Smoked Jerk Chicken Wings (Electric Smoker Recipe)

Name: Smoked Jerk Chicken Wings (Electric Smoker Recipe)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 120 min
Total time: 160 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken wings (trimmed); Lime wash: juice of 2 limes and 2-3 cups water; 2-3 tablespoons jerk seasoning; 2-3 tablespoons Walkerswood Traditional Jamaican Jerk Seasoning paste (mild or hot & spicy depending on your preference); 1/2 cup allspice berries (soaked in water); 1 1/2-2 cups Apple or cherry wood chips

These Jerk Chicken Wings bring all the heat, smoke, and island flavor of traditional Jamaican jerk chicken wings without a complicated setup. This recipe is our love letter to those bold, spicy, smoky flavors, with a simplified process for the electric smoker.

Platter of smoked jerk chicken wings garnished with lime wedges and green herbs, served with a bowl of green herb dipping sauce.

Smoked Jerk Chicken Wings Recipe

These wings are full of flavor but easy to make and are perfect for fans of Caribbean food, backyard BBQ, or chicken wings. Whether you're hosting a backyard cookout or craving something bold and spicy, these smoked jerk chicken wings are always a hit. The lime wash adds a bright, fresh note, the seasoning is layered, and the smoker brings it all together. If you want smoked chicken in a less spicy, more dinner-ready format, this smoked BBQ chicken salad is a great one to try next.

Ingredient Notes

Raw chicken wings in a glass bowl with Jamaican jerk seasoning, water in a measuring cup, brown sugar spice rub, and a lime on a wooden surface.

Chicken wings. We use 2 pounds of trimmed drumettes and flats.
Lime wash. This traditional step helps tenderize the wings and brighten their flavor.
Jerk seasoning. You can use our Homemade Jerk Seasoning Rub or your favorite store-bought dry blend.
Jerk paste. Adds a little more depth and that signature kick. Choose mild or spicy depending on your heat tolerance.

Smoking Tip

We highly recommend using allspice berries in the electric smoker. Soak them in water and add to the smoker tray with cherry or apple wood for an authentic jerk aroma.

See the recipe card below for the remaining ingredients and quantities.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Raw chicken wings soaking in a salty brine mixture in a large glass bowl.

Step 1: Add wings to a large bowl. Cover with the juice of 2 limes and 2-3 cups of water. Let sit for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then drain. Rinse the wings and pat dry with paper towels.

Chicken wings coated in jerk marinade and dry rub, resting in a glass mixing bowl.

Step 2: Rub your jerk seasoning all over the wings until evenly coated. Then, massage in jerk paste. Cover and refrigerate the wings for at least 30 minutes.

Close-up of whole allspice berries in a patterned bowl, showing their dark brown texture.

Step 3: While the wings marinate, soak your allspice berries in water, then add them to your smoker box or tray with your fruitwood. Preheat your electric smoker to 225°F.

Jerk chicken wings halfway through smoking, beginning to darken and crisp on the racks.

Step 4: Place wings directly on the smoker rack. Smoke for 2 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make jerk wings ahead of time?

Yep, you can marinate the wings up to 24 hours in advance and keep them refrigerated until ready to smoke. If needed, fully cook the wings, refrigerate them, then reheat in an oven or air fryer to crisp them back up before serving.

Can I use whole wings instead of flats and drumettes?

Yes! Just increase your smoke time by 10-15 minutes and make sure the internal temp hits at least 165°F.

Can I make these without a smoker?

Yes, you can bake the wings at 375°F for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway. They won't have the smoke flavor, but will still taste amazing with the jerk spices and paste.

Hand dipping a smoked jerk chicken wing into a creamy green sauce on a floral plate, with a glass of beer in the background.

Tips for the Best Smoked Jerk Wings

Use allspice berries in your smoker. Pimento wood is traditional in Jamaica, but it's hard to find in the U.S. Adding allspice berries to your smoker gives a similar aroma and flavor.
Don't skip the marinade. Marinating for just 30 minutes makes a huge difference.
Use a meat thermometer. Aim for 165°F minimum, but 175°F gives fall-apart tender wings.

Storage & Reheating

Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheat: Reheat wings in an oven or air fryer at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until warm and crispy.

Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and a comment below-we'd love to hear how it turned out. Your feedback helps other backyard cooks, too!

Be the first to rate it!

Tap stars to rate!