Baked Jamaican Chicken Wings Recipe
If you’re craving a burst of Caribbean flavor right from your own oven, these Baked Jamaican Chicken Wings are the answer. Juicy, crispy, and coated in a perfectly balanced blend of warm spices, these wings capture everything you love about bold Jamaican cuisine—without the need for a deep fryer. The smoky heat, a touch of sweetness, and herby undertones make every bite unforgettable. Whether for game day, a family dinner, or a party platter, you’ll reach for this recipe again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Baked Jamaican Chicken Wings comes from the simple yet powerhouse ingredients. Each element plays a role—bringing heat, sweetness, color, or that irresistible crispy texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Chicken wings (2 ½ pounds, separated into flats and drumettes): The star of the show—choosing fresh, meaty wings gives the best results.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Locks in juiciness and helps the spices stick for maximum flavor and crispiness.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Adds a caramelized sweetness that balances the heat and deepens the color.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors to life.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Brings a gentle heat that complements the other spices.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Delivers a smoky depth and gorgeous red hue to the wings.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses the wings with a savory, aromatic base note.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle sweetness and complexity.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): A classic Jamaican herb, lending earthy, herby flavor.
- Ground allspice (½ teaspoon): This warm, peppery spice is key to authentic Jamaican seasoning.
- Cinnamon (¼ teaspoon): Lends a gentle sweetness and warmth that rounds out the spice blend.
- Cayenne pepper (¼ teaspoon): For a fiery kick—feel free to adjust to your heat preference.
- Ground ginger (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle zing and brightness.
- Lime (juice of 1): Brightens everything up and gives a fresh, tangy finish to the wings.
How to Make Baked Jamaican Chicken Wings
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). For the crispiest Baked Jamaican Chicken Wings, line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. This setup lets hot air circulate all around the wings, helping them crisp up beautifully while catching any drips for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Dry and Season the Wings
Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels—don’t skip this step! Dry wings mean extra-crispy skin. Place the wings in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil and squeeze in the juice of one lime. The oil helps the spices adhere, while the lime juice adds a punch of freshness right from the start.
Step 3: Mix and Add the Spice Blend
In a separate small bowl, combine the brown sugar, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, allspice, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and ground ginger. Sprinkle this vibrant mix over the wings, then use your hands or tongs to toss until every piece is evenly coated. This is where the Baked Jamaican Chicken Wings get their signature flavor.
Step 4: Arrange and Bake
Lay the seasoned wings in a single layer on the wire rack. Give them space so the heat can work its magic on all sides. Bake for 40–45 minutes, turning the wings halfway through to ensure even browning and crispiness. If you love extra crunch, broil them for an additional 2–3 minutes at the end—just keep a close eye so they don’t burn!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the Baked Jamaican Chicken Wings from the oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve them hot, with fresh lime wedges or your favorite dipping sauce on the side. The aroma alone will have everyone at the table in a hurry.
How to Serve Baked Jamaican Chicken Wings
Garnishes
For a pop of color and flavor, scatter chopped fresh cilantro, parsley, or green onions over your wings just before serving. Lime wedges on the side are a must, allowing everyone to squeeze extra tangy juice to taste. If you really want to impress, add a sprinkle of finely diced red chili for a festive touch.
Side Dishes
These wings are bursting with flavor, so they pair perfectly with classic Caribbean sides. Try serving them alongside rice and peas, a cool and creamy coleslaw, or even some sweet fried plantains. The combination of spicy, savory, and sweet is always a crowd-pleaser.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, pile the Baked Jamaican Chicken Wings high on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces—think cooling yogurt dip, mango salsa, or a spicy jerk sauce. Or, make mini wing sliders by tucking a wing between soft rolls with a slaw topping for a fun twist on game day snacks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), let the wings cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and they’re just as tasty for lunch or a midnight snack.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange cooled wings in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, squeezing out as much air as possible. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months and are perfect for pulling out when you need a quick, flavorful meal.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat Baked Jamaican Chicken Wings in a 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes, until hot and crispy. If you’re in a rush, the microwave also works, but the skin won’t be as crisp—pop them under the broiler for a minute or two afterward to bring back some crunch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the wings completely and pat them very dry before seasoning. Excess moisture can prevent them from getting that signature crispy finish.
How spicy are these Baked Jamaican Chicken Wings?
They have a gentle kick, thanks to the cayenne and allspice, but the heat is very adjustable. If you love it fiery, add a bit more cayenne or serve with a spicy hot sauce. For milder wings, simply reduce the cayenne or omit it altogether.
Can I marinate the wings overnight?
Yes! Marinating the wings in the spice blend overnight in the fridge will deepen the flavors and make them even more irresistible. Just be sure to cover the bowl tightly or use a large zip-top bag for easy storage.
What’s the best way to get extra-crispy skin?
Drying the wings well before seasoning is key. Baking them on a wire rack allows hot air to circulate all around, and finishing under the broiler for a couple minutes guarantees crispiness without frying.
Are these wings gluten-free?
Yes, these Baked Jamaican Chicken Wings are naturally gluten-free as written. Just double-check your spices and baking powder (if used) for any hidden additives if you’re cooking for someone with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to bring bold, island-inspired flavor straight to your table with minimal fuss, these Baked Jamaican Chicken Wings are a must-try. They’re bursting with personality, easy to make, and guaranteed to impress. Give this recipe a go and watch them disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!”
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Baked Jamaican Chicken Wings Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Experience the bold and spicy flavors of the Caribbean with these Baked Jamaican Chicken Wings. Perfectly seasoned with a blend of traditional Jamaican spices and baked to crispy perfection, these wings offer a delicious and healthier alternative to fried versions. They are ideal as an appetizer or a flavorful snack, sure to impress at any gathering.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2 ½ pounds chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
Marinade and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top to allow air circulation, which helps the wings crisp up.
- Dry and Marinate Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly using paper towels to ensure a crispy texture when baked. Place them in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil and lime juice, tossing to evenly coat the wings.
- Mix Seasoning Blend: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, ground allspice, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and ground ginger. Mix until well blended.
- Coat Wings with Seasoning: Sprinkle the seasoning blend over the wings and toss thoroughly to ensure every wing is fully coated with the spice mix, enhancing the flavor with every bite.
- Arrange and Bake: Lay the wings in a single layer on the prepared wire rack to promote even cooking. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crispiness and doneness.
- Optional Broil for Crispiness: For an extra crispy finish, switch the oven to broil and cook the wings for an additional 2 to 3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Serve the wings hot, accompanied by fresh lime wedges or your favorite dipping sauce. These wings pair wonderfully with sides like rice and peas or coleslaw for a complete meal.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the wings overnight in the seasoning blend.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your preferred level of spiciness.
- These wings are excellent served with classic Caribbean sides such as rice and peas or a refreshing coleslaw.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 wings
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
