Grilled Cajun Wings

This recipe turns out crispy wings that are full of flavor, but only as spicy as you like. Straight off the grill you get Cajun dry rub wings, but they're equally delicious after being bathed in a Cajun butter sauce.

Cajun does not always mean spicy

We love Cajun food, and the closely related Creole cuisine, but it is often misunderstood. While it's true that many of the foods from that region are downright hot, they are not always. Flavorful? Yes. But not always spicy.

In fact, our all time favorite spice blend is Tony Chachere's Original Creole Seasoning. The list of recipes we use it in is long and distinguished, with the reader favorites being Shrimp & Grits, Cajun Crab Dip and Fried Green Tomatoes. But "Tony C" as we call it, is not really very hot on its own.

Many times we kick our recipes up with some cayenne pepper or a good potent hot sauce, but you can always leave that part out. Buffalo Style Rotisserie Chicken Salad and Buffalo Shrimp are other recipes where you can tone the spicy kick up or down, as is traditional Red Beans and Rice.

If you love all things Cajun like we do you'll want to check out our recipe for Easy Shrimp Etouffee.

What you see here are Cajun dry rub wings straight off the grill in all their crispy, delicious glory with no sauce added. We like to leave a few just like this for anyone who loves just the flavor without the kick.

If you want the wings without the risk of spice, try these Honey Lemon Pepper Wings.

For a good look at southern cuisines you'll want to check this out: Southern Food Then & Now debunks a few other myths.

Grilled Cajun Chicken Wings are the ultimate tailgate food

If you're a big fan of football tailgate parties in the fall (who isn't?) then you'll want this Grilled Chicken Wings Recipe in your arsenal. Why?

1. They are the most flavorful and crispy if allowed to sit in the fridge overnight in the seasoning before grilling. This makes these wings perfect for tossing on the grill after you get to a tailgate party.
2. The Cajun Butter Sauce can also be made the night before. Then put it in a heatproof dish on the corner of your grill to melt while the wings cook.
3. They can cook more slowly if you're grilling something else low and slow, or quickly if you have less time or a hot grill.
4. This one recipe, as mentioned above, produces two different type wings - a dryer, less spicy version and the wet, spicy, ultimate Cajun chicken wings with the butter sauce.
5. They go great with beer and this Creamy Gorgonzola Dressing.
6. Everyone is going to love them!
7. You can make a batch of classic Hurricane cocktails and get that true New Orleans experience.

Pro tips for getting crispy grilled wings:

• Wash and thoroughly dry the wings before you season them.
• The secret ingredient is the baking powder. If you want crispy wings without frying don't leave out the baking powder - it's essential in your cajun dry rub.
• Spending overnight in the fridge after seasoning really helps, but if you don't have time for that your wings are still going to be awesome.

This recipe made the suggested list for the Backyard BBQ Menu Ideas. You'll want to visit for lots of other recipes as well as tips, tricks and planning help for your cookout.

THIS RECIPE MADE OUR "BEST OF THE YEAR" LIST. THE OTHERS CAN BE FOUND HERE.

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