Chicken Wings with Red Beans & Rice

Preparing the Chicken Wings

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season Wings: In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt until evenly coated.
3. Bake Wings: Arrange the seasoned wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, turning halfway through, until the wings are crispy and cooked through.

Preparing the Red Beans

4. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
5. Add Garlic and Spices: Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
6. Add Beans and Broth: If using dried beans, add the soaked and drained beans to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the beans are tender. If using canned beans, simmer for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally and add more broth or water if needed to keep the beans covered with liquid.
7. Season and Garnish: Once the beans are tender, season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf and stir in the chopped parsley.

Preparing the Rice

8. Cook Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring the water or chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, butter, and salt. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Serving

9. Plate the Dish: Spoon a generous serving of red beans over a bed of fluffy rice on each plate. Arrange several chicken wings on top or alongside the beans and rice.
10. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with additional chopped parsley, if desired. Serve the Chicken Wings with Red Beans & Rice hot, with hot sauce on the side for an extra kick.

Conclusion

Chicken Wings with Red Beans & Rice is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings the taste of Louisiana to your table. The crispy, seasoned chicken wings complement the creamy, spicy red beans and fluffy rice perfectly. This comforting and hearty meal is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy!