Name: Bourbon Glazed Chicken Wings
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 kg Chicken Wings (drumettes and flats, patted dry); 1 tbsp Olive Oil; 1 tsp Garlic Powder; 1 tsp Smoked Paprika; ½ tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional, for heat); ½ tsp Black Pepper; ½ tsp Salt; ½ cup Bourbon; ½ cup Brown Sugar (packed); ¼ cup Soy Sauce (low sodium); ¼ cup Ketchup; 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar; 2 tbsp Honey; 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce; 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger (grated); 2 cloves Garlic (minced); ¼ tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for heat); 1 tbsp Cornstarch; 2 tbsp Water; 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped); 1 tbsp Sesame Seeds (optional)

DifficultyBeginner

CategoryAppetizers, Bites/Snacks, Bourbon, Chefs Choice, Chicken, Meat

Bourbon Glazed Chicken Wings are tender, juicy wings tossed in a sweet and smoky bourbon glaze. The sauce has the perfect balance of brown sugar, bourbon, and spices, making these wings irresistible for game day or casual get-togethers.

Yields4 Servings

Prep Time20 minsCook Time35 minsTotal Time55 mins

For the Chicken Wings

1 kg Chicken Wings (drumettes and flats, patted dry)

1 tbsp Olive Oil

1 tsp Garlic Powder

1 tsp Smoked Paprika

½ tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional, for heat)

½ tsp Black Pepper

½ tsp Salt

For the Bourbon Glaze

½ cup Bourbon

½ cup Brown Sugar (packed)

¼ cup Soy Sauce (low sodium)

¼ cup Ketchup

2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar

2 tbsp Honey

1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce

1 tbsp Fresh Ginger (grated)

2 cloves Garlic (minced)

¼ tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for heat)

1 tbsp Cornstarch

2 tbsp Water

For Garnish

1 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped)

1 tbsp Sesame Seeds (optional)

Prepare the Chicken Wings

Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
Season the Wings:
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack.
Bake the Wings:
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are crispy and golden brown.

Prepare the Bourbon Glaze

Combine Ingredients:
- In a medium saucepan, combine bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
Simmer the Glaze:
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer.
- Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly reduced and fragrant.
Thicken the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
- Gradually whisk the slurry into the glaze and continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes or until the glaze thickens to a syrupy consistency.
- Remove from heat and set aside.

Toss and Glaze the Wings

Coat the Wings:
- Once the wings are fully cooked, transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the bourbon glaze over the wings and toss to coat evenly.
Return to Oven:
- Return the glazed wings to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes to caramelize the glaze.

Garnish and Serve

Garnish:
- Remove the wings from the oven and sprinkle with sesame seeds and fresh parsley.
Serve:
- Transfer to a serving platter and serve hot with extra glaze for dipping.

Serving and Presentation

Serve the Bourbon Glazed Chicken Wings immediately while hot and sticky.
Pair with a cool ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce and extra napkins!

Tips and Variations

Spicy Bourbon Wings: Add 1 tbsp hot sauce or 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper to the glaze for extra heat.
Honey Bourbon Wings: Increase the honey to 1/4 cup for a sweeter, stickier glaze.
Grilled Option: Grill the wings over medium-high heat for 15-20 minutes, then brush with the glaze and grill for an additional 5 minutes.
Air Fryer Option: Air fry the wings at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Alcohol-Free Option: Substitute the bourbon with apple juice or cola for a family-friendly version.

Ingredients