Baked Jerk Chicken Wings with Sweet and Spicy Sauce
Baked Jerk Chicken Wings with Sweet and Spicy Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful Caribbean-inspired dish featuring tender, juicy chicken wings coated in bold jerk seasoning and tossed in a perfectly balanced sweet and spicy glaze. This recipe offers an easy baking method for crispy edges without the grill, customizable spice levels, and irresistible flavor that’s perfect for gatherings, game days, or weeknight dinners.
- Author: Julia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus optional marinating time)
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Caribbean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds fresh or thawed chicken wings
Jerk Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon allspice
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1–2 teaspoons dried red pepper flakes or ground scotch bonnet pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Marinade and Sauce Aromatics
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Sweet and Spicy Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce or finely chopped scotch bonnet peppers (adjust to preference)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Prepare the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispiness. Toss the wings evenly in olive oil and jerk seasoning, making sure each wing is coated well for maximum flavor.
- Bake the Wings: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to promote even heat circulation. Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through to cook evenly until golden, crispy, and cooked through.
- Prepare the Sweet and Spicy Sauce: While the wings bake, combine honey (or brown sugar), lime juice, garlic, ginger, hot sauce, and soy or Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan. Simmer gently over low heat until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
- Toss and Serve: Remove the cooked wings from the oven and toss them immediately in the warm sweet and spicy sauce until fully coated. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, alongside your favorite sides.
Notes
- Dry the wings completely before seasoning to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Use a wire rack for baking to allow hot air to circulate and produce crispy skin.
- Adjust jerk spice quantities and hot sauce to match your preferred heat level.
- Marinate the wings in jerk seasoning for at least 30 minutes or overnight to deepen flavor.
- Simmer sauce gently to keep it glossy and perfect for coating; avoid boiling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat wings in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5-6 wings
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: baked jerk chicken wings, sweet and spicy sauce, Caribbean chicken wings, spicy wings, oven baked wings, party appetizers, game day snacks