Caribbean Baked Chicken Wings Recipe | Juicy & Flavorful
I recently tried making Caribbean Baked Chicken Wings Recipe, and wow, they completely blew me away! The combination of sweet pineapple and spicy jerk seasoning is simply irresistible. These wings are easy to make at home and perfect for game day, parties, or a cozy dinner.
I love how the oven does most of the work while the flavors develop into something truly mouthwatering. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a favorite in your kitchen. You can also enjoy similar flavors in dishes like Salmon with Feta Dill Sauce Recipe or Italian Nachos Recipe for a tasty variety.
Ingredients
For the Wings
- Chicken wings (wingettes or drumettes), washed and patted dry – Dry wings brown better and develop a crisp skin.
- Coarse salt – Enhances natural chicken flavor.
- Black pepper – Adds subtle heat and depth.
For the Caribbean Jerk-Pineapple Glaze
- Pineapple preserves – Sweetens the wings naturally and balances spices.
- Barbecue sauce – Use your favorite brand or homemade for extra flavor.
- Molasses – Gives a warm, smoky sweetness.
- Distilled white vinegar – Adds tang to cut through the sweetness.
- Water – Thins the glaze slightly for easy basting.
- Jerk seasoning – Complex spice mix with allspice, cinnamon, cayenne, thyme, ginger, paprika, and brown sugar.
- Low-sodium soy sauce – Prevents over-salting while adding umami.
- Freshly grated ginger – Brings a fresh, slightly peppery aroma.
- Sriracha hot sauce – Optional, for extra heat.
Note: Serves 7–8 people depending on portion size.
Variations
You can easily tweak this recipe to suit dietary preferences or flavor preferences:
- Dairy-free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
- Sugar-free: Replace pineapple preserves with a sugar-free fruit spread.
- Extra spicy: Add more sriracha or a pinch of cayenne.
- Citrus twist: Add a splash of lime juice to the glaze for extra brightness.
- Smoky flavor: Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a deeper taste.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: 50–55 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Baking sheet – For even cooking and easy cleanup.
- Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and helps with browning.
- Mixing bowl – For whisking together the glaze ingredients.
- Measuring spoons and cups – Ensure precise seasoning balance.
- Brush or spoon – For basting wings with glaze evenly.
- Wire rack (optional) – Allows air circulation for crispier wings.
How to Make Caribbean Baked Chicken Wings Recipe
Preparing the Wings
Start by patting your chicken wings dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up beautifully in the oven. Season them lightly with salt and black pepper before placing them on the baking sheet in a single layer.
Making the Jerk-Pineapple Glaze
In a mixing bowl, combine pineapple preserves, barbecue sauce, molasses, vinegar, water, jerk seasoning, soy sauce, ginger, and sriracha. Whisk until smooth and well combined. This glaze is packed with sweet, spicy, and tangy layers of flavor.
Baking the Wings
Preheat the oven to 450°F. Bake the wings uncovered for 20 minutes. Then, baste them with the glaze every 10 minutes until cooked through and caramelized. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 170°F for perfectly cooked chicken.
Serving the Wings
Once baked, remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve immediately with extra glaze on the side or a dipping sauce of your choice, such as homemade tzatziki.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
From my experience, a few tweaks can elevate this dish:
- I always pat the wings completely dry for the crispiest skin.
- Leaving space between wings on the pan ensures even cooking.
- Reserving a bit of the glaze before basting prevents cross-contamination.
- For deeper flavor, marinate wings in the glaze for 1–2 hours before baking.
- Adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions enhances presentation.
How to Serve Caribbean Baked Chicken Wings Recipe
These wings are perfect as an appetizer or main dish. I like to serve them on a large platter garnished with pineapple chunks and fresh cilantro. Pair them with a cucumber-tomato salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For parties, colorful skewers make them fun and visually appealing.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick overview of what you’re enjoying in each serving:
- Calories: ~250 per 4 wings
- Protein: 20g – Great source of lean protein.
- Carbohydrates: 10g – Mostly from pineapple preserves and BBQ sauce.
- Fat: 15g – Mostly from chicken skin and molasses glaze.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing
Cooked wings are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked wings in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat on a baking sheet in a 400°F oven for 10–15 minutes. This keeps the wings crisp and avoids sogginess.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why this Caribbean wings recipe quickly became my go-to:
- Easy to Prepare – Minimal hands-on time, and the oven does most of the work.
- Flavor Explosion – Sweet, tangy, and spicy all in one bite.
- Versatile – Works as an appetizer, snack, or main course.
- Customizable – Adjust heat, sweetness, or tanginess to your taste.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for parties, game day, or casual family meals.
Caribbean Baked Chicken Wings are a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. They’re easy to make, visually appealing, and endlessly delicious. I promise, once you try them, these wings will be a staple for any occasion in your kitchen.
Caribbean Baked Chicken Wings Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by patting your chicken wings dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up beautifully in the oven. Season them lightly with salt and black pepper before placing them on the baking sheet in a single layer.
- In a mixing bowl, combine pineapple preserves, barbecue sauce, molasses, vinegar, water, jerk seasoning, soy sauce, ginger, and sriracha. Whisk until smooth and well combined. This glaze is packed with sweet, spicy, and tangy layers of flavor.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F. Bake the wings uncovered for 20 minutes. Then, baste them with the glaze every 10 minutes until cooked through and caramelized. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 170°F for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Once baked, remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve immediately with extra glaze on the side or a dipping sauce of your choice, such as homemade tzatziki.
Notes
- I always pat the wings completely dry for the crispiest skin.
- Leaving space between wings on the pan ensures even cooking.
- Reserving a bit of the glaze before basting prevents cross-contamination.
- For deeper flavor, marinate wings in the glaze for 1–2 hours before baking.
- Adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions enhances presentation.