BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe with Honey-Bourbon BBQ Sauce
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
610 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Appetizer
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Cuisine
American
BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe with Honey-Bourbon BBQ Sauce
Description
The honey-bourbon BBQ sauce integrates several spices including cayenne, smoked paprika, onion and garlic powders, ground mustard, and Worcestershire sauce blended with tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, bourbon, honey, brown sugar, and hot sauce. This combination is simmered to meld flavors and slightly thicken the sauce. The chicken wings are coated with olive oil and a spice mix featuring Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then refrigerated to marinate briefly.
Grilling on medium-high heat cooks the wings evenly over about 20 minutes, developing a smoky char while ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety. After cooking, the wings are tossed in the prepared sauce, coating them with a sticky, flavorful layer glossy with honey and bourbon notes and a balance of heat and sweetness from the spices and sugars.
The wings serve well as a main dish or appetizer paired with simple sides. The sauce can be prepared ahead and refrigerated to deepen the flavors further. Alternate alcohol like tequila or rum can be used in the sauce, or broth for non-alcoholic versions, providing flexibility to suit preferences.
Ingredients
FOR THE BBQ SAUCE
- 1 cup tomato sauce use ketchup for a sweeter version
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup bourbon try it with tequila or rum instead, or use broth for a non-alcoholic version
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey maple syrup is a nice substitution
- 1/4 cup brown sugar use less or omit for less sweet
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
FOR THE CHICKEN WINGS
- 3 pounds chicken wings separated, wing tips removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
FOR THE HONEY-BOURBON BBQ SAUCE
- Whisk all of the bbq sauce ingredients together in a sauce pan. Bring to a quick boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors develop and the sauce to thicken. You can simmer longer if you'd like.
- Remove from heat and cool. Set aside until ready to use.
FOR THE BBQ CHICKEN WINGS
- Add the chicken wings to a large mixing bowl and toss them with olive oil, Cajun seasonings, smoked paprika, garlic powder and salt and pepper. Toss until they are well coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the chicken wings for 20 minutes, flipping occasionally, or until they are nicely cooked through. They should measure 165 degrees F internally.
- Toss the wings with honey-bourbon bbq sauce and serve.
FOR CHARCOAL GRILLING
- Open the bottom vent of your grill.
- Stack your charcoal briquettes in a pyramid on the bottom grill grate. Add lighter fluid (per the product directions) or use a chimney starter.
- Light the charcoal. Leave the grill uncovered. Burn until the flames die out and the burning charcoal begins to ash over.
- Spread the briquettes in a single layer when they are covered in ash.
- Grill the chicken wings for 20 minutes, turning once halfway through. Keep an eye on them so the skins do not burn. The wings are done when they measure 165 degrees F internally.
- Toss the wings with honey-bourbon bbq sauce and serve.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on wing size; always use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- The BBQ sauce makes about 2 cups and can be prepared several days ahead to let flavors develop.
- Substitute bourbon with tequila, rum, or broth to modify flavor or make a non-alcoholic version.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 610 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 610kcal | 31% |
| Carbohydrates | 32g | 11% |
| Protein | 36g | 72% |
| Fat | 34g | 52% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 141mg | 47% |
| Sodium | 721mg | 30% |
| Potassium | 741mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 26g | 52% |
| Vitamin A | 3026IU | 61% |
| Vitamin C | 12mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 59mg | 6% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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