Jerk Chicken Wings

13 INGREDIENTS • 4 STEPS • 1HR 20MINS

Jerk Chicken Wings

These Spicy Jerk Chicken Wings are packed with bold Caribbean flavors, featuring a fiery, aromatic marinade made from Scotch bonnet peppers, warm spices, and fresh thyme. Marinated to perfection, seared for crispiness, and roasted until juicy and tender, these wings are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Perfect for game nights, cookouts, or when you're craving a punch of heat and flavor!
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These Spicy Jerk Chicken Wings are packed with bold Caribbean flavors, featuring a fiery, aromatic marinade made from Scotch bonnet peppers, warm spices, and fresh thyme. Marinated to perfection, seared for crispiness, and roasted until juicy and tender, these wings are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Perfect for game nights, cookouts, or when you're craving a punch of heat and flavor!


How to Make Spicy Jerk Chicken Wings



Preparing the Jerk Marinade

The secret to authentic jerk chicken lies in the rich, aromatic marinade. In a high-powered blender, combine:

  • Deseeded Scotch bonnet peppers for a signature heat
  • Garlic and fresh thyme leaves for depth and freshness
  • Ground allspice, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg to bring in those warm Caribbean flavors
  • Freshly ground black pepper for a sharp bite

Blend everything until smooth, then slowly drizzle in the olive oil while blending on low speed. This helps emulsify the marinade, ensuring it coats the chicken evenly.

Marinating the Chicken Wings

Transfer the chicken wings into a large zip-top bag, then pour in the jerk marinade. Seal the bag and shake well to ensure every wing is evenly coated. For the best flavor, marinate for at least 1 hour, but overnight is ideal to let the spices deeply infuse the chicken.

Searing for Crispiness

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the marinated wings. Sear them for 2-3 minutes per side, allowing the skin to crisp up and develop a rich caramelized color. This step locks in flavor before roasting.

Roasting to Perfection

Transfer the wings to a foil-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are in a single layer for even cooking. Drizzle Worcestershire sauce over the wings to add extra umami depth.

Roast the wings in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and are beautifully charred on the edges.

Serving & Garnishing

Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme for an earthy finishing touch. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as cool ranch, creamy jerk mayo, or a tangy citrus aioli.

Ingredients & Substitutions

  • Scotch Bonnet Peppers – Essential for authentic jerk heat. If unavailable, substitute with habanero peppers for a similar kick.
  • Fresh Thyme – Adds herbal freshness; dried thyme works in a pinch, but fresh is best.
  • Ground Allspice, Cloves, Cinnamon, Nutmeg – The warm spice blend gives jerk its signature taste. For convenience, use pre-made jerk seasoning, but homemade offers a deeper flavor.
  • Olive Oil – Helps emulsify the marinade and sears the wings beautifully. You can swap it for vegetable oil or coconut oil for a slightly different taste.
  • Worcestershire Sauce – Adds depth and umami; soy sauce or Maggi seasoning can work as substitutes.
  • Chicken Wings – This recipe works well with drumsticks, thighs, or even boneless chicken bites.

Tips & Suggestions

  • Marinate Overnight for Maximum Flavor – The longer the wings marinate, the deeper the flavors will be. If you’re short on time, a minimum of 1 hour is recommended.
  • Grill for an Authentic Smoky Flavor – Instead of roasting, grill the wings over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side, basting with extra marinade for extra charred goodness.
  • Adjust the Spice Level – Scotch bonnets are extremely spicy! For a milder version, use one pepper instead of two, or substitute with a mild chili like jalapeño.
  • Make It a Meal – Serve these wings with coconut rice, fried plantains, or a refreshing mango salsa to complete the Caribbean experience.

Frequently Asked Questions



How Spicy Are These Wings?

Scotch bonnet peppers are one of the hottest peppers, so these wings are definitely spicy! If you prefer a milder heat, use one Scotch bonnet pepper or substitute with a mild chili pepper.

Can I Air-Fry These Wings?

Yes! To air-fry, preheat to 380°F (193°C) and cook the wings for 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Then, increase the heat to 400°F (200°C) for an additional 5 minutes for extra crispiness.

What’s the Best Way to Store & Reheat Leftovers?

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes or in an air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes until crispy.

Can I Use a Store-Bought Jerk Marinade?

Yes! If you’re short on time, a high-quality store-bought jerk marinade can be used instead of making your own. However, making it from scratch gives a fresher, more authentic taste.

Final Thoughts

These Spicy Jerk Chicken Wings are the perfect balance of heat, warmth, and rich Caribbean flavors. Whether you're making them for a party, game night, or a casual dinner, these wings are guaranteed to bring bold flavor to the table. Serve them with cooling dips, fresh herbs, and classic island sides for a complete experience.

🔥 Spicy, smoky, and packed with flavor—these wings are sure to be a hit!

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1HR 20MINS
Total Time
$1.62
Cost Per Serving
Ingredients
Servings
4
us / metric
Marinade
Scotch Bonnet Pepper
2
Deseeded Scotch Bonnet Peppers
Garlic
2 cloves
Large Garlic
Fresh Thyme Leaves
2 Tbsp
Fresh Thyme Leaves
Ground Allspice
2 tsp
Ground Allspice
Ground Cloves
1 tsp
Ground Cloves
Ground Cinnamon
1 tsp
Ground Cinnamon
Ground Nutmeg
1 tsp
Ground Nutmeg
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
1/4 tsp
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Olive Oil
4 Tbsp
Olive Oil
Chicken
Chicken Wing
2 lb
Chicken Wings
Olive Oil
2 Tbsp
Olive Oil
Worcestershire Sauce
2 Tbsp
Worcestershire Sauce
Fresh Thyme
to taste
Fresh Thyme
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Cooking InstructionsHide images
step 1
Make the marinade: In a high powered blender, combine the Scotch Bonnet Peppers (2), Garlic (2 cloves), Fresh Thyme Leaves (2 Tbsp), Ground Allspice (2 tsp), Ground Cloves (1 tsp)Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp), Ground Nutmeg (1 tsp), and Freshly Ground Black Pepper (1/4 tsp) and blend until smooth. With the blender running on low, drizzle in the Olive Oil (4 Tbsp) oil.
step 2
Pour the marinade into a zip top bag and add the Chicken Wings (2 lb). Shake the bag to coat the wings completely in the marinade, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to overnight.
step 3
Preheat your oven to 400℉.
step 4
Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Olive Oil (2 Tbsp) and cook the chicken wings until crisp on both sides. Add the Worcestershire Sauce (2 Tbsp) to the skillet and toss to coat completely then place the wings in a single layer on an aluminum lined baking sheet and roast until cooked to an internal temperature of 165℉. Garnish with Fresh Thyme (to taste).
step 4 Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Olive Oil (2 Tbsp) and cook the chicken wings until crisp on both sides. Add the Worcestershire Sauce (2 Tbsp) to the skillet and toss to coat completely then place the wings in a single layer on an aluminum lined baking sheet and roast until cooked to an internal temperature of 165℉. Garnish with Fresh Thyme (to taste).
RECIPES TAG
Appetizers
Dairy-Free
American
4th of July
Comfort Food
BBQ
Lunch
Chicken
Snack
Caribbean
Shellfish-Free
Game Day
Quick & Easy
Memorial Day
Side Dish
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