If you’re looking for bold, spicy, and totally addictive chicken wings, you’re in for a treat. These Jamaican jerk chicken wings are smoky, juicy, and laced with that unforgettable heat and flavor you can only get from jerk seasoning.
The first time I made them, the aroma alone transported me to a street-side grill in Kingston and they’ve been on repeat in my kitchen ever since.
Whether you’re hosting game night or firing up the grill for a weekend cookout, this jerk wings recipe is the flavor bomb your taste buds have been waiting for.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Jerk Marinade:
- 3 green onions (scallions)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (or habanero)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
- 2 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs chicken wings (split into flats and drums)
- Fresh lime for serving
Jerk Wings Recipe
Prep the Wings:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Separate drums and flats if needed. Pat wings dry for extra crispiness.
Season:
In a large bowl, toss wings with seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, jerk seasoning, and brown sugar until evenly coated.
Bake or Grill
To Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway.
To Grill: Heat grill to medium-high. Grill wings for 5–6 minutes per side until crispy and cooked through.
Make the Sauce:
In a skillet over medium heat, combine butter, ketchup, honey, brown sugar, jerk seasoning, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened.
Toss and Serve:
Add baked wings to a large bowl, pour over the sauce, and toss until well coated. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately with lime wedges and your favorite dip.
Pro Tips from Famous Chefs
“Letting the wings marinate overnight is the secret to deep, island-style flavor.” Chef Marcus Samuelsson
“For a crispy edge, brush on extra marinade during grilling.” Chef Roger Mooking
“Balance the Scotch bonnet heat with a touch of brown sugar in the marinade.” Chef Carla Hall
What to Serve With Jerk Wings?
- Coconut Rice & Peas
- Grilled Pineapple or Mango Salsa
- Cool Cucumber Yogurt Dip (to balance heat!)
- Sweet Plantains
Customization Tips
- Use drumsticks instead of wings for a bigger bite
- Air fry the wings at 380°F for 25 minutes for a crispy, healthier twist
- Add a splash of pineapple juice to the marinade for a fruity flair
- Try a dry rub version if you’re short on time
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried jerk chicken wings before, this recipe is your gateway to flavor heaven. Bold, spicy, juicy, and oh-so-addictive, these wings are made to impress. Whether you grill them or bake them, you’ll be hooked from the first bite.
FAQS
1. What is in a jerk chicken?
Jerk chicken is marinated with a spicy blend of ingredients like allspice, Scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, garlic, and onions.
2. What do jerk wings taste like?
They’re bold, smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet with a deep, aromatic flavor.
3. Why is it called jerk chicken?
The name comes from the Jamaican word “jerk,” referring to the method of seasoning and slow-cooking the meat.
4. What flavor is jerk chicken?
It’s a mix of hot, earthy, and savory flavors with hints of sweetness and citrus from the marinade.
