Smoking Bourbon Chicken Wings

Take your barbecue game to the next level with these mouthwatering Smoking Bourbon Chicken Wings, a smoky, savory treat that perfectly balances bold flavors and tender, juicy texture. Infused with a rich bourbon marinade blending sweet brown sugar, tangy apple cider vinegar, and a hint of honey, these wings are packed with complex flavor in every bite. Smoked low and slow over hickory or applewood chips, they develop a deep, aromatic smokiness with a kiss of charred perfection. Perfect for game days, backyard parties, or any gathering, this easy-to-follow recipe ensures crispy, flavorful wings every time. Serve them hot with an optional bourbon glaze or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for that Instagram-worthy finish. Whether you're a smoking pro or a beginner, these wings are sure to impress your taste buds and your guests!

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Chicken wings
• 0.25 cup Bourbon
• 0.25 cup Brown sugar
• 0.25 cup Soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Honey
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 cup Wood chips (e.g., hickory or applewood)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse and pat dry the chicken wings with paper towels. Place them in a large mixing bowl or resealable plastic bag.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, whisk together bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt to create the marinade.

Step 3

Pour the marinade over the chicken wings, ensuring they are fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deepen.

Step 4

Soak the wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes before preheating the smoker.

Step 5

Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Drain the wood chips and place them in the smoker as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 6

Remove the chicken wings from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels. Discard the used marinade.

Step 7

Lightly coat the wings with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance crispness during cooking.

Step 8

Arrange the wings on the smoker rack in a single layer, leaving space between each wing. Close the smoker lid and let them cook for 1.5 hours, turning them halfway through the cooking time.

Step 9

Check that the internal temperature of the wings reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.

Step 10

Optionally, baste the wings with a fresh batch of bourbon glaze during the final 10 minutes of cooking for additional flavor.

Step 11

Remove the wings from the smoker, let them rest for a few minutes, and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1423.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3342.4

Total Fat 212.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 48.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 53.9g
Cholesterol 1016.0mg	0%
Sodium 8483.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 134.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.6g	0%
Total Sugars 71.4g
Protein 183.5g	0%

Vitamin D 72.6IU	0%
Calcium 288.6mg	0%
Iron 13.4mg	0%
Potassium 2071.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 60.0%

Protein: 23.1%

Carbs: 16.9%