close up shot of bourbon bbq grilled chicken wings on a grill

Chicken wings

bourbon bbq grilled chicken wings

By:

Savory Touch

Published:

27 Jul 2025
There's just something incredible about sinking your teeth into a perfectly grilled chicken wing, especially when it's slathered in a sweet, smoky, and slightly boozy bourbon BBQ sauce. I have to say, I find myself always going back to this recipe. The char from the grill combined with that rich, homemade sauce? Perfection! I remember one summer barbecue where these wings were gone in minutes – everyone was raving about them. That's when I knew I had to share the recipe.
grilled bourbon bbq chicken wings with char marks
These Bourbon BBQ Grilled Chicken Wings are simple to make, but they deliver BIG on flavor. We're talking fall-off-the-bone tenderness with a sticky, caramelized glaze that will have you licking your fingers. Perfect for game day, summer cookouts, or even just a casual weeknight dinner, these wings are sure to become a new family favorite. It is a joy seeing friends, family and even strangers enjoy this classic recipe, that I adapted from a friend of mine who used to travel across the USA.
A plate of grilled bourbon bbq chicken wings with dipping sauces

Required Equipments

  • Grill
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Whisk
  • Tongs
  • Basting Brush
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons

Bourbon BBQ Grilled Chicken Wings: Frequently Asked Questions

Bourbon BBQ Grilled Chicken Wings

Savor the flavor of these Bourbon BBQ Grilled Chicken Wings, featuring tender, juicy chicken with a rich, smoky bourbon-infused BBQ sauce. Grilled to perfection for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course!

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 6 servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. First, get your wings ready. Pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them get nice and crispy on the grill. Trust me, don't skip this step!
  2. Now, let's make the marinade. In a large bowl, whisk together the bourbon, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if you want a little heat!), salt, and black pepper. Give it a good whisk until everything is well combined. Taste it and adjust the seasonings if needed – maybe a little more brown sugar for sweetness, or a pinch more cayenne for kick.
  3. Place the chicken wings in the bowl with the marinade, making sure they're all coated evenly. You can also use a resealable plastic bag if you prefer. Seal it up and give it a good shake to distribute the marinade.
  4. Refrigerate the wings for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. The longer they marinate, the more flavor they'll absorb. I usually prep them the night before if I have time.
  5. When you're ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350-400°F or 175-200°C). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. Nobody wants stuck wings!
  6. Place the marinated wings on the grill, arranging them so they're not overcrowded. You might need to work in batches depending on the size of your grill. I remember once trying to cram too many wings on at once – total disaster!
  7. Grill the wings for about 20-25 minutes, turning them occasionally and basting them with the remaining marinade. The key is to cook them until they're cooked through and the skin is nicely charred and crispy. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, especially towards the end.
  8. To make sure they are cooked you could use a meat thermometer, ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C). Once they're done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. It's tempting to dive right in, but letting them rest helps the juices redistribute, making them even more flavorful.
  9. Serve your Bourbon BBQ Grilled Chicken Wings hot off the grill. They're fantastic on their own, but you can also serve them with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or even more BBQ sauce. Coleslaw and corn on the cob are great side dishes too!

📝 Notes

  • For extra flavor, add a splash of liquid smoke to the marinade.
  • Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preference for heat.

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 350 kcal

Protein: 20 g

Fat: 20 g

Carbohydrates: 25 g

Fiber: 1 g

Calcium: 50mg

The secret ingredient is always love (and maybe a little bourbon).

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