This Kentucky Bourbon chicken wings recipe is too good to pass up! We are a family that loves to grill all year long which means that wings are always on the menu. Thank goodness for that!
Kentucky Bourbon Chicken Wings Recipe – Grill All Year Long
I live in a house divided. Some members of my family love to eat wings that have just dry rub on them while others prefer the saucier alternative. Me? I love to have my finger dripping with delicious goodness. The wetter the better, but the meat needs to be seared and crispy.
That’s why it’s important to get the grill out when preparing your chicken wings recipe. Sure you can bake them and I have on many occasions! Don’t get me wrong. My husband doesn’t always want to clean our BBQ.
But when you put in the work, you get to reap the rewards, right? I hope you will enjoy this Kentucky Bourbon chicken wings recipe and share it soon with the people you love. Appetizers usually bring everyone in my house together in a flash.
This chicken wings recipe serves about 4 people (makes about 14-16 wings).
- Prep time: 50 min
- Cook time: 35 min
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds of fresh chicken wings (approximately 14–16 wings)
- 1/3 cup dry rub for Chicken ( see below )
- 1 cup Bourbon Barbecue Sauce ( see below )
Dry Rub
- ¼ C brown sugar
- 1/8 C paprika
- 1 Tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp coriander
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne
- 1 tsp basil
- 1 tsp celery salt
Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey Sauce
- 1 cup Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ cups ketchup
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 4 Tbsp molasses
- 1/8 cup Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp liquid smoke
How To Make Bourbon Chicken Wings
Place wing pieces into a large bowl. Combine all of the ingredients listed for the dry rub in a medium bowl and then stir to combine. Store in an airtight container.
Pour the Spice Rub over the chicken wings. Toss to coat and place the chicken wings into a gallon zip lock bag. Place in your refrigerator for 1-2 hours.
Now, it is time to prepare your Kentucky Bourbon Barbecue Sauce. In a medium saucepan, bring the bourbon to a boil. Simmer for about five to ten minutes.
Add the water and all of the other ingredients, stir to combine. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, until you reach a thick and smooth consistency. Turn off your heat and allow to cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container.
Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken wings in a single layer over the heat. Cook 8 to 10 minutes per side with the grill lid closed.
Once fully cooked, remove wings from the grill and place in a large bowl. Add one cup of Bourbon Barbecue Sauce to the cooked wings and toss to coat. Place the wings back on the grill and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side. Serve and enjoy!
What Type Of Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey Should I use?
There are several brands for you to choose from. Here are just a few to consider:
- Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon
- Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Maker’s 46
- Booker’s Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey
- Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon
What Makes A Whiskey A Bourbon?
You know, I had to look this one up! For a whiskey to call itself bourbon, its mash must contain at least 51% corn. The distillate must also be aged in a new charred oak barrel.
People, I am no expert in this arena. If you want to learn more about this subject, click here.
What Can I Serve With Chicken Wings?
Ah – the world is your oyster! There are so many different side dishes you can serve with chicken wings. Just think of your traditional BBQ side dishes. You can start right off the bat with coleslaw and potato salad! I have a loaded baked potato salad and I have a German potato salad. You choose.
How about BBQ Baked Beans with Bacon? That sounds like it might work, too! Right?! Of course, you could always throw down a hearty salad and call it a day.
Can You Really Grill In The Winter?
Yes, you can and we do it often! Here are a few tips to remember. Food takes longer to cook in the winter, but wings don’t take very long to make. So, for this recipe – you should be good.
However, your grill will take longer to warm up during the colder months. So, give yourself extra time for dinner prep.
Related: How to Plan Your Backyard BBQ Menu
Is This A Hot Wings Recipe?
I know a lot of people are used to chicken wings being traditionally hot and spicy, but this is not a hot wings recipe. Instead, expect lots of flavor and zest. No kick!
I hope you give this easy chicken wings recipe a try. Like I said, BBQing is truly one of my favorite things to do – all year long. It doesn’t matter when you read this recipe – whether it’s October or July. It will still work! Enjoy!!
Related Recipes:
- Easy Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe With Turkey And Cranberry
- How To Make BBQ Ribs On The Grill: Fast And Easy
Kentucky Bourbon Chicken Wings Recipe
Ingredients
- INGREDIENTS:
- 4 pds fresh chicken wings (approximately 14–16 wings)
- 1/3 cup dry rub for Chicken ( see below )
- 1 cup Bourbon Barbecue Sauce ( see below )
- DRY RUB
- ¼ C brown sugar
- 1/8 C paprika
- 1 Tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp coriander
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne
- 1 tsp basil
- 1 tsp celery salt
- KENTUCKY BOURBON SAUCE
- 1 cup Kentucky bourbon whiskey
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ cups ketchup
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 4 Tbsp molasses
- 1/8 cup Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp liquid smoke
Instructions
Place wing pieces into a large bowl.. Combine all of the ingredients listed for the dry rub in a medium bowl and then stir to combine. Store in an airtight container.
Pour the Spice Rub over the chicken wings. Toss to coat and place the chicken wings into a gallon zip lock bag. Place in your refrigerator for 1-2 hours.
Now, it is time to prepare your Kentucky Bourbon Barbecue Sauce. In a medium saucepan, bring the bourbon to a boil. Simmer for about five to ten minutes.
Add the water and all of the other ingredients, stir to combine. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, until you reach a thick and smooth consistency. Turn off your heat and allow to cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container.
Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken wings in a single layer over the heat. Cook 8 to 10 minutes per side with the grill lid closed.
Once fully cooked, remove wings from the grill and place in a large bowl. Add one cup of Bourbon Barbecue Sauce to the cooked wings and toss to coat. Place the wings back on the grill and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 15 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 179Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 852mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 1gSugar: 17gProtein: 4g
