Jerk Chicken WingsQuick Benefits

Name: Jerk Chicken Wings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 9 h 10 min
Cuisine: Jamaican / Caribbean
Ingredients: ½ yellow onion, chopped; 3 habanero peppers, seeded and chopped; ½ cup green onions, sliced; ⅓ cup lime juice; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 6 cloves garlic; 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon kosher salt; 2 teaspoons ground black pepper; 2 teaspoons ground allspice; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg; 3 pounds chicken wing drumettes

By Olivia

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Jerk Chicken Wings are spicy, flavorful, and irresistibly delicious with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. These wings are marinated overnight to enhance their bold Jamaican-inspired taste, then baked until caramelized and tender. Perfect for game nights, parties, or a flavorful dinner, these wings will make you rethink your usual Buffalo wing cravings.

Essential Ingredients

To make these authentic Jerk Chicken Wings, you will need:

½ yellow onion, chopped
3 habanero peppers, seeded and chopped
½ cup green onions, sliced
⅓ cup lime juice
3 tablespoons soy sauce
6 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
2 teaspoons ground allspice
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
3 pounds chicken wing drumettes
Cooking spray

Preparation Steps

Make the Marinade: In a blender, combine onion, habanero peppers, green onions, lime juice, soy sauce, garlic, fresh thyme, brown sugar, oil, salt, black pepper, allspice, dried thyme, cinnamon, cumin, and nutmeg. Blend until smooth.
Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken drumettes in a large bowl and coat with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and coat with cooking spray.
Bake the Chicken: Arrange chicken on the baking sheet, reserving the marinade. Bake for 25 minutes.
Brush & Flip: Brush half of the reserved marinade onto the wings, turn them over, and bake for another 15 minutes.
Final Basting: Turn the chicken again, brush with the remaining marinade, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until caramelized. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Rest & Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Health Benefits

High in Protein: Each serving provides 17g of protein to support muscle health.
Rich in Spices: The combination of thyme, allspice, and habanero peppers delivers antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Low in Carbs: This recipe contains only 11g of carbohydrates, making it a great low-carb meal.
Boosts Metabolism: The spicy habanero peppers can help speed up metabolism and improve digestion.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Style: Serve with cool ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the heat.
Jamaican-Inspired Meal: Pair with rice and peas, fried plantains, or coleslaw.
Grilled Option: Instead of baking, grill the wings for a smoky, charred flavor.
Party Platter: Serve with extra lime wedges and a side of Jamaican jerk sauce for dipping.

Creative Variations

Honey Jerk Wings: Add 2 tablespoons of honey to the marinade for a slightly sweet glaze.
Extra Spicy: Increase habanero peppers or add scotch bonnet peppers for an extra kick.
Smoked Jerk Wings: Smoke the wings over pimento wood or hickory for an authentic Jamaican touch.
Air Fryer Jerk Wings: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for a crispy finish.

Storage Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze marinated raw wings in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes or in an air fryer for a crispy texture.

Pro Tips

Marinate Overnight: For maximum flavor, marinate the wings for at least 8 hours.
Use Fresh Thyme: Fresh thyme enhances the authentic jerk flavor better than dried thyme.
Don’t Skip the Allspice: This spice is essential for jerk seasoning’s unique taste.
Adjust Heat Levels: If you prefer milder wings, reduce the habanero peppers to one or swap for jalapeños.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Yes! You can use chicken thighs, drumsticks, or even a whole chicken, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. How long can I marinate the chicken?

For best flavor, marinate for 8 hours to overnight. If short on time, 2 hours at room temperature, turning every 15 minutes, will work.

3. Can I grill instead of baking?

Yes! Grill at medium-high heat (375-400°F) for 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally.

4. What can I use instead of habanero peppers?

Use jalapeños or serrano peppers for a milder heat level.

5. Can I make this in an air fryer?

Yes! Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

These Jerk Chicken Wings are an explosion of bold flavors, perfect for parties, BBQs, or weeknight dinners. Try them once, and you might never go back to regular wings again!