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Grilled Chicken Wings with Maple Bourbon Sauce

Here, you brown the wings first over direct heat without any sauce. That’s when the skin gets crispy. Then you move the wings over indirect heat, where it is safe to layer on the sweet sauce without the threat of it scorching.

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
1 hr 15 mins
Servings: 3 to 4 servings
Calories: 738 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the chicken wings
  • About 3 pounds chicken wings and/or drumettes
  • extra-virgin olive oil
For the spice rub
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the maple bourbon sauce
  • 3/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chile powder

Instructions

Prep the chicken wings
    Cup of Yum
  1. Brush the wings very lightly with oil.
Make the spice rub
  1. In a small bowl, stir together all the ingredients.
  2. Coat the wings evenly with the rub and let them sit on a rimmed baking sheet at room temperature while you make the sauce and heat the grill.
Make the maple bourbon sauce
  1. In a small saucepan over high heat, combine all the ingredients and bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 12 to 15 minutes.
Grill the chicken wings
  1. Prepare the grill for direct cooking and indirect cooking over medium heat (350° to 450°F | 176° to 204°C). Brush the grill grates clean.
  2. Grill the wings over direct heat, with the lid closed as much as possible, turning once or twice, until the skin turns sorta crisp, 10 to 12 minutes.☞ TESTER TIP: Keep a careful watch while grilling as the fat dripping from the wings may cause flare-ups that could incinerate your wings in seconds.
  3. Move the wings to indirect heat and lightly brush on all sides with the sauce.
  4. Continue to cook, with the lid closed as much as possible, until the wings are cooked through, 12 to 15 minutes.
  5. Serve the wings straight from the grill with ample napkins.

Notes

  • If you prefer chicken wings that pack more heat than sweet, swap the maple bourbon sauce for Buffalo sauce. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup hot sauce, such as Frank’s Red Hot or Crystal, 5 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne (optional), and salt to taste. Cook as directed above, occasionally brushing the wings with the Buffalo sauce after moving them to indirect heat.

Nutrition Information

Serving 3portions, about one pound Calories 738kcal (37%) Carbohydrates 35g (12%) Protein 46g (92%) Fat 40g (62%) Saturated Fat 11g (55%) Monounsaturated Fat 16g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 189mg (63%) Sodium 1109mg (46%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 29g (58%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 3to 4 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 738

% Daily Value*

Serving 3portions, about one pound
Calories 738kcal 37%
Carbohydrates 35g 12%
Protein 46g 92%
Fat 40g 62%
Saturated Fat 11g 55%
Monounsaturated Fat 16g 80%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 189mg 63%
Sodium 1109mg 46%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 29g 58%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.