Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings

Name: Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon allspice; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 scotch bonnet pepper, chopped (or jalapeño for less heat); 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 2 pounds chicken wings; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; Salt, to taste

Highlighted under: Worldly Flavor Collection

Whenever I cook Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings, I'm transported back to the vibrant streets of Jamaica. The spicy, aromatic blend of herbs and spices brings a unique flavor that dances on my palate. I love marinating the wings overnight, allowing all those wonderful flavors to deeply penetrate the meat. It's a simple yet dynamic dish that’s perfect for gatherings or a casual dinner. Plus, the charred bits from the grill add a smoky depth that takes the wings to the next level. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Created by

Tom

Last updated on 2026-01-05T21:06:29.709Z

I vividly remember the first time I tried Jamaican Jerk Chicken; the explosion of flavors was simply unforgettable. After experimenting with different spices, I've settled on a combination that truly highlights the essence of jerk seasoning: allspice, thyme, and a touch of heat from scotch bonnet peppers. This marinade not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also keeps it juicy while cooking.

One essential tip I've learned is to let the wings marinate for at least a few hours—preferably overnight. This ensures that the bold spices thoroughly permeate the chicken, elevating the taste to new heights. The result is a mouthwatering blend of spicy, sweet, and savory that is irresistible!

        Why You Will Love These Wings
        A bold and spicy flavor that pairs wonderfully with a cooling dip.
Perfectly crispy skin, thanks to a hot grill or oven.
Simple preparation that leads to impressive results, ideal for parties.

      

Understanding the Marinade

The magic of Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings lies in the marinade. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the dish’s signature flavor. Soy sauce and brown sugar provide a savory-sweet base that enhances the natural taste of the chicken. Allspice and thyme bring warmth and earthiness while the scotch bonnet pepper infuses a fiery kick. Allowing the wings to marinate for at least four hours, or preferably overnight, lets these flavors meld beautifully, ensuring each bite is a burst of vibrant taste.

Don’t be afraid to adjust the heat level according to your preference. If you’d like a milder version, replace the scotch bonnet with a jalapeño or simply reduce the amount used. You can also experiment with adding other spices such as paprika or cayenne pepper for depth without overwhelming the dish. Just keep a close eye on the sweetness; you may need to offset any changes in heat by adjusting the brown sugar.

Perfecting the Cooking Method

Grilling is ideal for these Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings, as the high heat caramelizes the sugars in the marinade, creating a beautiful char and crispy skin. If using a grill, aim for medium-high heat, approximately 375°F to 450°F (190°C to 230°C). Make sure to turn the wings frequently, about every 5-7 minutes, to promote even cooking and prevent burning. If baking instead, the wings should be laid out in a single layer on a lined baking sheet to allow for proper air circulation.

For the crispiest skin, it’s essential to dry the wings thoroughly after removing them from the marinade. This step prevents steaming during cooking. Lightly patting the wings with paper towels before applying vegetable oil and salt enhances that coveted crunch. I recommend monitoring the wings closely, looking for a rich golden hue as a visual cue that they are ready to be removed from the heat.

Ingredients

Gather fresh and flavorful ingredients to make these wings truly memorable.

For the Marinade

1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon allspice
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 scotch bonnet pepper, chopped (or jalapeño for less heat)
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon black pepper

For the Wings

2 pounds chicken wings
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Salt, to taste

Preparation Steps

Now that you have your ingredients ready, follow these steps to prepare your wings!

Cooking Instructions

Ready to turn those flavorful marinated wings into a delicious dish? Let's get started!

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, allspice, thyme, garlic, scotch bonnet pepper, ginger, lime juice, and black pepper. Mix well until sugar dissolves.

Marinate the Wings

Place the chicken wings in a resealable plastic bag or a large bowl. Pour the marinade over the wings, ensuring they're well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using an oven, preheat it to 425°F (220°C).

Cook the Wings

Remove wings from the marinade, pat them dry, and rub with vegetable oil and a sprinkle of salt. Grill the wings for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and crispy. If baking, place on a lined baking sheet and bake for about 30-35 minutes.

Serve

Once done, remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes. Serve with a cooling dip, like ranch or blue cheese, and enjoy!

Enjoy Your Dish!

These wings are sure to be a hit; enjoy them with friends and family!

Pro Tips

To get extra crispy wings, broil them for the last 5 minutes of cooking. Moreover, feel free to adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer scotch bonnet peppers.

Serving Suggestions

Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings are incredibly versatile when it comes to pairing options. Serve them with refreshing sides like a mango salsa or a cool avocado dip to balance the spiciness. Alternatively, a simple salad with a citrus vinaigrette will add a bright note, cutting through the richness of the wings. For a more vibrant presentation, garnish the wings with chopped fresh herbs, like cilantro or green onions, before serving.

To elevate your serving, consider offering various dips as options. Classic accompaniments like ranch or blue cheese dressing are excellent choices, especially for countering the heat. You could also try serving with a spicy yogurt sauce, blending Greek yogurt with lime juice and a pinch of cayenne for those who enjoy extra heat.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

For an even more convenient experience, feel free to marinate the chicken wings up to 24 hours in advance. This not only saves time on busy days but also enhances the flavor as the spices have more time to penetrate the meat. Once you’ve grilled or baked the wings, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, ready for a quick reheating as a busy weeknight meal or game day snack.

If you have leftovers, reheating them isn’t just about warming up the wings; it’s about retaining that crispy quality. Use an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 6-8 minutes until they are heated through and the skin returns to crispy perfection. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make them soggy, diminishing that deliciously crispy texture you worked hard to achieve.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken drumsticks instead of wings?

Absolutely! Drumsticks will work just as well, but may require a few extra minutes of cooking time.

→ How spicy are these wings?

The spice level is adjustable; you can use less scotch bonnet pepper or omit it entirely if you prefer milder wings.

→ Can I bake these wings instead of grilling?

Yes, baking works great! Just follow the instructions and use a lined baking sheet.

→ How long can I marinate the wings?

The wings can be marinated safely for up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.