I finally decided to recreate Publix’s Mardi Gras wings at home, and they turned out amazing. The wings had that perfect balance of savory, zesty, and slightly smoky flavors that make them so addictive. They were crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and seasoned just right. Honestly, it felt like I brought a little bit of the deli counter home with me.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These wings capture all the bold flavors of Publix’s famous Mardi Gras wings—spicy, smoky, and herby, with a crispy bite that keeps you coming back for more. The seasoning blend is what makes them stand out, and baking them at high heat ensures you get that crunch without deep frying.
I love that this recipe works for so many occasions. It’s perfect for game day, family gatherings, or even a quick weeknight dinner. Plus, you can make a big batch and keep them warm in the oven, making them a crowd-pleasing favorite that feels like a treat without being complicated.
What You’ll Need
- 2 ½ pounds chicken wings, split at the joints
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Pro Tips
- Pat wings dry with paper towels before seasoning—this helps them crisp up.
- Use a wire rack over a baking sheet so heat circulates around the wings evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; give the wings space so they roast, not steam.
- For extra crispiness, broil wings for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking.
- Let wings rest a few minutes after baking so juices settle before serving.
Tools You’ll Need
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack (optional but recommended)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs
- Parchment paper or foil
Substitutions & Variations
- Spice level: Reduce cayenne for mild wings or add extra for more heat.
- Sweetness: Swap brown sugar for honey or maple syrup in the seasoning mix.
- Herbs: Add rosemary or basil for a different twist.
- Cooking method: Air fry at 400°F for 18–20 minutes for an even crispier finish.
- Dips: Pair with ranch, blue cheese, or a zesty Cajun dipping sauce.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can season the wings ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. This helps the flavors soak in and makes them even better.
Cooked wings can also be reheated in the oven at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until warmed through.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top.
2. Dry Wings
Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
3. Make Seasoning Mix
In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar.
4. Season Wings
In a large bowl, toss wings with olive oil until coated. Sprinkle seasoning mix over wings and toss again to coat evenly.
5. Arrange on Rack
Place wings in a single layer on the wire rack, leaving space between each one.
6. Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until wings are golden brown and crispy.
7. Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional)
Broil wings for 2–3 minutes at the end of cooking if you want extra crunch.
8. Serve
Transfer to a serving platter, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.
Serving Suggestions
These Mardi Gras wings are fantastic on their own, but they also pair well with sides like coleslaw, potato wedges, or cornbread. For a game-day spread, serve them alongside nachos, sliders, and veggie sticks with dip.
They also make a fun main dish—just serve with a big green salad or roasted veggies for balance.
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
You can also freeze cooked wings for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 375°F for 20–25 minutes.
Nutrition & Benefits
Chicken wings are a great source of protein, and baking instead of frying keeps this recipe lighter without losing flavor. The herbs and spices add antioxidants and depth of flavor, while lemon juice brightens everything up without extra calories.
It’s a fun way to enjoy a takeout favorite at home while still keeping things wholesome.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these in the air fryer?
Yes, air fry at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Do I need to marinate the wings?
No, but seasoning them ahead of time and refrigerating makes them even more flavorful.
What if I don’t have a wire rack?
Place wings directly on parchment-lined baking sheets—they’ll still be delicious, just slightly less crispy.
Can I use drumsticks instead of wings?
Yes, just increase baking time by 10–15 minutes since drumsticks are larger.
Are these wings very spicy?
They have a mild to medium heat; adjust cayenne to your preference.
A Flavorful Wing Worth Sharing
Making these Publix Mardi Gras wings at home was such a win. They’re crispy, flavorful, and taste just like the ones from the deli counter. I loved how easy they were to pull together with just a handful of spices and a hot oven.
This recipe is one I’ll make again for parties, game nights, or even just a fun family dinner. Sometimes the best meals are the ones that bring people together around a big platter, and these wings do exactly that.
