Spicy Jamaican Jerk Chicken

If you’re a fan of bold, smoky, and spicy flavors, then Jamaican jerk chicken wings are a must-try!

Baked Jerk Chicken Wings Recipe

Jamaican Jerk Chicken is a favorite for many. It combines the succulent texture of chicken with the rich, smoky, and spicy notes of jerk seasoning.

You will enjoy the heat and taste of this spicy marinade. It is a special mix of herbs, spices, and peppers. Together, they create a strong and tasty flavor. It is really different from all the Wings I have ever tried.

The flavor is bold and unique. It works well for even small taste buds (my kids loved it). It makes a great dinner or appetizer. I enjoy pairing this dish with Jamaican Rice and Peas, plantains, and coleslaw.

You can also check 20+ Chicken Dinner Recipes and 30 Air fryer chicken dinner recipes for more recipes to enjoy with your family and friends.

Spicy, Flavor-Packed Jerk Chicken

Jamaican Jerk Chicken wings are packed with flavors. They are spicy and sweet with a subtle earthy flavor. This distinct taste sets jerk chicken apart. These wings are perfect for a party appetizer, game day snack, or even a main dish.

The secret lies in the jerk seasoning—an aromatic mix of herbs, peppers, and spices that bring a real punch of flavor. And the best part? They're easy to make at home, whether you grill them over an open flame or bake them in the oven.

What is Jamaican Jerk Spice?

You can start here if you are new to this recipe. Jerk Spice is a mix of sweet, strong, and bold seasonings. It usually includes warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and allspice. It also has an acid, like vinegar or lemon juice. In my recipe, I used orange juice for its sweet and tangy flavor.

When we think about the Jerk, we often picture heat and spice. But don’t worry! You can easily reduce the heat if it’s too much for you. 

You can also try these Jamaican recipes to get yourself acquainted with the delicious Jamaican foods:  Jamaican Beef Patties, which are also referred to as Jamaican meat pies, or this amazing Jamaican style Oxtail stew, Jamaican Curry Goat.

How do you make jerk sauce from scratch?

To make jerk chicken you can apply dry or wet jerk spice to marinate your chicken.

To make the wet marinade, as used in this recipe, all you have to do is blend together the onions, green onion, ginger, brown sugar, nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon, thyme, garlic powder, habanero pepper, paprika, salt, oil, soy sauce, and orange Juice/lime/or lemon.

If you don’t have all the required fresh ingredients for the wet marinade, you can use the dry rub - Jerk seasoning spice blend , which is equally as good. You can check out my recipe for the Jamaican spice here. It’s always good to have it handy!

Is jerk chicken spicy?

The flavor of jerk chicken can be spicy, but it doesn’t have to be. The habanero in this jerk chicken wings recipe can give your jerk chicken a bit of a spicy flavor, but you’ll find that the brown sugar, nutmeg, and cinnamon tend to offset the spice a little bit.

Also, I removed the habanero seeds in this recipe to reduce the spiciness. However, you can keep the seeds if you want the chicken wings to be very spicy.

Ingredients for making Jamaican jerk

• Chicken wings: You can also choose your preferred cuts of chicken.
• Onions: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
• Green onion: Contributes a fresh, sharp flavor and a touch of color.
• Ginger: Gives a warm, spicy note and a bit of zest to the dish.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the heat and helps to create a caramelized coating.
• Nutmeg: Provides a warm, nutty flavor that complements the other spices.
• Allspice: Delivers a complex flavor that's a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Cinnamon: Brings a sweet and woody flavor, enhancing the overall spice profile.
• Thyme: Adds an earthy and aromatic touch.
• Garlic Powder: Offers a concentrated garlic flavor that permeates the wings.
• Habanero: Brings the heat; the more you add, the spicier it gets.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky, sweet flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of all the ingredients.
• Cooking Oil: Helps to bind the spices and ensures the wings cook evenly.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami and depth of flavor, along with a bit of saltiness.
• Orange Juice: Provides a citrusy, tangy flavor that balances the heat and adds freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Can I use store-bought jerk seasoning? Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use pre-made jerk seasoning. Just mix it with some oil and lime juice to make a marinade. However, making your own jerk paste from scratch will give you the freshest and most vibrant flavor.
• How spicy are jerk chicken wings? Jerk chicken wings can be quite spicy due to the Scotch bonnet peppers. However, you can control the heat level by adjusting the number of peppers in the marinade. For a milder version, use fewer peppers or substitute with less spicy varieties.
• Can I make jerk chicken wings in the air fryer? Very well! To make jerk chicken wings in the air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook the wings in a single layer for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and fully cooked.

Side Dishes to Complement Your Jerk Chicken Wings?

There are many things that you can eat with jerk wings. Traditionally speaking, you can serve Jamaican rice and peas, but it pairs so well with:

• Roasted sweet potatoes
• Coleslaw
• Roasted Vegetables
• Jollof rice
• Fried plantains
• coconut rice

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftover jerk chicken wings, don't worry. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. Make sure to place them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and flavor.

When it's time to reheat, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the wings for about 15 minutes. This method helps to keep the skin crispy and the meat juicy.

Notes:

• It is very important to marinate the Chicken, and it has to be thoroughly cooked but not overcooked.

Other Favorite Chicken Recipes:

• Crispy Baked Chicken Wings
• Crispy fried Drumsticks
• Peri-Peri Chicken
• Baked Chicken Drumsticks
• Dry Rub Roast Chicken
• Cilantro Lime Chicken

You may also like our favorite Jamaican Recipes

• Delicious Jamaican Rice And Peas
• Jamaican Oxtail Stew
• Creamy Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge
• Jamaican Beef Patties
• Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
• Jamaican Curry Goat

https://youtu.be/p1UVEsubEd0

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