Festival Firecracker Chicken Wings

Allergens

Dairy (Blue Cheese Dressing)

Ingredients

• 12 chicken wings
• 1/2 cup hot sauce (preferably your favorite regional brand)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh celery stalks, for serving Blue Cheese Dressing:
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp buttermilk
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill or outdoor cooking surface to medium high heat (about 375°F / 190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, honey, butter, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. Set aside half of this sauce for serving.
3. Add the chicken wings to the bowl with the sauce and toss until they are evenly coated.
4. Grill the wings over direct heat for 10 12 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the remaining sauce every 3 4 minutes. Cook until the wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are slightly charred on the outside.
5. While the wings are cooking, prepare the blue cheese dressing by whisking together the crumbled blue cheese, mayonnaise, buttermilk, white wine vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Chef’s Insight

To truly capture the festival atmosphere, serve these wings alongside carnival-inspired side dishes like corn on the cob or funnel cake.

Notes

For an extra smoky flavor, consider using mesquite or hickory wood chips on your grill.