Bourbon Spice Grilled Chicken Wings

Published: May 25, 2025

by Ezra

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices and bourbon creates an unforgettable taste that will impress your guests.
Easy Preparation: With minimal hands-on time, these wings are simple enough for any skill level.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a party or a quiet night in, these wings fit right in.
Grill Master Approved: The grilling technique ensures crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy.
Customizable Sauce: You can adjust the sweetness and spice level of the bourbon barbecue sauce to suit your preference.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this mouthwatering recipe, gather your essential tools and equipment. Having the right tools makes the process smoother and ensures your wings turn out perfectly every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Grill
Large bowl
Gallon zip lock bag
Basting brush
Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

Grill: Provides the smoky flavor essential for grilled wings while achieving that perfect char.
Large bowl: Ideal for marinating the chicken wings evenly in spice rub.
Gallon zip lock bag: Keeps the chicken wings sealed while they absorb flavors overnight.
Basting brush: Helps apply the bourbon barbecue sauce evenly on the wings.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Bourbon Spice Grilled Chicken Wings:
– 4 to 5 pounds fresh chicken wings (approximately 14-16 wings) – Note: Do not use frozen chicken wings for this recipe
– 1/3 cup of our Spice Rub for Chicken
– 1 cup of our Bourbon Barbecue Sauce, plus extra for serving (optional)

How to Make Bourbon Spice Grilled Chicken Wings

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings

Remove wing tips and freeze them for stock or other recipes.
If desired, separate wingette from drumette by holding the wing like a V with drum portion vertical. Cut straight down at base of drumette; the joint will separate without cutting through bone. Alternatively, leave whole if preferred.

Step 2: Marinate with Spice Rub

Place wing pieces into a large bowl.
Pour the Spice Rub for Chicken over the chicken wings.
Toss to coat and transfer to a gallon zip lock bag; refrigerate overnight.

Step 3: Make Bourbon Barbecue Sauce

Prepare your Bourbon Barbecue Sauce while chicken marinates to save time.

Step 4: Grill the Wings

Heat half of your grill to medium-high heat; keep other half at low temperature.
Oil grill grates with a vegetable oil-soaked paper towel.
Place chicken wings in a single layer over hot side; cover and cook until char marks appear (4-5 minutes). Flip and cook another 4-5 minutes with grill cover closed.
Move wings around as needed until fully cooked; transfer them to cooler side.

Step 5: Coat with Sauce

Once all wings are cooked, remove them from grill and place into a large bowl.
Pour one cup of Bourbon Barbecue Sauce over wings; toss to coat.

Step 6: Caramelize Sauce on Grill

Clean grill grates again, wiping with an oil-soaked paper towel.
Return coated wings back onto oil-rubbed grates; cook for 30-60 seconds on each side to brown and caramelize sauce carefully.

Step 7: Serve

Serve immediately with additional Bourbon Barbecue Sauce on the side for dipping.

Enjoy making these flavorful Bourbon Spice Grilled Chicken Wings!

How to Serve Bourbon Spice Grilled Chicken Wings

Bourbon Spice Grilled Chicken Wings are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or watching the game, these wings pair well with many sides and dips.

With Dipping Sauces

Extra Bourbon Barbecue Sauce – Serve additional sauce on the side for those who love extra flavor.
Ranch Dressing – A cool ranch dressing complements the spicy wings perfectly.
Blue Cheese Dressing – This classic pairing adds a rich creaminess that balances the heat.

On a Platter

Garnished with Fresh Herbs – Add chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh touch.
Serve with Fresh Vegetables – Carrot and celery sticks provide a crunchy contrast to the wings.

Accompanied by Drinks

Beer – A cold lager or pale ale enhances the smoky flavors of the wings.
Iced Tea – Sweetened iced tea offers a refreshing balance to the spices.

How to Perfect Bourbon Spice Grilled Chicken Wings

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Bourbon Spice Grilled Chicken Wings, consider these essential tips.

Use Fresh Wings – Always opt for fresh chicken wings instead of frozen for better texture and flavor.
Marinate Overnight – Allowing the wings to marinate overnight enhances their taste and tenderness.
Oil the Grill Grates Well – Prevent sticking by ensuring your grill grates are adequately oiled before cooking.
Cook Over Two Zones – Use both high and low heat on your grill to achieve a perfect sear without burning.
Toss After Cooking – Tossing wings in sauce after grilling ensures even coverage without burning the sauce.
Let Them Rest – Allowing cooked wings to rest for a few minutes helps retain their juiciness.

Best Side Dishes for Bourbon Spice Grilled Chicken Wings

Pairing side dishes with your Bourbon Spice Grilled Chicken Wings can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider.

Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and a refreshing contrast.
Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges make for a hearty side that complements spicy flavors.
Corn on the Cob – Grilled corn brushed with butter is a sweet addition that balances spiciness.
Macaroni and Cheese – Creamy mac and cheese provides comfort alongside flavorful wings.
Baked Beans – Sweet and savory baked beans enhance the barbecue experience.
Garden Salad – A light salad offers freshness, making it a great counterpoint to rich wings.
French Fries – Classic fries are always a hit at any gathering, providing that satisfying crunch.
Sweet Potato Fries – The sweetness of these fries pairs beautifully with bourbon flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Bourbon Spice Grilled Chicken Wings, it’s easy to make some common errors that can affect the outcome. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

Using Frozen Wings: Frozen chicken wings can lead to uneven cooking. Always use fresh wings for the best texture and flavor.
Skipping the Marinade: Not allowing enough time for the spice rub to penetrate can result in bland wings. Marinate overnight for maximum flavor.
Cooking at Too High Heat: Cooking on high heat without monitoring can burn the sauce. Use medium-high heat and turn the wings often.
Overcrowding the Grill: Placing too many wings on the grill can trap steam and prevent proper charring. Grill in batches if necessary.
Not Cleaning the Grill Grates: Dirty grates can impart unwanted flavors. Clean your grill grates before cooking to ensure a delicious outcome.

Refrigerator Storage

Store Bourbon Spice Grilled Chicken Wings in an airtight container.
They will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Bourbon Spice Grilled Chicken Wings

You can freeze cooked wings for up to 3 months.
Use freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.

Reheating Bourbon Spice Grilled Chicken Wings

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place wings on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Use medium power to heat wings in short bursts of 30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid drying them out.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a little oil, and sauté the wings for several minutes until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Bourbon Spice Grilled Chicken Wings special?

Bourbon Spice Grilled Chicken Wings are unique due to their rich marinade and barbecue sauce that infuses deep flavors into each wing.

Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken?

While this recipe is specifically designed for chicken wings, you can adapt it for other poultry or meats like thighs or drumsticks with slight adjustments in cooking time.

How should I serve Bourbon Spice Grilled Chicken Wings?

These wings are perfect as an appetizer or main dish, served with extra bourbon barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.

What sides pair well with Bourbon Spice Grilled Chicken Wings?

Great sides include coleslaw, potato salad, or corn on the cob, which complement the smoky flavors beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Bourbon Spice Grilled Chicken Wings offer a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors that make them perfect for any gathering or casual dinner. This recipe is versatile; feel free to customize with your favorite spices or sauces. Don’t hesitate to try it out and impress your guests!

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