjusting the hot sauce or Cajun seasoning to your taste.

Double the glaze if you want extra for dipping or for brushing on just before serving.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Absolutely loved these! The sweet-spicy combo is just perfect. My kids devoured them!”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Great for busy nights! I baked mine and added a little extra honey—delicious and easy.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I made these for a game night and they were the first thing gone. So good!”

⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Tasty, but I might cut back on the sugar next time—it was a bit sweet for me.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Crispy, sticky, and full of flavor. The glaze is next-level. This is going in my recipe binder!”

Printable Recipe

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