Honey Jerk Chicken Wings
Honey jerk chicken wings are a mouthwatering dish that blends the bold, spicy flavors of Jamaican jerk seasoning with the sweet, sticky richness of honey. These wings are the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and savory umami, making them irresistible to anyone who loves a bit of flavor complexity in their food. If you like this recipe, check out my Chinese Takeout Chicken Wings recipe too!
Here’s what makes honey jerk chicken wings stand out:
1. Jerk Seasoning
Jerk chicken wings start with a marinade or rub made from the vibrant and aromatic Jamaican jerk seasoning. This seasoning typically includes a mix of:
- Allspice (pimento)
- Scotch bonnet peppers (for heat)
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Thyme
- Cinnamon
- Brown sugar
- Cloves
- Nutmeg
The result is a spicy, earthy, and fragrant flavor profile that gives the wings a bold, zesty kick. Scotch bonnet peppers, in particular, pack a punch, giving the wings their signature heat.
2. Honey Glaze
The honey glaze is the perfect contrast to the spicy jerk seasoning. The honey adds a natural sweetness, which helps balance out the heat from the peppers. The sweetness of the honey can also enhance the caramelization of the wings as they cook, creating a crispy, golden exterior that’s both tender and flavorful.
Some variations might include a touch of lime juice, soy sauce, or vinegar to add acidity or complexity to the glaze.
3. Cooking Method
The wings are typically baked, grilled, or fried. Grilling or baking helps to give the skin a crispy texture while the meat stays juicy inside. When cooking, the honey glaze is often brushed on during the final stages, allowing it to caramelize on the wings without burning. If frying, the glaze can be drizzled over the wings after they’ve been fried to maintain the sticky, sweet finish.
4. Flavor Profile For Honey Jerk Chicken Wings
The flavor experience of honey jerk chicken wings is a delicious sweet-heat combination. You get the:
- Spicy heat from the jerk seasoning, with a kick from the scotch bonnet peppers.
- Sweet, sticky richness from the honey glaze, which balances the spice and enhances the overall flavor.
- Savory depth from the allspice, thyme, and other aromatic ingredients in the jerk seasoning.
- Citrusy and herbal notes that come from fresh lime juice and parsley (if included in the glaze or garnish).
5. Serving Suggestions For Honey Jerk Chicken Wings
These are often served as an appetizer or party food, but they can also be part of a main dish. They’re great on their own or paired with sides like:
- Coleslaw or rice and peas (for a more authentic Jamaican feel)
- Corn on the cob
- Grilled vegetables
- Fries or crispy potatoes
The combination of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors makes honey jerk chicken wings a hit at any gathering. They offer a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, making them both flavorful and addictive!
Honey Jerk Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 10 whole chicken wings separated at the joint
- 3 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1½ tbsp all purpose seasoning
- 1½ tbsp garlic powder
- 1½ tbsp onion powder
- 1½ tbsp smoked paprika
- 1½ tbsp black pepper
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- Oil for frying
Honey Jerk Glaze
- ½ stick unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp jerk seasoning
- ¼ cup honey
Instructions
- To a bowl, season your clean and dry chicken with yellow mustard, and one tbsp of each – all purpose seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
- To a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Whisk to combine.
- One by one, dredge the chicken wings in the flour/cornstarch mix and shake off any excess. Lay on a rack for 5-10 minutes to allow the coating to stick to the chicken. (this creates the extra nooks and crannies in crispy chicken)
- Heat your oil to 350℉ and fry wings until golden, this should take about 7-8 minutes.
Honey Jerk Glaze
- To a sauce pan, melt the butter. Add in jerk seasoning and honey. Whisk until combined and sauce is thick and glaze-like.
- Toss wings in sauce and enjoy !
