The first time I made these Caribbean Baked Chicken Wings, I couldn’t believe how much flavor they packed in each bite. Coated in a delicious homemade jerk-pineapple glaze, these wings came out tender, caramelized, and full of that perfect balance between sweet, savory, and spicy. Baking them in the oven was not only easy, but it also gave me time to relax while they transformed into golden bites of heaven.
Whether I make them for game day, a backyard BBQ, or a relaxed dinner with friends, they always get rave reviews. They’re messy in all the right ways and completely irresistible. If you love chicken, bold flavors, and a dish that’s as easy to make as it is impressive, this recipe is for you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This isn’t your average chicken wing recipe, and here’s why it stands out.
Bursting with Flavor
The homemade jerk-pineapple glaze combines sweetness, saltiness, tanginess, and a hint of heat. Every wing is perfectly coated for maximum flavor impact. The caramelized glaze locks in all the delicious spices for a bold, addictive taste.
Oven-Baked but Still Crispy
These wings are baked, not fried, making them a healthier option without sacrificing that irresistible caramelized exterior. A quick broil at the end ensures they turn out perfectly crispy with a deep golden-brown color.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a laidback weeknight dinner or a lively celebration, these wings fit every mood. They can be an appetizer, side dish, or even the main event. Serve them with dipping sauces or fresh garnishes to elevate the experience.
Simple to Customize
You can tweak the glaze, spice level, or even the cooking method to suit your preferences. It’s a recipe that truly lets you make it your own. Swap in different fruit juices or add a smoky touch with extra paprika for a unique twist.
Cooking Time
Here’s a quick rundown of how much time you’ll need to whip up these wings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
Gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients.
- 2 pounds chicken wingettes or drumettes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup pineapple preserves
- ¼ cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon jerk seasoning
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha hot sauce
Variations
This recipe is versatile, and you can easily adapt it to your liking.
- Lower Spice: Skip the Sriracha or use less jerk seasoning for milder wings.
- Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free soy sauce if needed.
- Extra Sweetness: Add a bit of honey or brown sugar to the glaze.
- Vegan Twist: Use cauliflower florets for a plant-based option.
Equipment You’ll Need
Make sure to have these tools ready for the best results.
- Baking Sheets: For roasting the wings evenly.
- Foil: To line your trays for easy cleanup.
- Medium Pot: Perfect for simmering the glaze.
- Basting Brush: Helps coat the wings with the glaze during baking.
How to Make Caribbean Baked Chicken Wings?
You’re just a few steps away from making these mouthwatering wings!
Step 1: Season the Wings🍗
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F. Pat the wings dry with a paper towel to promote crisping, then season them with kosher salt and black pepper. Place the wings on baking sheets lined with foil and coated with non-stick spray. Arrange them in a single layer so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Create the Glaze 🍍
While the wings bake, make the glaze! Combine pineapple preserves, barbecue sauce, molasses, white vinegar, water, jerk seasoning, soy sauce, grated ginger, and Sriracha in a medium pot. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce it to a simmer for about 10 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Don’t forget to reserve some glaze for basting later! 🍯
Step 3: Bake and Baste 🔥
Bake the wings for 15 minutes, then remove them from the oven and brush them generously with the prepared glaze. Return the wings to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes. Repeat this process one more time so the wings are fully coated and caramelized. The total baking time should reach 35–40 minutes, and the internal temperature of the wings must hit at least 170°F.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Once baked to perfection, toss the wings in the remaining glaze for a final layer of flavor. Arrange them on a platter and serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or more jerk seasoning for a pop of color. Don’t worry if it gets messy—that’s part of the fun! 😋
Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some pro tips to ensure your wings turn out perfectly every single time.
- Pat the Wings Dry: Removing excess moisture from the wings helps them bake more evenly and allows the glaze to stick better. This step is a must!
- Space Them Out: Crowding the wings on the baking sheet can prevent them from crisping. Give each piece some breathing room for the best results.
- Keep the Heat Balanced: If you’re unsure about the spiciness, start with less Sriracha and jerk seasoning. You can always add more later to taste.
How to Serve Caribbean Baked Chicken Wings?
These wings are versatile and shine on any table. Serve them as is with plenty of napkins or pair them with cooling sides like cucumber salad, coleslaw, or rice. If you want a dipping sauce, homemade tzatziki or ranch dressing is a great choice. For a full Caribbean-inspired meal, consider serving the wings with fried plantains or coconut rice. 🌴
Nutritional Information
For a rough idea of the nutrition per serving, check out the following.
- Calories: 358 kcal
- Protein: 23 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fat: 20 g
Make Ahead and Storage
These wings can be partially prepped ahead of time and stored properly for best results.
Make Ahead
The glaze can be prepared up to five days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Simply reheat it before basting. Baking the wings fresh, however, is recommended for the best texture.
Storage
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the oven at 400°F for 10–15 minutes to restore their crispiness and flavor. Freezing is not ideal as the glaze texture may change when thawed.
Caribbean Baked Chicken Wings deliver all the bold flavors you love without requiring hours in the kitchen. The jerk-pineapple glaze ensures that each wing is bursting with the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory. Whether you’re hosting a party or treating yourself to a flavorful dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to please. Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean from the comfort of your home! 🌺
Caribbean Baked Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wingettes or drumettes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup pineapple preserves
- ¼ cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon jerk seasoning
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha hot sauce
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 450°F. Pat the wings dry with a paper towel to promote crisping, then season them with kosher salt and black pepper. Place the wings on baking sheets lined with foil and coated with non-stick spray. Arrange them in a single layer so they cook evenly.
- While the wings bake, make the glaze! Combine pineapple preserves, barbecue sauce, molasses, white vinegar, water, jerk seasoning, soy sauce, grated ginger, and Sriracha in a medium pot. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce it to a simmer for about 10 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Don’t forget to reserve some glaze for basting later! 🍯
- Bake the wings for 15 minutes, then remove them from the oven and brush them generously with the prepared glaze. Return the wings to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes. Repeat this process one more time so the wings are fully coated and caramelized. The total baking time should reach 35–40 minutes, and the internal temperature of the wings must hit at least 170°F.
- Once baked to perfection, toss the wings in the remaining glaze for a final layer of flavor. Arrange them on a platter and serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or more jerk seasoning for a pop of color. Don’t worry if it gets messy—that’s part of the fun! 😋
Notes
- Pat the Wings Dry: Removing excess moisture from the wings helps them bake more evenly and allows the glaze to stick better. This step is a must!
- Space Them Out: Crowding the wings on the baking sheet can prevent them from crisping. Give each piece some breathing room for the best results.
- Keep the Heat Balanced: If you’re unsure about the spiciness, start with less Sriracha and jerk seasoning. You can always add more later to taste.
