These Crispy Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings are packed with flavor! Marinated in a spicy and tangy jerk seasoning, they get wonderfully crispy in the oven or fryer.
Who doesn’t love a finger-licking wing? I always end up eating way more than I planned! 🐔 Just serve them with some cooling dipping sauce, and you’re all set for a tasty treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: I always go for fresh wings as they have better texture. You can also use chicken drumsticks or thighs if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as needed!
Jamaican Jerk Seasoning: Store-bought blends are convenient. If you’re looking to save on spices, homemade jerk seasoning is a fantastic option too. Just mix the spices listed in the recipe for a fresh kick!
Soy Sauce: This adds saltiness and depth. If you need a gluten-free option, coconut aminos works great as a substitute!
Flour or Cornstarch: Using these helps achieve that crispy texture. If you’re gluten-free, stick with cornstarch. Either option will give you those crispy wings!
How Do I Get My Chicken Wings Extra Crispy?
Getting that perfect crunch on your chicken wings is all about how you prepare them. First, marinating the wings thoroughly allows flavors to seep in deeply. The key step for crispiness is dusting the wings in flour or cornstarch before baking.
- After you marinate, let the excess drip off. This prevents sogginess.
- Lightly coat in flour or cornstarch—this forms a barrier that helps trap moisture but allows for crisping on the outside.
- Using a wire rack keeps airflow around the wings as they bake, helping them to cook evenly and turn golden brown.
Lastly, be patient! Baking them at a high temperature ensures they become crispy without drying out. Enjoy those wings!
How to Make Crispy Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
- 2 tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade*)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and at least 2 hours for marinating. After that, you’ll need approximately 35-40 minutes to bake the wings. So, plan for a total of around 2 hours and 55 minutes before you get to enjoy your delicious wings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the Jamaican jerk seasoning, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy). This will be your flavorful marinade!
2. Marinate the Wings:
Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss them around until they’re well coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you have the time. The longer they sit, the more flavor they’ll soak up!
3. Prepare for Baking:
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack on top. This will help the wings become extra crispy!
4. Coat the Wings:
Take the wings out of the marinade and let any excess drip off. For an extra crispy finish, lightly dust each wing with flour or cornstarch. This step helps create a nice crunchy coating as they bake!
5. Arrange and Bake:
Place the wings in a single layer on the wire rack. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes. Halfway through, give them a turn to ensure even cooking. When they’re golden brown and crispy, they’re done!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, use fresh cilantro or green onions to garnish your crispy wings. Serve them hot with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top—this adds a refreshing zing!
*Homemade Jamaican Jerk Seasoning (optional):
- 1 tablespoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
Enjoy your crispy, spicy Jamaican jerk chicken wings! They’re sure to be a hit at any gathering!
FAQ for Crispy Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings! Just be sure to thaw them completely in the fridge overnight before marinating. Avoid thawing at room temperature to ensure food safety.
How Long Can I Marinate the Wings?
You can marinate the wings for as little as 2 hours, but for the best flavor, aim for 12-24 hours in the fridge. Just be careful not to marinate them beyond 24 hours as the meat can become too mushy.
What If I Don’t Have a Wire Rack?
If you don’t have a wire rack, no problem! You can place the wings directly on the lined baking sheet. Just flip them halfway through baking to ensure they crisp up on both sides. You might not get quite as much airflow, but they will still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to get them crispy again. Enjoy!