Honey Bourbon Wing Recipe: Finger-Licking Perfection

If you're a fan of wings and looking to elevate your grilling game, this Honey Bourbon Wing recipe is the secret to achieving that coveted balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. Whether it's a backyard barbecue or a weeknight dinner, these wings are sure to impress with their rich taste and irresistible glaze. Here's how you can make them at home to get that finger-licking perfection.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

• 2 lbs chicken wings, split at the joint
• Salt and pepper for seasoning
• ¹⁄₂ cup of bourbon
• ¹⁄₄ cup of honey
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Chicken Wings

Start by preparing your chicken wings:

1. Wash the wings under cold water, pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Marinate the wings in a mixture of bourbon, honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight.

Grilling the Wings

Here’s how to grill your marinated wings to perfection:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Once hot, place the wings on the grill, reserving the marinade for glazing.
3. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the wings are nicely charred and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Brush the wings with the remaining marinade during the last few minutes of grilling to caramelize the sauce.

⏱️ Note: Ensure your grill is well-oiled or use a grill mat to prevent sticking.

Making the Glaze

While your wings are grilling:

1. In a saucepan, reduce the remaining marinade over medium heat until thickened.
2. Stir occasionally to avoid burning and achieve a syrupy consistency.
3. Once thickened, remove from heat.

Final Touches

Now for the final steps:

• Once the wings are done, transfer them to a serving platter.
• Pour the glaze over the wings or serve it on the side for dipping.
• Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color.

✨ Note: For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to your glaze.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Honey Bourbon Wings with:

• Cole Slaw - to balance out the richness of the wings.
• Cornbread - perfect for soaking up the sauce.
• Potato Salad - a classic picnic side dish.

In closing, crafting Honey Bourbon Wings at home not only promises a tantalizing taste but also an engaging cooking experience. These wings blend the robust flavor of bourbon with the sweet nectar of honey, creating a glaze that is both delightful and memorable. By following this recipe, you'll achieve wings with a perfect balance of flavors, ensuring they're not just food, but an experience. Your friends and family will undoubtedly ask for seconds, making this recipe a staple for any occasion where good food and good times are shared.

How can I make this recipe less alcoholic?

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You can reduce the amount of bourbon or use bourbon extract for flavor without the alcohol content.

Can I use this glaze on other meats?

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Yes, this versatile glaze works great on chicken, pork, and even grilled vegetables for a touch of sweetness.

What do I do if the glaze doesn’t thicken?

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If the glaze is not thickening, continue to simmer it. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (mix equal parts cornstarch and water) to help it thicken more quickly.