Get ready to bring the bold, spirited flavors of Louisiana straight to your kitchen with these New Orleans Chicken Wings. Crispy, juicy, and kissed with just the right amount of spice, these wings are a true crowd-pleaser. A harmony of Cajun-inspired spices, buttery hot sauce, and a splash of honey creates irresistible layers of heat and sweetness that keep everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a game day feast or simply craving a taste of the Big Easy, this recipe captures everything wonderful about New Orleans Chicken Wings in every succulent bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these wings lies in a handful of straightforward, powerhouse ingredients. Each one builds on the next for flavor, richness, or that classic Southern crunch—don’t skimp, because every pinch and drizzle is part of the magic!
- Chicken wings: The star of the show—choose meaty, fresh wings for best results.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasonings stick and encourages that craveable, crispy skin.
- Salt: Simple, essential, and lets all the other flavors shine through.
- Black pepper: Offers a deep, mellow background heat that balances out the bolder spices.
- Smoked paprika: Adds rich color and a whisper of smokiness that’s all classic New Orleans.
- Garlic powder: Delivers robust, all-day flavor with every bite.
- Onion powder: Subtly sweet, it rounds out the spice blend beautifully.
- Dried thyme: Lends herbal notes that transport you right to the heart of Louisiana cooking.
- Cayenne pepper: Brings the heat—add more or less to match your Cajun spirit!
- Oregano: A touch of earthiness for depth and authenticity.
- White pepper: Sneaks in a gentle warmth that gives the wings extra complexity.
- Hot sauce: Louisiana-style is best—fiery, tangy, and instantly recognizable.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter turns the hot sauce into something luxuriously smooth.
- Honey: Just a touch for sweetness—it tames the spice and helps the sauce stick.
- Green onions (for garnish): Add color, crunch, and a fresh bite to finish.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Brightens everything up right before serving.
How to Make New Orleans Chicken Wings
Step 1: Prep the Chicken Wings
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While your oven heats up, pat the chicken wings dry with a stack of paper towels. Removing all that extra moisture is the secret behind supremely crispy skin—don’t rush this step!
Step 2: Toss with Seasonings
Pile your wings into a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, then rain down all the spices: salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne, oregano, and white pepper. Toss everything together, making sure every wing gets evenly blanketed in the aromatic, vibrant Cajun-inspired mix.
Step 3: Bake Until Crispy
Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or set on a wire rack. This lets air circulate for that extra crunch! Slide them into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the New Orleans Chicken Wings are attractively golden and satisfyingly crisp.
Step 4: Make the Signature Sauce
While the wings finish up in the oven, grab a small bowl and whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, and honey. This sauce is what ties these New Orleans Chicken Wings together—it’s silky, a little sweet, and packs just the right punch.
Step 5: Toss Wings in Sauce & Garnish
As soon as the wings emerge from the oven, quickly toss them in the spicy-sweet butter sauce so they soak up every last drop. Shower with sliced green onions and fresh parsley. Your kitchen will smell like a French Quarter bistro and the wings will look restaurant-worthy!
How to Serve New Orleans Chicken Wings
Garnishes
Nothing spells “wow” like a heap of New Orleans Chicken Wings finished with a tumble of green onions and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The vibrancy of green herbs against those reddish-gold wings is both stunning and inviting. Don’t be shy—add lemon wedges on the side too for extra zest!
Side Dishes
Classic accompaniments like celery sticks and carrot batons help cool things down and offer a snappy crunch. If you want to go old-school Southern, coleslaw or a pot of red beans and rice are unbeatable matches. Buttermilk biscuits or cornbread are also phenomenal for mopping up any leftover sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your wings on a rustic wooden board, scattered with extra herbs and hot sauce on the side for dipping. If you’re hosting a party, skewer each wing with a decorative toothpick for easy, crowd-friendly snacking. For a fun twist, try stacking the wings pyramid-style atop a bed of shredded lettuce—it’s showstopping and practical!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover New Orleans Chicken Wings? Lucky you! Place cooled wings in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to three days. They tend to develop even more flavor overnight, soaking up any extra sauce.
Freezing
These wings freeze beautifully—with or without sauce. Lay cooled, cooked wings in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag or container. They’ll keep perfectly for up to three months. For best results, freeze the sauce separately and toss with reheated wings just before serving.
Reheating
To re-crisp, spread wings on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping once. The air fryer also works wonders for restoring that original snap—about 5 to 6 minutes at 375°F. If you saved the sauce separately, heat and toss the wings before serving for that fresh-made flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before seasoning, as excess moisture can keep the wings from crisping up nicely.
How spicy are these New Orleans Chicken Wings?
They pack a nice kick without being overpowering. If you prefer your wings milder or hotter, adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce up or down to suit your heat tolerance.
What’s the best type Appetizer, Main Course
Louisiana-style hot sauce is classic for New Orleans Chicken Wings. Brands like Crystal or Tabasco offer just the right level of tang and heat for this recipe, but feel free to swap in your personal favorite!
Can I grill these wings instead of baking?
Yes! Grilled wings gain delicious smoky notes. Use medium heat and grill directly on greased grates, flipping occasionally, until cooked through and crisp. Toss in the sauce right after grilling and garnish as usual.
Do I have to use honey in the sauce?
A touch of honey balances out the heat and tang, but you can substitute maple syrup or even a sprinkle of brown sugar if you like. If you’re avoiding sweetness altogether, just leave it out—your New Orleans Chicken Wings will still be delicious!
Final Thoughts
Now you’re ready to make these unforgettable New Orleans Chicken Wings part of your home cooking repertoire. They’re wonderfully easy, packed with bold character, and just plain fun to eat. Give them a try the next time you want to wow your crowd—one bite and you’ll be hooked on that irresistible Big Easy spirit!
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New Orleans Chicken Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking, Tossed
- Cuisine: New Orleans, Southern
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These New Orleans Chicken Wings are packed with flavor and easy to make. The perfect balance of spices, a hint of sweetness, and a touch of heat make these wings a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, split and tips removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
For the Sauce and Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Chicken Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss wings with olive oil, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne pepper, oregano, and white pepper until evenly coated.
- Bake the Wings: Arrange wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together hot sauce, melted butter, and honey.
- Toss the Wings: Remove wings from the oven and toss immediately in the sauce until well coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispy wings, broil them for 2 to 3 minutes after baking.
- Adjust the spice level by using more or less cayenne pepper and hot sauce.
- These wings can also be made in the air fryer at 375°F for about 25 minutes, shaking halfway.
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