Cajun-Spiced Grilled Chicken Wings with Jalapeño Ranch
These Grilled Chicken Wings are seasoned in a zesty blend of Cajun-forward spices and then finished on the grill. But wait, there’s more….you’ll love the homemade jalapeño ranch that is packed with subtle heat and ample flavor. Juicy and tender chicken wings dunked in scrumptious scratch-made ranch, yes indeed!
A chicken wing hates to see me coming, y’all. I can’t lie, I’m a true fiend for some chicken wings. Whether it’s my honey butter buffalo wings, these garlic parmesan ones, or my Chinese fried wings…I can’t get enough! These grilled chicken wings are no different. I just know you’re gonna love ’em, too!
Cajun-Spiced Grilled Chicken Wings
These chicken wings are seasoned to perfection in a well-rounded blend of spices. Zesty Cajun seasoning, a little lemon pepper in the mix, and a few other things to help elevate the flavor profile. I love how grilled wings have a deeper, more bold taste as the flavors caramelize even better with a char.
They’re so clutch as an appetizer or light meal and even more perfect for parties and entertaining alike. As if these Cajun-spiced grilled chicken wings were enough, they’re paired with a homemade jalapeño ranch situation 🤭.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
- For the grilled chicken wings: Chicken wings, olive oil, Cajun seasoning (my homemade version is bomb or use store-bought!), lemon pepper seasoning, dried parsley, garlic powder, brown sugar, and salt.
How To Make These Grilled Chicken Wings:
(Note: please see the recipe card directly below for the complete written instructions.)
- Season & marinate the wings. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the chicken wings and remaining seasoning ingredients. Seal the bag and shake very well until the wings are fully coated. Set the wings aside for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld before grilling.
- Grill the wings. Preheat the grill with the indirect heat method to 400°F (medium-high heat) and lightly grease the grates. Add the wings to the grill and let the wings cook with the lid closed for about 8-10 minutes per side until charred or the wings register at least 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Amp up the char. For a deeper outside char on the wings, move the wings over to the direct heat method to continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes per side. Then transfer the wings to a serving platter and let rest for at least 5 minutes.
Homemade Jalapeño Ranch:
- In a mason jar or bowl, combine diced jalapeños, sour cream, buttermilk, chives, parsley, garlic paste, smoked paprika, and salt/pepper- to taste. Stir the mixture together until well combined. Cover the vessel with plastic wrap/foil and transfer to the fridge to let the flavors meld for at least 1 hour before serving with the grilled chicken wings.
Ughhhh I love this ranch sooo much!!! 😛
What To Serve With Your Wings:
I love serving these juicy chicken wings with my potato wedges (the most epic combo, tuh). Also, serving with my smoked gouda mac would be fire, or perhaps a cute lil caesar salad if you wanna keep things light!
These Grilled Chicken Wings are so easy to whip up for parties, gatherings, and more…a definite crowd pleaser, too! Be sure to tag @butterbeready in your BBR recipe creations, I sure love to see it when you do. Until next time! 🤟🏾
More apps & snacks:
- Caramelized Onion Dip
- Sweet Potato Cornbread
- Southern Deviled Eggs
- Baked Potato Wedges
- Crispy Catfish Nuggets
- Smoked Salmon Dip
Cajun-Spiced Grilled Chicken Wings with Jalapeño Ranch
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Appetizers & Snacks
- Method: Grilling
Description
These Grilled Chicken Wings are seasoned in a zesty blend of Cajun-forward spices and then finished on the grill. But wait, there’s more….you’ll love the homemade jalapeño ranch that is packed with subtle heat and ample flavor. Juicy and tender chicken wings dunked in scrumptious scratch-made ranch, yes indeed!
Ingredients
For the jalapeño ranch:
- 2 medium jalapeños, deseeded & finely diced
- ½ cup full-fat sour cream
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Kosher salt & fresh ground black pepper- to taste
For the chicken wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, flats & drums
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Creole Cajun Seasoning– homemade or store-bought
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons packed brown sugar
- Kosher salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prep the jalapeño ranch. In a mason jar or bowl, combine the diced jalapeños, sour cream, buttermilk, chives, parsley, garlic paste, smoked paprika, and salt/pepper- to taste. Stir the mixture together until smooth and well combined. Give the ranch a taste and season with more salt/pepper as needed. Cover the vessel with plastic wrap/foil and transfer to the fridge to let the flavors marry for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Season & marinate the wings. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the chicken wings, olive oil, Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper seasoning, parsley, garlic powder, brown sugar, and salt to taste. Seal the bag and shake very well until the wings are fully coated. Set the wings aside for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld before grilling.
- Grill the wings. Preheat the grill with the indirect heat method to 400°F (medium-high heat) and lightly grease the grates. Use tongs to add the wings to the hot grates. Let the wings cook with the lid closed for about 8-10 minutes per side until charred or the wings register at least 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer. Note: For a deeper outside char on the wings, feel free to move the wings over to the direct heat method to continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes per side. Then transfer the wings to a serving platter and let rest for at least 5 minutes.
- Serve the chicken wings immediately with the jalapeño ranch for dipping pleasure. Enjoy!
Notes
- Please read blog post in its entirety for more tips + tricks.
Recipe by: Quin Liburd- Butter Be Ready
Photography by: The Mindful Hapa
