Bourbon Spice Grilled Chicken Wings

Fabulous, easy Bourbon Spice Grilled Chicken Wings are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a cozy night in, these wings deliver mouthwatering flavor that will impress your guests. With a delicious bourbon barbecue sauce and a spice rub that elevates the taste, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: The marination process makes getting ready easy. Simply combine your chicken wings with the spice rub and let them sit overnight.
• Incredible Flavor: The combination of spices and bourbon creates a rich, complex taste that’s hard to resist.
• Perfect for Any Gathering: Whether it’s game day or a summer cookout, these wings are always a hit.
• Customizable Sauce: Feel free to adjust the amount of bourbon barbecue sauce based on your personal preference for sweetness and tanginess.
• Fun Cooking Method: Grilling adds an exciting charred flavor that you can’t achieve in the oven.

Tools and Preparation

To create the best Bourbon Spice Grilled Chicken Wings, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Large bowl
• Gallon zip lock bag
• Grill tongs
• Basting brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Essential for achieving that smoky, grilled flavor.
• Large bowl: Perfect for mixing the wings with the spice rub thoroughly.
• Gallon zip lock bag: Ideal for marinating the wings overnight without mess.
• Grill tongs: Ensure safe handling and flipping of wings while grilling.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Wings

• 4 to 5 pounds fresh chicken wings (approximately 14-16 wings) – Note: Do not use frozen chicken wings for this recipe.

For the Spice Rub

• 1/3 cup of our Spice Rub for Chicken

For the Barbecue Sauce

• 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

1. Remove wing tips and freeze them for stock or other recipes.
2. If desired, separate wingettes from drumettes by holding the wing like a V and cutting straight down at the base of the drumette. Alternatively, leave whole wings if you prefer.

Step 2: Marinate the Wings

1. Place wing pieces into a large bowl.
2. Pour the spice rub over the chicken wings and toss to coat evenly.
3. Transfer coated wings into a gallon zip lock bag and refrigerate overnight.

Step 3: Make Bourbon Barbecue Sauce

While your chicken marinates, prepare your bourbon barbecue sauce according to your recipe or packaging instructions.

Step 4: Heat Your Grill

1. Preheat half of your grill to medium-high heat; leave the other half at low temperature.
2. Use a vegetable oil-soaked paper towel to oil grill grates.

Step 5: Grill the Chicken Wings

1. Place chicken wings in a single layer over hot side of grill; cover and cook until char marks appear (about 4-5 minutes).
2. Flip wings and continue cooking with grill cover closed for another 4-5 minutes. Move them around as needed until fully cooked.

Step 6: Coat with Barbecue Sauce

1. Once cooked through, remove wings from grill and place them in a large bowl.
2. Pour one cup of bourbon barbecue sauce over wings and toss to coat evenly.

Step 7: Caramelize Sauce on Grill

1. Clean grill grates again; wipe with an oil-soaked paper towel.
2. Return coated wings back onto oiled grill grates; cook for another 30-60 seconds on each side just to brown and caramelize without burning.

Step 8: Serve Your Delicious Wings

Serve immediately with additional bourbon barbecue sauce on the side for dipping! Enjoy your flavorful Bourbon Spice Grilled Chicken Wings!

How to Serve Bourbon Spice Grilled Chicken Wings

These Bourbon Spice Grilled Chicken Wings are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. You can easily elevate your meal with various accompaniments that enhance their flavor and presentation.

With Dipping Sauces

• Ranch Dressing: A classic creamy dressing that pairs well with the spice.
• Blue Cheese Dip: Adds a rich and tangy flavor that complements the wings.
• Extra Bourbon Barbecue Sauce: For those who love an extra kick of sweetness.

With Fresh Vegetables

• Celery Sticks: Crunchy and refreshing, they balance the richness of the wings.
• Carrot Sticks: Sweet and crunchy, perfect for dipping in sauces.
• Cucumber Slices: Light and hydrating, they offer a cool contrast.

With Starch Options

• Cornbread: Adds a slightly sweet element that pairs wonderfully with BBQ flavors.
• Potato Wedges: Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, they’re great for soaking up sauce.

How to Perfect Bourbon Spice Grilled Chicken Wings

Achieving the perfect Bourbon Spice Grilled Chicken Wings involves a few essential tips. Follow these suggestions for mouthwatering results every time.

• Marinate Overnight: This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the chicken for maximum taste.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh chicken wings; frozen versions can affect texture and flavor.
• Control Grill Temperature: Cooking over medium-high heat gives a nice char while maintaining juiciness.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the wings to prevent burning; they should be cooked through but not dry.
• Baste at the End: Apply barbecue sauce during the final minutes of grilling for caramelization without burning.
• Let Rest Before Serving: Allowing wings to rest for a few minutes helps retain their juices.

Best Side Dishes for Bourbon Spice Grilled Chicken Wings

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

1. Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy salad that adds freshness and balances out the rich flavors of the wings.
2. Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy, cheesy goodness that provides comfort alongside spicy wings.
3. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet and smoky, this dish complements BBQ flavors perfectly.
4. Potato Salad: A creamy side that is easy to prepare ahead of time and serves as a cooling counterpart.
5. Baked Beans: Sweet and savory beans add a hearty element that pairs well with grilled meats.
6. French Fries: Classic crispy fries are always a hit, especially when dipped in extra BBQ sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Bourbon Spice Grilled Chicken Wings, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

• Using Frozen Wings: Always use fresh chicken wings for the best flavor and texture. Frozen wings can result in a watery, less flavorful dish.
• Skipping the Marinade Time: Don’t rush the marinating process. Allowing the wings to soak overnight in the spice rub enhances their flavor significantly.
• Overcrowding the Grill: Avoid placing too many wings on the grill at once. This can cause uneven cooking and prevent that desirable char.
• Not Monitoring Grill Temperature: Pay attention to your grill heat levels. Cooking on high heat for too long can burn the sauce before the chicken is cooked through.
• Forgetting to Oil the Grill Grates: Always oil your grill grates before cooking. This step prevents sticking and ensures an even cook.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Bourbon Spice Grilled Chicken Wings in an airtight container.
• They can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Bourbon Spice Grilled Chicken Wings

• Wrap wings tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Bourbon Spice Grilled Chicken Wings

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place wings on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place wings on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Cook wings for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Bourbon Spice Grilled Chicken Wings:

How do I make Bourbon Spice Grilled Chicken Wings spicy?

You can add cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the spice rub for an extra kick.

Can I use other cuts of chicken?

While this recipe is tailored for wings, you can use thighs or drumsticks, adjusting cooking times as needed.

What should I serve with Bourbon Spice Grilled Chicken Wings?

These wings pair wonderfully with coleslaw, potato salad, or corn on the cob for a complete BBQ experience.

How do I store leftover Bourbon Spice Grilled Chicken Wings?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer preservation.

Final Thoughts

Bourbon Spice Grilled Chicken Wings are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with different spices or sauces based on your preferences. Try this recipe at your next gathering; it’s sure to impress!