Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings

It’s Monday!

I know I know…. It is the most dreaded day of the week.  I mean can we have a day between Sunday and Monday already? I vote that it is called Funday.  A day where I don’t have to do anything that isn’t well….fun. Awwww, one can dream. Nothing makes me happier than the weekend, well these Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings helps in the Monday blues department.

I mean really, what can be better than not only having the weekend to relax with an extra hour of sleep (Daylight savings time). I had MAJOR plans for the extra hour. I was going to sleep in late, waking up refreshed and alive again. But alas at 6 a.m. the kids came in and woke me up. I wanted to cry. I had to pull it together and realise that Mommy doesn’t get to sleep in late. That was what my teenage years were ALL about. But back to my ideal weekend, I would get to spend time with the kids and Abdel. It would be filled with like seriously amazing food. So the weekends are IMPORTANT even imperative to my happiness.  I usually make an effort to plan for Monday dinners to be exciting. I have to confess, when I think of good fun food- it’s usually spicy, grilled and savory. Insert these Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings.

In this picture, I wanted to show the authentic way of making grilled Jerk chicken. In Jamaica, the chicken is cooked on * Dried pimento wood. This adds an extra layer of flavor to the chicken. In most places something is not authentically considered “jerked” if it isn’t cooked on pimento wood. Note about the jerk seasoning- don’t be afraid of the Habanero peppers, if you want it a little less hot you can always take out the seeds. Just keep in mind when you make it, the fresh marinade will always taste hotter but once you apply heat the sauce goes down a notch. The very best part is that you are in control- if you want to make it spicy you can, if you want it mild you can. You are in control. I made a youtube video to show just how easy it is to make the marinade.

For the most part, I pretend that I don’t love chicken wings. Abdel would eat chicken wings for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I have never met someone who loves chicken wings more than he does. He has serious wing issues. Since we finally figured out how to make his favorite Jerk Marinade we have been on a “jerk food” exploration. In Fort Lauderdale, we have a Jerk festival once per year. It is a time for all the Jerk food lovers in town to come together and enjoy good food and music. Perhaps, I’m just thinking of all the food I tried last year but I am definitely enjoying this jerking journey. It is kind of like falling in love with cooking all over again. To see that one thing can become a part of something else is amazing. Sorry, I got all meta there for a moment. I’m back now, so about these wings.

Now you can buy the jar jerk marinade… confession I have 1 in my pantry…. hey- hey- hey now I have an excuse. My mom made me do it.  See, it is still hurricane season here in Florida. And my mother drops off canned food at the beginning of August. As soon as hurricane season starts here in Florida she calls and ask what my supply closet looks like. Even though, I assure her that I have it stocked. She drops off a box of can goods EVERY year. I think it is kind sweet. But I digress. Enough about my mom hoarding can-goods. Now back to this marinade. If you really want to make your Jerk chicken extra special- make a fresh marinade.  Please, I’m begging you… kinda like how Abdel keeps begging me to stop saying “YASSSS”. I can never say it convincingly enough… I think I lack conviction. The warmth from the marinade instantly reminds you that you aren’t in Kansas anymore. I love to have Jerk chicken in the fall months. That’s usually when I crave to visit Jamaica.  + +  + + +  + =JAMAICA

May these today and your Monday will instantly be brighter!

Enjoy!

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5 from 1 vote

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Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings

This Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings recipe is a great addition to any game-day, party or just a regular wing craving. The jerk sauce ensures its a party in your mouth. You can easily make it as hot as you can handle.

Servings: 4 People

Ingredients

• 20 Party style chicken wings
• 1 Cup Fresh Jerk marinade ( http://www.cookingmaniac.com/jamaican-jerk-marinade )
• 1/4 Cup Fresh Jerk marinade (for sauce)
• 2 Tablespoon Ketchup

Instructions

1. Prep: Soak the pimento wood in some water for 20 minutes. 

   Combine the Jerk Marinade and chicken wings in a large zip-top bag. Mix the marinade and wings together, ensuring that the chicken is completely covered. Close the bag and refrigerate for 4 hours to overnight(I strongly recommend over night for an authentic taste).

   2 Preheat an outdoor grill with coals. 

   3 Add the pimento wood that has been soaked for 20 mins. Place the wood directly on grates.

   4 In a small saucepan, add the Ketchup and additional marinade. Stir to combine- simmer for about 10 minutes. Turn off heat and set aside.

   5 Remove the chicken wings from the marinade and remove excess marinade. Cook the wings on the preheated grill, turning occasionally. Cook until the chicken is well browned and no longer pink, about 25 to 30 minutes.

   6 Place grilled wings in a large bowl. Pour additional marinade over wings; toss to mix well. Serve with lime wedges. Enjoy!

   

Updated pictures 7/28/2017