Baked Jamaican Chicken Wings Recipe
Get ready for a flavor-packed adventure with Baked Jamaican Chicken Wings! This recipe delivers a mouthwatering blend of spices, sweetness, and smoky heat, all wrapped around juicy, oven-crisped wings. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a party snack, or simply satisfying a craving for Caribbean comfort, these wings are easy to prepare, bursting with bold jerk seasoning, and guaranteed to be the highlight of any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Baked Jamaican Chicken Wings is all about striking the right balance between fiery, aromatic spices and a subtle sweetness. Every ingredient does its part—some bring signature Jamaican flavor, others create that irresistible golden crust, and a few provide the zingy finish that keeps you coming back for more.
- Chicken wings (2½ pounds): The perfect party cut—meaty, juicy, and just waiting to soak up those spices.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Lightly coats the wings to ensure every piece crisps up in the oven.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Adds subtle sweetness and helps caramelize the wings for that beautiful color.
- Allspice (2 teaspoons): The essential Jamaican spice—warm, fragrant, and totally distinctive.
- Ground thyme (1 teaspoon): Earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the jerk seasoning.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Gives a mellow, savory undertone to each bite.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and rounds out the flavor profile nicely.
- Cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Brings a lovely warmth and hint of sweetness to the wings.
- Nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Offers a subtle, nutty aroma classic in Jamaican cuisine.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Infuses a gentle smoky note and a rich red hue.
- Cayenne pepper (½–1 teaspoon): Adjust the level for your preferred heat kick—it’s what makes the wings sing!
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all those bold flavors, tying everything together.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds just the right touch of heat and bite.
- Juice of 1 lime: A splash of citrus brightens the wings and balances the heat.
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings richness and umami for extra savory depth.
- Jamaican jerk seasoning or paste (2 tablespoons): Use store-bought or homemade for that authentic island punch!
- Chopped green onions and lime wedges: The perfect garnish to finish your platter with color and freshness.
How to Make Baked Jamaican Chicken Wings
Step 1: Prep the Chicken Wings
Begin by splitting the chicken wings and removing the tips. This step creates those familiar “drumettes” and “flats” that bake up perfectly and are effortless to eat. Pat the wings dry with paper towels to encourage crisping, then place them in a large mixing bowl, ready to soak up all those delicious Caribbean flavors.
Step 2: Mix the Marinade
In the same bowl, drizzle the wings with vegetable oil, then add the brown sugar, allspice, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Squeeze in the juice of one lime and pour in the soy sauce and jerk seasoning paste. Now, using your hands or a spatula, make sure each wing is evenly coated—don’t be afraid to really massage that spice blend in!
Step 3: Marinate for Maximum Flavor
Let your wings sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes, though if you can wait, a few hours—or even overnight in the fridge—makes the flavors really shine. The marinade seeps into every crevice, ensuring each bite bursts with vibrant Jamaican jerk flavor.
Step 4: Arrange and Bake
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Lay the wings out in a single layer—no crowding!—so every surface gets exposed to the heat. Slide them into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping once halfway through to guarantee even browning and crispness.
Step 5: Crisp and Serve
If you love extra-crispy wings, pop the tray under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes at the end. Watch closely so they don’t burn. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve up your Baked Jamaican Chicken Wings hot, with fresh lime wedges for an instant burst of zest.
How to Serve Baked Jamaican Chicken Wings
Garnishes
A simple shower of chopped green onions adds a fresh, peppery bite and brilliant color to your serving platter. Lime wedges on the side invite everyone to squeeze a burst of citrus over their wings right before digging in—pure magic when paired with the smoky, spicy marinade.
Side Dishes
Baked Jamaican Chicken Wings shine alongside classic Caribbean favorites. Fluffy rice and peas, golden fried plantains, or even a cool yogurt-lime dipping sauce all make for fantastic accompaniments. These sides balance the wings’ bold heat and create a well-rounded meal that will transport your tastebuds straight to Jamaica.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the wings in a vibrant pile on a large platter, scatter over more sliced chilies or green onions if desired, and tuck lime wedges throughout for color. For an appetizer party, serve them in mini cups or on skewers. Or go family-style—heap the wings over a big bed of greens and let everyone reach right in!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have extra Baked Jamaican Chicken Wings, let them cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay juicy and delicious for up to 3 days—easy to grab for a quick snack or meal prep!
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooled wings in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. This keeps them from sticking together. Properly stored, they’ll retain their flavor and texture for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, arrange the wings on a baking sheet and pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10–12 minutes until heated through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving, which can leave them soggy; the oven keeps that irresistible baked texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use whole chicken wings instead of splitting them?
Absolutely! Whole wings work just as well—just adjust the baking time slightly if needed. Splitting the wings helps with even cooking and makes them easier to eat, but you’ll still get all the great flavors either way.
How spicy are Baked Jamaican Chicken Wings?
The spice level is totally customizable! Start with less cayenne if you’re spice-shy, or boost it for fiery wings. The jerk seasoning also brings heat, so taste your marinade before adding extra chili.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the marinade a day in advance and keep it chilled in the fridge. Marinating the wings overnight actually enhances their flavor, making them even more spectacular the next day.
What jerk seasoning should I use?
Either store-bought or homemade jerk seasoning works for Baked Jamaican Chicken Wings. Look for one without fillers, or whip up your own for a personal touch—everyone has their secret blend in Jamaica!
Are these wings gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your soy sauce and jerk seasoning are gluten-free, this recipe is perfect for anyone avoiding gluten. Always check labels to be sure.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give these Baked Jamaican Chicken Wings a try for your next get-together or weeknight dinner. They’re packed with flavor, wonderfully easy to make, and sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy every bite, and let the island vibes roll!
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Baked Jamaican Chicken Wings Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Jamaican Chicken Wings are bursting with Caribbean flavors and perfect for entertaining or a delicious family meal. Marinated in a blend of spices and seasonings, these wings are baked to crispy perfection in the oven. Serve with rice and peas or fried plantains for an authentic taste of Jamaica.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings:
- 2½ pounds chicken wings (split and tips removed)
Marinade:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½–1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning or paste (store-bought or homemade)
Garnish:
- Chopped green onions and lime wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Marinate: In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with oil, lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, jerk seasoning, and all the spices until evenly coated. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- Bake: Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 40–45 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the wings are golden brown, crisp, and fully cooked.
- Broil: Broil for an additional 2–3 minutes if extra crispiness is desired.
- Garnish: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- Serve with rice and peas, fried plantains, or a cooling dip like ranch or yogurt-lime sauce.
- Adjust cayenne for desired heat level.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Caribbean (Jamaican)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 wings
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
