Smoky Spiced Chicken Wings with Bourbon BBQ Sauce

Smoky Spiced Chicken Wings with Bourbon BBQ Sauce

Find the perfect recipe for Smoky Spiced Chicken Wings with Bourbon BBQ Sauce, inspired by a famous restaurant or street-food classic.

🕒 Prep - 10 mins, Cook - 23 mins, Total - 33 mins
🍽 Servings: 4
🔥 Difficulty: Intermediate
🌎 Cuisine: American

Allergens

Gluten, Eggs, Dairy, Fish, Shellfish

Ingredients

  • 12 chicken wings, divided into wingettes and drummettes
  • 2 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1/2 cup bourbon
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp liquid smoke

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, smoked paprika, and salt to create the spice blend.
  2. Pat dry the chicken wings and toss them in the spice blend, ensuring they are evenly coated.
  3. Preheat your grill to medium high heat (around 350°F/175°C). Grill the chicken wings until cooked through, turning occasionally, for about 20 minutes.
  4. In a saucepan, combine the bourbon, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Remove wings from grill and toss them in the prepared BBQ sauce, ensuring they are fully coated. Return to the grill for another 2 3 minutes to set the sauce.

Chef’s Insight

The use of liquid smoke adds depth to the BBQ sauce, mimicking the flavors you would find at a classic roadside BBQ joint.

Notes

Adjust the spice levels to your preference by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper used.

Cultural or Historical Background

This dish is inspired by regional American street food, particularly the BBQ-filled stalls found across the southern United States.