Name: Savory New Orleans Chicken Wings with Zesty Creole Kick
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 1.25 kg Chicken Wings (cut into wingettes and drumettes); 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter (melted); 2 cloves Garlic (crushed or finely minced); 1.5 tbsp Brown Sugar (for sweetness); 2.5 tsp Paprika (choose regular or smoked); 1.5 tsp Cooking Salt (kosher or sea salt flakes); 1 tsp Garlic Powder; 1 tsp Onion Powder; 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (adds a hint of heat); 0.5 tsp Dried Thyme; 0.5 tsp Dried Oregano; 0.25 tsp Cayenne Pepper (can be omitted for less heat); 2 tbsp Coriander/Cilantro or Parsley (optional for garnish)

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The moment I took my first bite of authentic New Orleans cuisine, I knew I had discovered something special. Today, I’m sharing a recipe that captures that vibrant spirit: Bold Baked New Orleans Chicken Wings with Homemade Creole Seasoning. These wings are a delightful blend of spicy flavors that transport you straight to the lively streets of the Big Easy, making them perfect for dinner feasts or casual gatherings. Not only are they easy to whip up, but baking instead of frying means you can indulge while keeping things lighter. Trust me, the golden, crispy exterior paired with that flavorful Creole kick is bound to impress everyone around your table. Ready to elevate your next meal with these irresistible chicken wings? Let’s dive into the recipe together!

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Why Are These Wings So Irresistible?

Bold flavors: With a homemade Creole seasoning mix, each bite bursts with a spicy kick that’s sure to delight your taste buds.
Easy preparation: A straightforward process means you can make these baked chicken wings without any fuss, perfect for chefs of all skill levels.
Guilt-free indulgence: Baking instead of frying gives you that crispy texture without the added oil, making them a lighter option for weeknight dinners or parties.
Crowd-pleaser: These finger-licking wings are ideal for any gathering, guaranteed to disappear fast alongside refreshing sides or dips. For additional flavor inspiration, why not serve them with some Garlic Butter Chicken Bites or a side of Garlic Butter Kale Rice? Your guests will be raving!

New Orleans Chicken Wings Ingredients

For the Chicken Wings
• Chicken Wings – Use 1.25 kg / 2.5 lb cut into wingettes and drumettes for easy eating.
• Unsalted Butter – This adds richness and helps achieve a crispy, caramelized skin.

For the Seasoning Mix
• Garlic – Use 2 cloves, crushed or finely minced for added flavor depth.
• Brown Sugar – Enhances caramelization and sweetness in the mix (1.5 tbsp).
• Paprika – Adds vibrant color and mild flavor (2.5 tsp); choose regular or smoked for extra depth.
• Cooking Salt – Essential for overall seasoning (1.5 tsp); kosher or sea salt flakes work well.
• Garlic Powder – Provides a stronger garlic flavor (1 tsp).
• Onion Powder – Complements flavors with a savory note (1 tsp).
• Black Pepper – Adds a hint of heat (0.5 tsp).
• Dried Thyme – Brings a beautiful herbal note (0.5 tsp).
• Dried Oregano – Adds complexity to the flavor profile (0.5 tsp).
• Cayenne Pepper – Offers a subtle background warmth (0.25 tsp); can be omitted for less heat.

For Garnish
• Coriander/Cilantro or Parsley – Optional for garnish (2 tbsp), enhancing color and freshness for your New Orleans chicken wings.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for New Orleans Chicken Wings

Step 1: Preheat Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (390°F), or 180°C if using a fan-forced model. This ensures your New Orleans chicken wings will bake evenly, developing that irresistible crispy exterior. While the oven heats up, you’ll be preparing the seasoning and chicken wings, setting the stage for a delicious meal.

Step 2: Prepare Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine melted unsalted butter with crushed garlic, mixing until well blended. Set this fragrant mixture aside. In another bowl, gather and mix together all the dry seasoning ingredients—brown sugar, paprika, cooking salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper, creating your zesty Creole seasoning.

Step 3: Coat Wings
Place your cut chicken wings into a spacious large bowl. Begin tossing them with half of your prepared seasoning mix to ensure an even coating. Next, drizzle the garlic butter mixture over the seasoned wings, continuing to toss until they are thoroughly coated with all the flavorful spices and butter, making every bite burst with taste.

Step 4: Arrange Wings
Now, line a baking tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread the coated New Orleans chicken wings out in a single layer on the tray, ensuring there’s enough space between each piece. This helps them crisp up nicely without steaming, as overcrowding can lead to soggy wings.

Step 5: Bake
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the wings for 45-50 minutes. Remember to baste the wings with the juices from the tray at the 30 and 40-minute marks. Watch for them to turn a golden brown, ensuring they’re fully cooked through and have reached the optimal crispy texture that you want from your New Orleans chicken wings.

Step 6: Serve
When the wings are beautifully golden and crispy, take them out of the oven for one final baste with the pan juices. Transfer the wings to a serving plate and consider garnishing with fresh coriander, cilantro, or parsley for a pop of color. Sit back and enjoy these delightful New Orleans chicken wings with family and friends, relishing every spicy, flavorful bite!

Make Ahead Options

These New Orleans Chicken Wings are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken wings with the homemade Creole seasoning mix up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat. Simply coat the wings in the seasoning and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For added convenience, assemble the wings on the baking tray, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just preheat your oven, uncover the wings, and bake as instructed, ensuring you baste them halfway through for that irresistible crispy finish. This method keeps the wings just as delicious and saves valuable time on busy weeknights!

Expert Tips for New Orleans Chicken Wings

• Basting: Baste your wings generously with the tray juices during baking for maximum flavor; a natural bristle brush ensures even coating.

• Do Not Crowd: Avoid overcrowding the baking tray to keep your wings crispy; leaving space allows hot air to circulate, preventing steaming.

• Monitor Baking: Keep an eye on cooking times, especially if your wings vary in size; larger wings may need extra time to cook through.

• Flavor Boost: Experiment with your homemade Creole seasoning by adding fresh herbs like thyme or finishing with a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

• Serve Fresh: For the best experience, serve your New Orleans chicken wings hot out of the oven; reheating can alter their crispy texture.

What to Serve with Bold Baked New Orleans Chicken Wings

Delight your guests by creating a harmonious meal that perfectly complements the vibrant flavors of your wings!

Garlic Butter Kale Rice: This side brings a creamy richness with bright green goodness that balances the spicy kick of the wings.
Cool Coleslaw: A refreshing, crunchy slaw offers a crisp contrast that cleanses the palate after each flavorful bite of chicken.
Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness of these fries enhances the spice while adding comfort and texture to your spread.
Roasted Corn Salad: Sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and zesty dressing create a colorful side that brings summer vibes to any gathering.
Classic Dipping Sauce: Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for a creamy contrast, perfect for cooling down the heat from your wings.
Zesty Cucumber Salad: Light and refreshing, this salad with a tangy dressing cuts through the richness and enhances the meal’s overall freshness.
Chilled Beer or Lemonade: Pairing your wings with a cold drink helps to wash down the flavors, making for an enjoyable dining experience.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Sundaes: For dessert, these warm, gooey cookies topped with vanilla ice cream bring comfort and sweetness after the savory wings.

New Orleans Chicken Wings Variations

Feel free to put your own spin on these wings and bring a personal touch to your cooking experience!

Chicken Ribs: For a more authentic New Orleans touch, substitute chicken wings with cut chicken ribs, reducing baking time slightly. The flavor will still be vibrant and delightful!
Vegetarian Option: Cauliflower florets can be seasoned similarly for a delightful plant-based alternative that’s just as satisfying. Bake until golden for a healthy, crunchy treat.
Different Proteins: Use shrimp or fish coated in the spice mix for variation. This unique twist opens new flavor dimensions and offers an irresistible seafood delight!
Mild & Sweet: For a milder version with a sweet side, replace cayenne pepper with extra brown sugar and a touch of honey. The resultant sweetness pairs beautifully with the wings’ savory base.
Buffalo Style: Toss baked wings in your favorite buffalo sauce post-baking for a spicy and tangy finish that infuses even more kick! Serve with classic ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Crispy Skin Upgrade: For those extra crispiness lovers, broil the wings for the last few minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning while achieving a stunning final texture.
Smoky Flavor: Introduce smoke by using smoked paprika and adding a few drops of liquid smoke to your seasoning mix. This will give your wings a delightful twist reminiscent of BBQ flavors!

And if you’re looking for something to complement these flavors, consider serving these wings alongside some Garlic Butter Chicken Bites or pairing them with a refreshing Thai Chicken Soup for a well-rounded meal!

Storage Tips for New Orleans Chicken Wings

Fridge: Store leftover New Orleans chicken wings in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days, keeping them fresh and flavorful.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They can last up to 3 months.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat the wings in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispy texture, rather than using a microwave.

New Orleans Chicken Wings Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken wings should I use?
Absolutely! For this recipe, I recommend using 1.25 kg (2.5 lb) of chicken wings cut into wingettes and drumettes. This makes for easy eating and ensures even cooking. Fresh wings with plump, meaty portions will give you that delicious texture and flavor you’re looking for.

How should I store leftover New Orleans chicken wings?
Very simple! Store your leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last for about 3 to 4 days. Just make sure they are cooled down before sealing them, so they remain fresh and tasty!

Can I freeze these wings, and if so, how?
Certainly! To freeze your New Orleans chicken wings, first, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the wings in a single layer and freeze them until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. This method prevents them from sticking together and makes it easy to grab just what you need!

What if my wings aren’t crispy enough after baking?
No worries! If you find your wings aren’t as crispy as you would like, there are a few adjustments you can make. First, ensure you’re not overcrowding the baking tray, as space allows for better airflow and prevents steaming. If they still need a crispier finish, pop them under the broiler for the last few minutes of baking — just keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Is this recipe safe for pets or those with allergies?
Absolutely! However, if you’re considering sharing with your pets, it’s best to keep the wings plain without the Creole seasoning, which can contain ingredients harmful to them. Always check for common allergens, such as garlic, which is in the seasoning. For those with food allergies, feel free to alter ingredients to fit dietary needs, like using gluten-free options for seasonings.

How can I make these wings spicier?
Very easily! If you crave an extra kick in your New Orleans chicken wings, simply increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the seasoning mix. Start by adding a little more, taste-testing until you find that perfect level of heat. You can also throw in some hot sauce for an added zing before baking!