Baked Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings Recipe

Introduction

Baked Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings are a flavorful and mouthwatering dish that brings the vibrant and aromatic spices of Jamaican jerk seasoning to one of the most beloved party snacks: chicken wings. Known for its bold, smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor, jerk seasoning creates a perfect harmony when paired with crispy baked chicken wings. These wings are not only a hit at any gathering, but they also provide a taste of the Caribbean right from the comfort of your home.

Jerk chicken is a traditional Jamaican dish that typically involves marinating the meat in a flavorful blend of herbs, spices, and a touch of heat. The seasoning has roots in Jamaican culture and reflects the island’s diverse flavors. While jerk chicken is often cooked over an open flame, baking the chicken wings provides a convenient and healthier alternative, while still retaining the signature flavors.

This recipe for Baked Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings is perfect for those who love spicy food, flavorful seasonings, and crispy skin. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a family meal, or just craving something with a little kick, these wings will deliver a sensational experience with each bite. Follow along with the recipe, and soon you’ll have perfectly seasoned wings that pack a punch and satisfy your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love Baked Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings

• Bold, Flavorful Seasoning: The combination of aromatic spices like allspice, thyme, ginger, garlic, and scotch bonnet peppers creates an irresistible flavor profile that is spicy, sweet, and savory all at once.
• Crispy, Oven-Baked Perfection: While deep-frying is a popular method for wings, baking these Jamaican jerk chicken wings results in a crispy exterior and juicy interior without the added fat and calories from frying.
• Easy to Make: While the wings need to marinate for the best flavor, the preparation and cooking process is simple, requiring only a handful of ingredients and a bit of patience.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a main dish, or part of a party platter, Baked Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings are ideal for any event, from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations.
• Customizable Spice Level: If you’re not a fan of extreme heat, you can adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper or omit it entirely, making this dish as mild or spicy as you prefer.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours (including marination time)
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings (about 12-15 wings)
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on portion sizes and specific ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 5-7g
• Protein: 30-35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3-5g

Ingredients

For the Baked Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings:

• 12-15 chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Jerk Marinade:

• 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 scotch bonnet peppers (seeds removed for less heat, optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tablespoon dried thyme)
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon allspice (pimento)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Juice of 1 lime
• Zest of 1 lime

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Jerk Marinade

The first step to achieving the bold, delicious flavor of Jamaican jerk chicken wings is creating the marinade. Start by placing the onion, garlic, scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, ginger, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, vegetable oil, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, lime juice, and lime zest into a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and all ingredients are fully incorporated into a thick, aromatic paste.

Be cautious when handling the scotch bonnet peppers, as they are extremely hot. Consider wearing gloves or handling them with care to avoid irritation.

2. Marinate the Chicken Wings

Once the marinade is ready, place the chicken wings into a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour the jerk marinade over the wings, making sure each wing is well-coated. Massage the marinade into the chicken, ensuring that the wings are thoroughly coated with the spice mixture.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2-4 hours, to allow the flavors to fully absorb into the chicken. For the most intense flavor, marinate the wings overnight.

3. Preheat the Oven

While the wings are marinating, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). The high temperature will help crisp up the chicken wings and create the ideal texture.

4. Prepare the Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Then, place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. The rack allows air to circulate around the wings as they bake, ensuring that they cook evenly and achieve a crispy skin.

If you don’t have a wire rack, you can bake the wings directly on the sheet, but a rack will yield the best results.

5. Season the Wings

After marinating the chicken wings, remove them from the refrigerator. Place the wings on the prepared wire rack, spreading them out in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly. Drizzle the wings with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. This step helps enhance the flavor and promotes even browning during baking.

6. Bake the Chicken Wings

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the wings for 35-40 minutes, or until they are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. You may want to flip the wings halfway through the cooking time to ensure they crisp up on both sides.

To test for doneness, check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach at least 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the wing. The wings should be crispy on the outside, while remaining juicy and tender on the inside.

7. Serve the Wings

Once the wings are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the wings tender and flavorful.

Serve the Baked Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings with a side of cooling dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese, if desired. You can also garnish the wings with freshly chopped cilantro or additional lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips for Perfect Baked Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings

• Control the Spice: If you want to reduce the heat level of the jerk seasoning, you can adjust the number of scotch bonnet peppers used in the marinade. Omit the peppers for a mild flavor or use only half for a more manageable level of heat.
• Crispy Wings: For extra crispy wings, try patting the chicken dry with paper towels before marinating it. Excess moisture on the chicken can prevent the wings from becoming crispy during baking.
• Overnight Marination: If you have time, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator. This will allow the spices to fully penetrate the chicken, resulting in a more intense flavor.
• Experiment with Add-ins: You can customize the jerk marinade to your liking by adding ingredients like brown rum or orange juice for a different flavor profile. A dash of hot sauce or extra cayenne pepper can add even more heat if you like your wings extra spicy.
• Don’t Skip the Lime: The lime juice and zest add a fresh, tangy contrast to the rich and spicy jerk seasoning. Don’t skip this step, as it brightens the flavors of the dish and adds a refreshing note.

Variations of Baked Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings

• Grilled Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings: While this recipe uses the oven to bake the wings, you can also cook them on the grill. Grill the marinated wings over medium-high heat for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method imparts a smoky flavor that enhances the jerk seasoning.
• Jerk Chicken Wing Drumsticks: If you prefer drumsticks over wings, you can use the same marinade and baking instructions. The drumsticks will require a slightly longer cooking time, around 45 minutes, depending on their size.
• Honey Jerk Wings: For a touch of sweetness, add 2 tablespoons of honey to the marinade. This balances out the heat from the scotch bonnet peppers and adds a caramelized sweetness to the wings as they bake.
• Coconut Jerk Chicken Wings: Add 2-3 tablespoons of coconut milk to the jerk marinade for a creamy, tropical twist. The coconut flavor pairs beautifully with the spicy and aromatic jerk seasoning.
• Vegetarian Jerk Wings: For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken wings with cauliflower florets. Coat the cauliflower in the jerk marinade and bake until crispy, making a delicious plant-based alternative to the traditional chicken wings.

Storage and Shelf Life

Baked Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored for later use. Let the wings cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the wings for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat them in the microwave, though they may lose some of their crispiness.

For longer storage, you can freeze the wings. To freeze, place the cooked wings in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen wings to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen wings can be stored for up to 2-3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until fully heated through.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Baked Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings

Baked Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings are a flavorful and hearty dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:

• Rice and Peas: A classic Jamaican side dish, rice and peas made with coconut milk and kidney beans perfectly complement the spicy jerk wings.
• Crispy Plantains: Fried or baked plantains add a sweet, caramelized contrast to the heat of the jerk chicken wings.
• Coleslaw: A creamy, tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the chicken wings.
• Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob, perhaps with a touch of butter and seasoning, pairs perfectly with the spicy and smoky jerk flavors.
• Green Salad: A simple salad of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette will refresh the palate and provide a fresh contrast to the rich wings.

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Conclusion

Baked Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings are a flavorful, spicy, and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. With the rich, aromatic spices of jerk seasoning, these wings offer a delicious taste of the Caribbean in every bite. Whether served as an appetizer at a party, a main dish for dinner, or just a snack for yourself, these wings are sure to become a favorite.

With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe provides a great way to enjoy authentic jerk chicken without the hassle of grilling or frying. Plus, with customizable spice levels and storage options, you can easily make this dish your own. Enjoy the crispy, juicy goodness of Baked Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings, and treat your taste buds to a flavorful island-inspired meal.