Bourbon BBQ Smoked Chicken Wings Recipe

Smoked chicken wings are an incredible comfort food, and when paired with a rich and tangy Bourbon BBQ sauce, they reach new heights of flavor. The deep smokiness from the smoker, combined with the sweetness and complexity of bourbon, creates a perfect balance for these crispy yet tender wings. This recipe will guide you through the process of making Bourbon BBQ Smoked Chicken Wings, offering tips, variations, and important techniques to make sure your wings turn out perfectly every time.

The Perfect Smoked Chicken Wings: A Detailed Approach

Smoked chicken wings are becoming more and more popular as home cooks discover the ease and versatility of smoking meat. The beauty of smoking wings lies not just in the tenderness of the meat but in the flavor, which is absorbed from the smoke over a slow and steady cooking process. This recipe goes a step further by combining that signature smokiness with a bourbon-infused BBQ sauce, creating an irresistible combination.

To make this dish truly memorable, the chicken wings need to be seasoned and marinated properly. You’ll need a good smoker, some basic seasonings, and of course, bourbon for the sauce. The ingredients are straightforward, but the process requires a bit of patience—especially when it comes to the smoking phase.

Before diving into the recipe itself, it’s essential to understand the components of this dish, as well as tips for achieving the best results.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Wings

Time: 10-15 minutes

1. Prep the Wings
   If you’re using whole chicken wings, cut them into drummettes and flats or leave them whole, depending on your preference. Pat the wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step ensures a crispier skin during the smoking process.

2. Coat with Oil
   Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or vegetable oil) over the wings and toss to coat evenly. This will help the seasoning stick and promote a golden-brown crispy exterior.

3. Season the Wings
   In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season the wings generously on all sides. Make sure the wings are evenly coated with the spice mix. For the best flavor, allow the wings to marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This helps the flavors penetrate the meat.

Step 2: Smoking the Chicken Wings

Time: 2-2.5 hours

1. Prepare the Smoker
   Preheat your smoker to a temperature of 225°F (107°C). Add your choice of smoking wood—hickory, applewood, or mesquite all work wonderfully with chicken. Allow the smoker to come to temperature and produce steady smoke before adding your wings.

2. Place the Wings on the Smoker
   Arrange the seasoned wings on the smoker racks. Make sure they are not overcrowded and have space to allow the smoke to circulate evenly around each piece. If using a grill with indirect heat, you can also use a foil pan to hold the wings.

3. Smoke the Wings
   Smoke the wings for about 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping them halfway through for even cooking. You want the wings to be golden-brown and cooked through, with a crispy skin. Keep the smoker lid closed to maintain temperature and smoke flavor.

4. Check Internal Temperature
   Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the wings. They should reach at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Step 3: Making the Bourbon BBQ Sauce

Time: 10-15 minutes

While the wings are smoking, you can make the bourbon BBQ sauce. The sauce will be brushed onto the wings in the final stages of smoking, giving them a flavorful glaze.

1. Combine the Ingredients
   In a medium saucepan, combine bourbon, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard, honey, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to combine.

2. Simmer the Sauce
   Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Stir frequently and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more honey for sweetness or vinegar for acidity if needed.

Step 4: Glazing the Wings

Time: 5 minutes

1. Brush the Sauce onto the Wings
   During the last 15-20 minutes of smoking, brush the wings generously with the Bourbon BBQ sauce. Make sure each wing is coated with a thick layer of the sauce. Let the wings continue to cook until they are fully glazed and the sauce has set.

2. Final Check
   Give the wings a final check for doneness, ensuring the skin is crispy and the meat is cooked through. You can also use the meat thermometer to confirm that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish and Serve
   Once the wings are fully smoked and glazed with Bourbon BBQ sauce, remove them from the smoker. Let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.

2. Pair with Sides
   Bourbon BBQ Smoked Chicken Wings pair perfectly with classic BBQ sides such as corn on the cob, coleslaw, potato salad, or mac and cheese.

Pro Tips for Perfect Bourbon BBQ Smoked Chicken Wings

• Low and Slow Smoking: The key to perfect smoked wings is low and slow cooking. Don’t rush the process—allow the wings to absorb the smoke flavor gradually, and keep the temperature consistent.

• Rest the Wings: Let the wings rest for a few minutes after removing them from the smoker. This helps to lock in the juices and makes the wings even more tender.

• BBQ Sauce Options: If you like a tangy BBQ sauce, you can experiment by adding more apple cider vinegar or mustard to the sauce to brighten it up. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the amount of brown sugar or honey.

• Smoker Wood Variations: Experiment with different smoking woods to find the flavor profile you prefer. Applewood gives a sweeter, milder smoke, while hickory offers a more intense flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Bourbon BBQ Smoked Chicken Wings

The beauty of Bourbon BBQ Smoked Chicken Wings lies not only in their flavor but also in their versatility. These wings can be served as the star of a meal or as part of a larger BBQ spread. Here are a few suggestions to elevate your meal and pair it perfectly with the wings.

1. Side Dishes to Serve with Bourbon BBQ Smoked Chicken Wings

To balance out the richness and smokiness of the wings, consider pairing them with these classic BBQ sides. They’ll complement the flavors of the wings and provide a variety of textures to your meal.

a) Creamy Coleslaw

A tangy and creamy coleslaw is an excellent complement to the savory, smoky wings. The crunch of the cabbage contrasts beautifully with the soft texture of the chicken wings. You can make a classic coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy mayo-based dressing, or try a vinegar-based slaw for a lighter option.

b) Corn on the Cob

Grilled or smoked corn on the cob is a perfect BBQ side. The smoky flavor of the corn complements the wings while providing a slightly sweet counterbalance. You can brush the corn with a little butter or garlic herb seasoning for extra flavor.

c) Mac and Cheese

A classic comfort food like mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with smoked chicken wings. The creamy texture and cheesy flavor help mellow out the smokiness of the wings. For extra flavor, add crispy bacon or jalapeños for a bit of heat.

d) Baked Beans

Smoky, sweet, and savory baked beans make a great side dish that complements the Bourbon BBQ sauce on the wings. The beans absorb the flavors of the smoke and sauce, making them a hearty and satisfying option.

e) Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, or zucchini are a healthy and flavorful side that balances the richness of the chicken wings. You can toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting them for a simple, yet delicious, accompaniment.

2. Garnishes and Extras

For an added touch, you can garnish your Bourbon BBQ Smoked Chicken Wings with fresh ingredients to enhance the dish visually and flavor-wise.

a) Fresh Herbs

A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, parsley, or green onions over the wings provides a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of the BBQ sauce.

b) Lime Wedges

Serve with a few lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the wings. The acidity of the lime brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing contrast to the smoky sauce.

c) Pickles

Pickled onions or dill pickles offer a sharp, tangy contrast to the richness of the wings and BBQ sauce, helping to cleanse the palate between bites.

Conclusion

These Bourbon BBQ Smoked Chicken Wings are perfect for BBQ lovers looking to elevate their wing game with a bit of rich, smoky flavor. The bourbon-infused BBQ sauce provides a deep and complex sweetness that balances the spice, while the slow-smoking process ensures juicy, tender wings with a crispy exterior. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or making a weekend feast, these wings are sure to impress.

Enjoy the flavor and fun of smoked wings, and don’t forget to customize the recipe to suit your tastes!