Chicken Wings with Red Beans and Rice

Here’s a bold, Southern-inspired meal idea: Chicken Wings with Red Beans and Rice — a hearty combo that brings Cajun flavor, comfort, and a bit of spice. You’ll get crispy or saucy wings paired with rich, smoky red beans and fluffy rice. You can make both parts at the same time for an easy, satisfying dinner.

🍗 Chicken Wings with Red Beans and Rice

🔥 Part 1: Cajun or Creole-Style Chicken Wings

🧂 Ingredients:

• 2–3 lbs chicken wings, split at joints, tips removed

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning or Creole seasoning

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• Optional: 1–2 tbsp hot sauce or cayenne for extra heat

🧑‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), or prep your air fryer/grill.

2. Pat wings dry with paper towels (this helps them get crispy).

3. Toss wings with oil and seasonings in a large bowl.

4. Oven method: Arrange wings on a baking rack over a sheet tray and bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
   Air fryer: Cook at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, shaking halfway.

5. Optional: Toss wings in hot sauce, honey-garlic glaze, or BBQ sauce after baking.

🍛 Part 2: Southern Red Beans and Rice (Stovetop or Crock Pot)

🥣 Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp oil or butter

• 1 onion, diced

• 1 bell pepper, chopped

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1½ tsp Cajun seasoning

• 1 tsp thyme

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 2 cans (15 oz each) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed (or 1½ cups dried, soaked + cooked)

• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

• 1 bay leaf

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Optional: ½ lb andouille sausage, sliced (or turkey sausage for lighter version)

To serve:

• 2 cups cooked white rice (jasmine or long grain)

🧑‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Sauté onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic in oil over medium heat until soft (5–7 min).

2. Add seasonings, beans, broth, and bay leaf. Stir well.

3. Optional: Add sliced sausage here.

4. Simmer uncovered on low heat for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Mash a few beans to make it creamier.

5. Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning.

6. Serve over rice with chopped green onions or hot sauce.

🍽️ Serving Ideas:

• Plate wings alongside or over the red beans and rice.

• Add a side of cornbread or a crisp green salad.

• Garnish with parsley, scallions, or pickled onions for contrast.

⏱️ Time-Saver Tips:

• Use rotisserie chicken or store-bought wings if short on time.

• Cook red beans ahead — they taste even better the next day.