Spicy Cayenne Chicken Wings Recipe – Crispy & Golden Baked

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Spicy Cayenne Chicken Wings Recipe – Crispy & Golden Baked

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you live for a good wing night. And let me tell you, these Spicy Cayenne Chicken Wings are about to become a new favorite. They’re crispy, golden, packed with flavor, and have just the right amount of kick. I first made these for a game night with friends, and they disappeared in minutes! Seriously, minutes. Let’s get cooking, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your average wings. The combination of cayenne pepper and taco seasoning is a little unexpected, but trust me – it works! They’re baked, not fried, so you get all the deliciousness with a little less guilt. Plus, they’re super easy to make, even on a weeknight. Honestly, what’s not to love?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these fiery wings:

• ?? lb Organic Chicken Wings (about 6)
• 3 cups Water
• 2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• ?? teaspoon Cayenne powder
• 1 tablespoon Butter, melted
• 2 tablespoon Taco Seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 teaspoon Garlic powder

Ingredient Notes

Okay, let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference:

• Organic Chicken Wings: I always prefer organic when I can, especially for the skin-on parts. It just feels good, you know? Plus, the quality really shines through.
• Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce: You can use your favorite brand here! Different hot sauces have different levels of heat and flavor. In India, we have so many regional chili sauces – feel free to experiment! A dash of a good lal mirch sauce can add a lovely depth.
• Taco Seasoning: You can find taco seasoning blends pretty easily in most Indian supermarkets these days. Look for brands that don’t have a ton of added sugar. Or, even better, make your own! It’s surprisingly easy.
• Cayenne Powder: Adjust this to your spice preference! A little goes a long way.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business!

1. First, in a large pot, combine the water, 2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper hot sauce, 1 teaspoon of salt, and the cayenne powder. Bring it all to a boil over high heat.
2. Now, carefully add the chicken wings to the boiling mixture. Let them cook for 12-15 minutes. This helps them get tender and flavorful.
3. While the wings are boiling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, taco seasoning, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper hot sauce, 1 teaspoon of salt, and garlic powder. This is your flavor bomb!
5. Once the wings are cooked, drain them really well. Then, toss them in the buttery, spicy paste until they’re completely coated. Don’t be shy!
6. Arrange the wings on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through. You want them to be crispy and golden brown. Keep an eye on them – ovens vary!
8. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Blue cheese or ranch are classic choices.

Expert Tips

• Pat the wings dry: Before tossing them in the sauce, pat the wings dry with paper towels. This helps the sauce stick better.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Give the wings some space so they can get nice and crispy.
• Broil for extra crispiness: For the last few minutes of baking, you can broil the wings (keep a close watch!) to get them extra crispy.

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the chicken wings for cauliflower wings or your favorite plant-based chicken alternative. The sauce is amazing on both!
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Just make sure your taco seasoning is gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free options now.
• Spice Level Adjustment: If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper. Or, if you like it really spicy, add a pinch of chili flakes! My brother loves to add a ghost pepper powder for an extra kick.
• Festival Adaptation: These wings are perfect for game nights, parties, or any celebration. They’re always a hit!

Serving Suggestions

These wings are fantastic on their own, but here are a few ideas to complete the meal:

• A side of crunchy coleslaw
• Sweet potato fries
• A fresh green salad
• And, of course, plenty of your favorite dipping sauce!

Storage Instructions

Leftovers? (If there are any!) Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to get them crispy again.

FAQs

What is the best way to get the wings extra crispy?

Patting them dry before tossing in the sauce and broiling for the last few minutes really helps!

Can I use a different type of hot sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite.

Can these wings be made ahead of time?

You can boil the wings and make the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately and then toss and bake when you’re ready to serve.

What is a good substitute for taco seasoning?

You can make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.

How can I adjust the spice level for kids or those sensitive to heat?

Reduce or eliminate the cayenne pepper. You can also serve the sauce on the side so people can add their own.