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.