If you love the fusion of sweet and spicy flavors, this is the recipe for you. Made with classic Jamaican jerk flavors and coated in a sticky pineapple glaze, these wings are always a crowd pleaser. The jerk marinade infuses the chicken with a spicy, bold flavor, while the pineapple glaze adds an unexpected tropical twist that will have your taste buds dancing. Serve them individually as an appetizer or eat as many as you like for lunch, dinner or game day. Fire up the grill and enjoy the sweet heat of these wings!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, cut into drums and flats
- 3 tablespoons jerk marinade (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Homemade jerk seasoning marinade
- 2 Scotch bonnet (or habanero) peppers, chopped. Remove the seeds for less spice.
- 4 green onions (scallions)
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh or dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon ground allspice (pimento)
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes
- ½ teaspoon ground clove
- Juice of 1 lime or lemon
Add the onion, garlic, green onions, lemon/lime juice and Scotch bonnet peppers to a food processor and blend until smooth. Pour the mixture into a bowl and stir in the remaining ingredients.
For the Pineapple Glaze:
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon jerk marinade
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening, if needed)
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, add the chicken wings, jerk marinade, salt and black pepper. Toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour, allowing the flavors to soak in.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and clean the grates. Alternatively, you can use the oven broiler or an indoor grill pan.
- Grill the Chicken Wings: Remove the chicken wings from the marinade and grill them for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and have a beautiful char.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the chicken is grilling, make the pineapple glaze. In a saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and jerk seasoning. Heat over medium heat until it comes to a simmer.
- Thicken the Glaze (Optional): If you prefer a thicker glaze, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry, then add it to the simmering glaze. Stir until the glaze thickens to your desired consistency.
- Glaze the Wings: Once the chicken wings are grilled, brush them with the pineapple glaze, allowing it to caramelize on the wings for a minute or two.
- Garnish and Serve: Arrange the wings on a serving platter, garnish with chopped green onions and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.
