BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe with Honey-Bourbon BBQ Sauce

5 from 4 votes

BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe with Honey-Bourbon BBQ Sauce

This BBQ chicken wings recipe is the best with plump, spice rubbed chicken wings fired up on the grill then tossed with homemade honey-bourbon bbq sauce.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chicken wings, grilled chicken, grilling, hot wings, recipe, spicy, wings

Servings:

Calories: 610kcal

Author: Mike Hultquist

Ingredients

FOR THE BBQ SAUCE

1 cup tomato sauce use ketchup for a sweeter version
½ cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup bourbon try it with tequila or rum instead, or use broth for a non-alcoholic version
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon cayenne
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground mustard
2 tablespoons honey maple syrup is a nice substitution
1/4 cup brown sugar use less or omit for less sweet
2 tablespoons hot sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

FOR THE CHICKEN WINGS

3 pounds chicken wings separated, wing tips removed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasonings
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

FOR THE HONEY-BOURBON BBQ SAUCE

Whisk all of the bbq sauce ingredients together in a sauce pan. Bring to a quick boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors develop and the sauce to thicken. You can simmer longer if you'd like.
Remove from heat and cool. Set aside until ready to use.

FOR THE BBQ CHICKEN WINGS

Add the chicken wings to a large mixing bowl and toss them with olive oil, Cajun seasonings, smoked paprika, garlic powder and salt and pepper. Toss until they are well coated.
Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the chicken wings for 20 minutes, flipping occasionally, or until they are nicely cooked through. They should measure 165 degrees F internally.
Toss the wings with honey-bourbon bbq sauce and serve.

FOR CHARCOAL GRILLING

Open the bottom vent of your grill.
Stack your charcoal briquettes in a pyramid on the bottom grill grate. Add lighter fluid (per the product directions) or use a chimney starter.
Light the charcoal. Leave the grill uncovered. Burn until the flames die out and the burning charcoal begins to ash over.
Spread the briquettes in a single layer when they are covered in ash.
Grill the chicken wings for 20 minutes, turning once halfway through. Keep an eye on them so the skins do not burn. The wings are done when they measure 165 degrees F internally.
Toss the wings with honey-bourbon bbq sauce and serve.

Notes

Cooking times will vary for different cuts of chicken. Larger cuts may need longer cooking time. It is best to go by temperature. Chicken is done when it measures 165 degrees F internally.

The sauce yields about 2 cups of bbq sauce. You can make it several days ahead and keep refrigerated. The flavors will develop further the longer they mingle.

Nutrition