Gone are the days of bland and plain chicken wings. It’s time to elevate your chicken wing game to a new level with these Baked Cajun Pesto Chicken Wings. This recipe is all about the combination of flavors from the heavenly trio of herb pesto, homemade Cajun seasoning, and grated parmesan cheese.

The herb pesto adds a rich and savory layer of flavor with its unique blend of basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. It adds a layer of moisture and ensures your wings never come out dry after baking. The homemade Cajun seasoning provides a smoky, garlicky, slightly spicy kick, perfectly complementing the herb pesto. And to top it all off, a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese right after baking adds a nutty and salty finish that will leave you craving more.

The best part? These wings are incredibly flavorful and baked to crispy perfection, making them a healthier alternative to fried wings for those who are watching their calorie intake. So, if you're looking for a snack that's both delicious and guilt-free, this baked Cajun pesto chicken wings recipe is a must-try. Whether you want to be creative with a perfect game-day appetizer or simply looking for a quick and easy dinner option, these wings will surely hit the spot.

Seasoning is the Key

If you're looking for a delicious and high-quality spice blend in your Baked Cajun Pesto Chicken Wings recipe, consider using Studio Spice Co.'s Cajun Spice Blend. This blend contains a carefully selected combination of organic spices, including granulated garlic, Spanish hot smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme.

The blend is carefully crafted to give your dishes an authentic Cajun flavor with just the right balance of heat, spice, and herbs. Using this spice blend in your Baked Cajun Pesto Chicken Wings recipe ensures that your wings are flavorful and have a delicious, well-rounded taste.

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‍Baked Cajun Pest Chicken Wings Ingredients

To make Baked Cajun Pesto Chicken Wings, you will need the following ingredients:

Chicken Wings – This recipe calls for chicken wings, typically cut into three sections: the drumette, the flat, and the tip. You can opt for fresh or frozen chicken wings for this recipe. Not in the mood for chicken wings? No problem! The Baked Cajun Pesto Chicken Wings recipe can be easily adapted for chicken quarters or even whole chicken.

Herb Pesto – Herb pesto combines fresh herbs, pine nuts, olive oil, garlic, and Parmigiano Reggiano. When the wings are baked at a high temperature, the olive oil in the pesto helps make them crispy and adds a nice texture to the dish, keeping them moist and juicy during the baking process.

Cajun Seasoning – Cajun seasoning features a robust spice blend, made by mixing paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin. It imparts a spicy and smoky flavor to the chicken wings and a nice golden-brown color while baking.

Chili Powder – Chili powder blends ground chili peppers and other spices. It adds mild heat to the chicken wings, which your spicy food lover friends will adore.

Olive Oil – Olive oil coats the chicken wings before baking. It helps to crisp up the skin and adds a bit of richness to the dish.

Grated Parmesan Cheese – Grated parmesan cheese is sprinkled on the chicken wings after they come out of the oven. It adds a salty and nutty flavor to the dish and helps to balance the spiciness of the Cajun seasoning.

How to make Baked Cajun Pesto Chicken Wings

Baked Cajun Pesto Chicken Wings are a delicious and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a snack. Follow the step-by-step instructions below for a recipe to make Baked Cajun Pesto Chicken Wings:

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Chicken wings
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1/4 cup Whole Foods IL Forteto Genovese Pesto OR Any Herb Pesto (Refrigerated) 
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Cooking Spray
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Homemade Cajun Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• Optional Garnishes: Freshly grated parmesan cheese, lemons, and chili flakes

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425F and place the rack at the top half of the oven.
2. Wash and pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Add the clean chicken to the large mixing bowl and 1/4 cup of pesto. Coat the chicken with the mixture.  
3. Season the chicken with the Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and then season with the chili powder. 
4. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil and insert a wire rack. Lightly spray the wired rack with non-stick cooking spray and lay the wings, skin side up, on the wired rack in a single layer.
5. Drizzle the uncooked wings with olive oil, allowing them to crisp up, but this is optional. 
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, depending on the chicken size. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese on the wings fresh out of the oven. Let the wings rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with additional parmesan cheese and lemon wedges. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions:

Baked Cajun Pesto Chicken Wings pair well with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Roasted Vegetables – Roast fresh vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and sweet potatoes in the oven to serve alongside the chicken wings.

Salad – A simple crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can help balance out the richness of the chicken wings.

Corn On the Cob – Grilled or roasted corn on the cob makes a great side dish for any barbecue or summer meal.

French Fries or Potato Wedges – For a more classic take on chicken wings, serve them with crispy French fries or potato wedges.

Coleslaw – Creamy coleslaw is a classic side dish for barbecue chicken wings and adds a refreshing crunch.

Garlic Bread – Toast up some garlic bread alongside the chicken wings for a delicious carb-loaded meal.

FAQ’s

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken wings in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before baking.

Can I freeze the cooked chicken wings?

You can freeze the cooked chicken wings for up to a month. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Can I use store-bought pesto instead of homemade pesto?

While homemade pesto may offer a fresher flavor, store-bought pesto is a convenient and time-saving option that can still result in delicious Baked Cajun Pesto Chicken Wings. When choosing a store-bought pesto, look for high-quality ingredients and avoid brands that use fillers or artificial additives.

Can I adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning in the recipe?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your taste. Just be sure to start with a small amount and add more as needed.

Lastly, if you make this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and tag #edieoeats