These Easy Honey Bourbon Grilled Chicken Wings are a yummy treat! The sweet honey and rich bourbon make a great combo, giving the wings a tasty glaze that you’ll love.
Who wouldn’t want sticky, finger-licking wings? I always make extra so I can share—well, sort of! 🍗😉 Grilling them is a breeze, and they taste even better with friends around.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: The star of this dish! Fresh wings are best, but you can use frozen ones if that’s what you have. Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating.
Bourbon: This adds a rich flavor to the wings. If you prefer not to use alcohol, try a mixture of apple juice with a tablespoon of vanilla extract as a substitute.
Honey: This gives the wings a lovely sweetness. Brown sugar or maple syrup can be used as alternatives if you’re out of honey.
Soy Sauce: It adds saltiness and depth. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use tamari or coconut aminos instead.
Smoked Paprika: This gives a nice smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika works. Just be aware you’ll miss out on the smokiness!
How Do You Marinate and Grill Chicken Wings Perfectly?
Marinating wings is key for flavor and tenderness. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix all marinade ingredients thoroughly. The whiskey, honey, and spices create a fantastic blend!
- Let the wings marinate for at least one hour; longer is better for flavor. Overnight is ideal.
- When grilling, make sure the grill is preheated. This avoids sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Keep an eye on them! Turn the wings regularly to prevent burning and to get that perfect char.
- Check the internal temperature. Wings should reach 165°F to be safe to eat.
Follow these tips, and your honey bourbon wings will turn out amazing every time! Don’t forget to let them rest before serving; this helps the juices redistribute for more flavor.
Easy Honey Bourbon Grilled Chicken Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 pounds chicken wings, tips removed and wings separated into drumettes and flats
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Cooking spray or oil, for the grill
- Your favorite barbecue sauce (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe involves about 15 minutes of prep time followed by a marinating time of at least 1 hour (preferably 3-4 hours or overnight for best flavor). Grilling will take around 25-30 minutes. In total, plan for about 1 hour and 45 minutes, including marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the bourbon, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if you’re adding some heat), and onion powder. Make sure everything is well combined, so the flavors mix perfectly!
2. Marinate the Wings:
Add the chicken wings to the bowl with the marinade. Toss them well to ensure they are evenly coated with all that delicious marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. Let the wings marinate for at least 1 hour. For the best flavor, aim for 3-4 hours or even overnight if you can!
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to grill, prepare your grill for medium heat (around 350-400°F). To prevent sticking, spray the grill grates with cooking spray or wipe them down with oil using a paper towel.
4. Grill the Wings:
Take the wings out of the marinade, letting any excess marinade drip off. Place the wings on the grill in a single layer. Grill them for about 25-30 minutes, turning the wings every 5-7 minutes. This helps them cook evenly and prevents burning. You want them nice and charred while ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Optional Glazing:
If you want to make them extra sticky and flavorful, brush the wings with additional honey bourbon sauce or your favorite barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of grilling. Yum!
6. Serve:
Once grilled to perfection, remove the wings from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve them hot, and have your favorite dipping sauces like barbecue or hot sauce ready on the side for extra deliciousness!
Enjoy your sweet, smoky, and slightly boozy honey bourbon grilled chicken wings! They’re perfect for gatherings, game days, or just a tasty dinner treat!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings! Just make sure to fully thaw them in the fridge overnight before marinating. Thawing them will ensure they absorb the flavors of the marinade better.
How Long Can I Marinate the Wings?
For best results, marinate the wings for at least 1 hour, but you can go up to 24 hours for maximum flavor. Just be careful not to marinate them for too long, as the acidic ingredients can break down the meat too much, making it mushy.
Can I Make the Marinade in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before adding the chicken wings. This makes the prep even easier on grilling day!
What Should I Serve With the Wings?
These wings pair beautifully with a variety of sides! Consider serving them with coleslaw, potato salad, or grilled corn on the cob. They also go great with classic dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or extra barbecue sauce for a flavorful finish.
