Cajun Dry Rub Chicken Wings

Instructions

1. Prepare the wings
   Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting crispy skin. Place them in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil, tossing to coat evenly.
2. Make the Cajun dry rub
   In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, kosher salt, white pepper, and brown sugar. Mix thoroughly until all spices are well incorporated.
3. Season the wings
   Sprinkle the Cajun spice mixture over the oiled wings and use your hands to massage the rub into the chicken, ensuring each wing is completely coated. For best results, refrigerate the seasoned wings for 1-2 hours, but you can cook them immediately if pressed for time.
4. Preheat and arrange
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Spray the rack with non-stick cooking spray. Arrange the wings on the rack in a single layer, ensuring they're not touching.
5. Bake the wings
   Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, turning halfway through cooking time, until the skin is crispy and golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Optional broiling
   For extra crispiness, broil the wings on high for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. The wings should develop a beautiful dark crust from the Cajun spices.
7. Rest and serve
   Allow the wings to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and the flavors to settle. Serve hot with optional ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.