Grilled Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings

Grilled Jamaican jerk chicken wings are smoky, spicy, juicy, and full of bold Caribbean flavor. If you love chicken wings with a little heat and a lot of taste, this recipe is for you. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make grilled Jamaican jerk chicken wings at home, step by step, using simple ingredients and easy techniques.

This is not a restaurant-only dish. You can make jerk chicken wings in your own backyard or on a stovetop grill pan, even if you’ve never tried Jamaican food before.

What Is Grilled Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings?

Grilled Jamaican jerk chicken wings use chicken wings marinated in bold jerk seasoning and cooked on a hot grill until they turn smoky and lightly charred. The word “jerk” comes from a Jamaican cooking style that uses strong spices, herbs, and heat.

Traditional jerk seasoning includes ingredients like scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, garlic, ginger, and green onions. When these flavors soak into the wings and hit the grill, the result is juicy chicken with a deep, smoky taste. Jerk chicken wings are popular in Jamaica, the Caribbean, and now all over the world because they are bold, flavorful, and perfect for gatherings.

Why Grill Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings Instead of Baking or Frying?

Grilling gives jerk chicken wings a flavor you simply can’t get from an oven or fryer. The open heat adds a smoky taste that pairs perfectly with jerk spices. As the wings cook, the marinade caramelizes on the outside while staying juicy inside.

Grilled wings are also lighter than fried wings. You still get crispy skin, but without heavy oil. That makes grilled Jamaican jerk chicken wings a great choice for summer cookouts, game days, or family dinners.

Grilled Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings Recipe

Recipe by Joni ThakurCuisine: Jamaican, CaribbeanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

2

hours 

Cooking time

25

minutes

Calories

320

kcal

Total time

2

hours 

25

minutes

Ingredients Jerk Chicken Wings

• 3–4 green onions, chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, 1 small onion

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon allspice

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)

• 1–2 scotch bonnet peppers (adjust to taste)

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Directions Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings

• Prepare the Jerk Marinade
  Add green onions, garlic, onion, ginger, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, spices, peppers, oil, and salt into a blender. Blend until smooth. The marinade should be thick and fragrant.
• Marinate the Chicken Wings
  Place the chicken wings in a large bowl or zip-lock bag. Pour the jerk marinade over the wings and mix well so every piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best for deep flavor.
• Preheat the Grill
  Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 375°F / 190°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
• Grill the Wings
  Place the marinated wings on the grill. Cook for about 12–15 minutes per side, turning occasionally. Grill until the skin is lightly charred and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Rest and Serve
  Remove the wings from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep the meat juicy. Serve hot with lime wedges or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

• Common Mistakes to Avoid
  – One common mistake is skipping the marinade time. Jerk flavor needs time to develop.
  – Another mistake is using high heat too early, which can burn the sugar in the marinade.
  – Also, avoid overcrowding the grill. Leave space between wings so they cook evenly.

Why This Grilled Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings Recipe Works

This recipe focuses on balance—heat, sweetness, smoke, and freshness. The marinade is traditional but easy to make. The grilling method keeps the wings juicy inside and slightly crispy outside.

Because the steps are simple and ingredients are flexible, this grilled Jamaican jerk chicken wings recipe works for beginners and experienced cooks alike.

How Long to Grill Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings?

Grilled Jamaican jerk chicken wings usually take 25 to 30 minutes total on a medium-heat grill. The exact time depends on the size of the wings and how hot your grill is.

Always check doneness by using a meat thermometer or by cutting into one wing to ensure the juices run clear and there is no pink inside.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Jerk Chicken Wings

Marinating longer makes a big difference. If you have time, let the wings sit overnight. This allows the jerk seasoning to fully soak into the chicken. Do not grill on high heat. Medium heat prevents burning the spices while still giving a nice char. Turn the wings often.

This helps them cook evenly and prevents flare-ups from the marinade. If wings start to brown too fast, move them to indirect heat and finish cooking slowly.

Nutrition Facts of Grilled Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings (Approximate per Serving)

Grilled Jamaican jerk chicken wings are flavorful without being overly heavy.

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: Moderate

Grilling keeps the wings lighter compared to deep frying, making them a balanced option when enjoyed in moderation.

Variations of Grilled Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings

1. Mild Jerk Wings – Reduce the scotch bonnet peppers and add extra brown sugar for a sweeter, less spicy flavor.

2. Smoky Jerk Wings – Add smoked paprika or grill over charcoal to give the wings a deeper, smoky taste.

3. Sweet Jerk Wings – Brush the wings with a honey-lime glaze during the last 5 minutes of grilling for a sweet and tangy twist.

4. Oven-Grilled Jerk Wings – Bake at 425°F and finish under the broiler for a charred, juicy result without using a grill.

FAQ’s

1. What makes Jamaican jerk chicken wings spicy?

The heat comes mainly from scotch bonnet peppers, which are common in Jamaican cooking. You can control the spice level by using less pepper or removing the seeds before blending.

2. Can I make grilled Jamaican jerk chicken wings without a grill?

Yes, you can use a grill pan or oven. While grilling gives the best smoky flavor, baking and broiling still produce tasty jerk chicken wings at home.

3. How long should I marinate jerk chicken wings?

For best results, marinate the wings for at least 2 hours. Overnight marination gives deeper flavor and more tender chicken.

4. Are jerk chicken wings healthy?

Grilled jerk chicken wings are healthier than fried wings because they use less oil. They are high in protein and full of natural spices.