The more traditional jerk chicken recipes, such as this one from Food & Wine, include a mixture of onions, garlic, Scotch bonnet chiles, and nutmeg along with a number of other ingredients. The main tenets of jerk seasoning are heat, fragrance, and deliciousness. What follows here is a slightly bastardized version that utilizes ingredients most regular home cooks will have in their pantries. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to prepare. Don’t believe me? Try!
For another awesome chicken recipe, try these Honey Sriracha Wings.
PrintFinger-Lickin’ Jerk Chicken Wings
- Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These jerk chicken wings are marinated with a blend of spices and grilled or baked to perfection, delivering a smoky, spicy flavor that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons salt
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon ground allspice
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 pounds chicken wings
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, salt, garlic powder, ground allspice, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Add the vegetable oil and apple cider vinegar to the spice mixture and stir until well combined to form a marinade.
- Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the wings for at least 3 hours, or longer if time permits, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- If grilling, place the wings on the grill and cook for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and have a nice char. If baking, spread the wings in an even layer on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the wings from the grill or oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken wings overnight. If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper. These wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve with a cooling dip like ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8 grams
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 30 grams
- Carbohydrates: 10 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 30 grams
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of chiles can I use if I can’t find Scotch bonnet chiles?
If Scotch bonnet chiles are unavailable, you can substitute them with habanero chiles for a similar heat level and flavor.
How long should I marinate the chicken wings for the best flavor?
For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken wings for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better.
Can I bake the jerk chicken wings instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake the jerk chicken wings; preheat your oven to 425°F and bake for about 30-35 minutes, turning halfway through for even cooking.
The recipe is wrong about the salt. The 3 Tbsps of salt is a way too much…salt. It should be 3 tsp?