These Crispy Grilled Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings are packed with flavor! The tasty jerk seasoning gives them a spicy kick, while grilling makes them extra crispy. Perfect for any gathering!
Who doesn’t love chicken wings? I enjoy serving them with a side of cooling ranch or blue cheese dressing for that perfect balance. Your guests will be coming back for seconds! 🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: The star of this dish! Look for fresh or frozen wings. If you’re short on time, try drumsticks or even chicken thighs. They can be just as tasty and can hold up to the marinade well.
Vegetable Oil: This helps the wings get crispy. Feel free to swap with olive oil or canola oil. I prefer avocado oil for its mild flavor and high smoke point.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brings brightness to the marinade. Can’t find limes? Lemon juice is a great substitute that works very well here.
Scotch Bonnet or Habanero Pepper: These peppers pack heat! If you prefer milder wings, you can use jalapeños or even omit them, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes instead for flavor without too much heat.
Spices (Allspice, Cinnamon, Nutmeg): These essential spices give your wings a warm, inviting flavor. Don’t have allspice? Use a mix of cloves and nutmeg. You can even experiment with smoked paprika for a slightly different taste.
How Do I Get My Chicken Wings Extra Crispy on the Grill?
A common struggle is achieving that perfect crispy skin on grilled wings. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a medium-high grill heat (around 400°F or 200°C) to ensure they cook evenly.
- After marinating, shake off excess marinade before grilling. This helps in achieving that crispy texture.
- Grill the wings for about 20-25 minutes, turning them every 5-7 minutes. This lets them brown evenly.
- If desired, brush some extra marinade on during the last few minutes to kick up the flavor without making them soggy.
Let them rest for a few minutes off the grill to keep them juicy. Enjoy those crispy, tasty wings!
How to Make Crispy Grilled Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme, dried
- 1 teaspoon allspice, ground
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg, ground
- 1-2 teaspoons scotch bonnet pepper or habanero pepper, minced (adjust for desired heat)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and at least 2 hours for marinating. If you can, let them marinate overnight for the best flavor! Then, grilling will take around 20-25 minutes. So, plan for a total of about 2 hours and 40 minutes, with some prep beforehand!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the vegetable oil, lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, dried thyme, ground allspice, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, minced pepper, and salt. Stir everything well to combine into a delicious marinade.
2. Marinate the Wings:
Add the chicken wings into the bowl with the marinade. Use your hands or tongs to toss them around until all the wings are completely coated with the yummy marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. If you can, leave it there for at least 2 hours or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
3. Grill the Wings:
When you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat—about 400°F (200°C). Once hot, take the wings out of the marinade. Shake off any excess marinade to avoid flare-ups on the grill. Place the wings directly on the hot grill.
4. Cook to Perfection:
Grill the wings for about 20-25 minutes total. Be sure to turn them occasionally so they cook evenly and get crispy. They’re done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). For extra flavor, feel free to brush on some additional marinade for the last few minutes of grilling.
5. Rest and Serve:
Once the wings are perfectly grilled, remove them from the grill and let them sit for a few minutes to rest. This helps the juices settle. Just before serving, garnish the wings with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. Enjoy your crispy, spicy jerk chicken wings!
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before adding the chicken wings to ensure everything is mixed well.
What If I Don’t Have Scotch Bonnet Peppers?
If you can’t find scotch bonnet peppers, habanero peppers are a great substitute as they have a similar heat level. For a milder version, you can use jalapeño peppers or omitting the peppers altogether will make it less spicy, allowing you to enjoy the other flavors in the marinade.
How to Store Leftover Wings?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and heat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Can I Bake These Wings Instead of Grilling?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and arrange the marinated wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve that crispy texture. Be sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
