This jerk chicken wings recipe is huge on flavor, with wings rubbed down with loads of jerk seasoning, then grilled until nice and crispy. Fire up that grill, my friends!
I couldn't help myself. I've been absolutely jonesing for chicken wings and I had to make some. No reason to run out to the local wing joint when you can make them at home. I'm making these with my freshly made Jamaican jerk seasoning rub.
So hard to resist!
We're going Caribbean with this recipe. It's a double whammy flavor blast, actually triple if you count the brine. I brined the chicken wings to make them extra moist on the inside. It isn't necessary, but I definitely recommend it if you have the time.
These jerk chicken wings are huge on flavor. They're wonderfully spicy, a big taste of the Caribbean, though they're not "hot". They're definitely warming. If you're looking to really up that heat factor, I'll discuss that in the seasoning section of the post.
Let's talk about how we make them, shall we?
How to Make Grilled Jerk Chicken Wings - the Recipe Method
First, pat your chicken wings dry with paper towels and give them a good rub down with your Jamaican jerk seasoning. I made a fresh homemade blend,but feel free to use your favorite brand. More on the seasoning blend below.
Next, heat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. We're grilling the wings here instead of frying them. Nothing against fried. I just prefer them grilled or baked/broiled, depending on my mood.
Set the wings on the grill and grill them for 10 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through.
Look at all those spices. So amazing! Quite piquant.
You can serve them as is, or toss them with either your favorite sauce, or! Toss them with my homemade Jamaican Jerk sauce that is crazy delicious. Whammy! Flavor whammy.
Just look at them. Get yourself a nice char and go to town.
Poor Patty didn't get to have any of these wings. She was out again on another GNO - Girls Night Out! I'm sure she had fun, but not as fun as I had, enjoying these wings all to myself. Haha! Win!
About the Jamaican Jerk Seasonings
You can sometimes find a good jerk seasoning spice blend at your local grocer, but it's so much better when you make it at home. There are a lot of ingredients, but it is still worth making it for the overall fresh factor.
Plus, you can adjust it to your own personal preferences by adding more of what you like, such as cayenne powder for extra heat. Or, feel free to toss in a bit of spicy ghost pepper powder to really spice things up.
Here is my jerk seasoning recipe:
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons ground thyme
- 2 teaspoons sugar (or use brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground clove
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Just mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl until they are nicely combines. Store the mix in a container and seal. Enjoy!
Check out my post about this Jamaican Jerk Seasoning Recipe, with recipe tips and a printable recipe.
About the Jamaican Jerk Sauce
If you'd like that extra flavor whammy, make this Jamaican jerk sauce and toss it with the finished wings.
It is made with fiery Scotch Bonnets peppers, aromatics and a number of seasonings that make it a must for spicy sauce lovers.
It's perfect for jerk chicken of any kind, especially jerk chicken wings. It's also great on seafood, so keep that in mind for multiple uses.
Check out my post for this Jamaican jerk sauce recipe, with notes and a printable recipe. You might also check out my Jamaican jerk marinade recipe.
That's it, my friends! I hope you enjoy your jerk chicken wings! Nice and spicy, just how we like it!
Check Out Some of My Other Popular Chicken Wing Recipes
- BBQ Chicken Wings
- Crispy Baked BBQ Chicken Wings
- Jalapeno-Cheddar Chicken Wings
- Grilled Ghost Pepper Chicken Wings
- Baked Ghost Pepper Chicken Wings
- Sticky Habanero Glazed Chicken Wings
- One-Pot Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken Wings
- Baked Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Wings
- Pressure Cooker Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Brined Grilled Chicken Wings with Alabama White BBQ Sauce
Got any questions? Ask away! I'm happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you'll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don't forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I'll be sure to share! Thanks! -- Mike H.
Grilled Jerk Chicken Wings Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings separated and tips removed
- 4 tablespoons salt
- 4 tablespoons Jamaican Jerk Rub/Seasoning (see recipe notes)
- ½ cup Jamaican Jerk Sauce
FOR THE JAMAICAN JERK SAUCE RECIPE
- 5-6 Scotch Bonnet chili peppers chopped (habanero peppers are a good substitute)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your sauce first by combining all sauce ingredients in a food processor. Process until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Set the chicken wings into a large bowl. Add salt and cover with water. Cover and refrigerate about 3 hours to brine.
- Remove and pat the wings dry.
- Set them into a large bowl and rub the Jamaican Jerk rub into the skins. Get it in there!
- Heat a grill to medium-heat and grill the wings for 20 minutes, turning once half way through. Keep an eye on them so the skins do not overcook.
- Once cooked through, toss the wings with the Jamaican Jerk sauce and serve.
Nutrition Information
This recipe was updated on 4/30/19 to include new photos and information. It was originally published on 10/5/2015.
Amber says
Thank you for this recipe!
I noticed you used a simple brine instead of the traditional Jerk marinade. Why? Would it make a difference in the final result...
Thanks
Amber
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Amber, you can definitely use the jerk marinade as well for even MORE flavor. Yes, go for it!!
Emily says
i love your jerk sauce recipe! We just bought a Traeger smoker. Do you think they'll work well smoking? PS - happy anniversary!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Emily! Absolutely, these would be great on the smoker. You can always hit them up with a quick fire on the grill to crisp them up after if you'd like. Let me know how they turn out!
Steve says
I love the jerk sauce recipe! I use it on leg quarters as a marinade and it always comes out fantastic! Put the quarters on a slow gas grill for about 40 - 50 minutes and it's party time!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Perfect, Steve! Sounds like the perfect way to enjoy it!