Spiced Chicken Wings Cooked with Honey, Bourbon, and Molasses Glaze
Crank up the heat and get ready to savor some mouthwatering, smoky rubbed chicken wings that'll leave you wanting more! After a heap of experiments, I finally nailed the perfect sweet-and-spicy rub to bring out those incredible wing flavors. And, oh boy, a boozy bourbon-spiked sauce brings yet another bold layer of flavor. If you're feeling the grill vibes, let those wings cook over medium indirect heat (around 400F) for approximately 40 minutes, reaching a point almost done before smothering them in sauce.
Wingettes, chopped throats of chicken wings, are the stars of this show. Many poultry factories sell chicken wingettes, and I suggest opting for fresh ones instead of those frozen modules because the latter tends to dry out when baked. Or, if you're up for it, spend a few minutes chopping your own! Just separate the joints with a heavy knife or cleaver, disposing of the tips or storing them for future use (like stock!).
Need a recipe for 6 comforting souls? Here's one that features a zestful smoky rub, a delectable honey, bourbon, and molasses sauce, and wingettes that will knock your socks off!
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients (23)
- 5 1/2 pounds chicken wingettes
For the BBQ Sauce:- 1 cup spicy barbecue sauce (e.g., Rattler BBQ Sauce)- 1 cup ketchup- 1/4 cup molasses (not blackstrap)- 1/2 cup bourbon (e.g., Maker's Mark)- 1/2 cup honey- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
For the Smoky Rub:- 1/3 cup light brown sugar- 1 tablespoon kosher salt- 1 tablespoon ground coriander seeds- 1 tablespoon sweet smoked paprika- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger- 1/2 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes- 3/4 teaspoon celery salt- 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper- 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
To make the BBQ sauce:1. In a medium saucepan, bring all ingredients to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking frequently.2. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let simmer, occasionally whisking to avoid scorching, for 30 minutes or until thickened and reduced by about one-quarter.3. Remove from heat and let cool; the sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
To make the rub:1. In a small bowl, whisk together all rub ingredients.2. Toss wingettes in a large bowl with the rub, then divide them into two 1-gallon self-sealing plastic bags, seal them, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.3. Preheat oven to 400F, placing racks in the top third and center. Line two half-sheet pans with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.4. Spread the wingettes out on the baking sheets, spacing them apart. Roast for about 40 minutes, turning wings over halfway through and swapping sheet positions, until wings are crispy and cooked through. During the final 5 minutes, brush the wings with some sauce. Remove from the oven.5. Preheat a broiler around 8 inches from heat source and set it to high. Cook the wings in batches for about 3 minutes to caramelize the sauce in spots. Serve hot, with any leftover sauce offered on the side.
Oh hey there! Here's an alternative recipe for Smoky Rubbed Chicken Wings, using a variety of ingredients that create a harmonious balance between sweetness and spiciness, while a honey, bourbon, and molasses sauce takes flavor to a whole new level!
Meanwhile, at Party Central!
Smoky Rubbed Chicken Wings
Ingredients:- For the wings: - 2 pounds chicken wings (drumettes, flats) - 2 Tablespoons brown sugar - 1 Tablespoon smoked paprika - 1 Tablespoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon kosher salt - 1 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Honey, Bourbon, and Molasses Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:1. Prepare the Smoky Rub: - In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, baking powder, chili powder, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Marinate the Wings:
- Place the chicken wings in a large bowl. Add the smoky rub and toss to coat evenly. Let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, allowing seasonings to penetrate.
- Smoke the Wings (if you're equipped!):
- Preheat your smoker to 250°F. Arrange the marinated chicken wings on the smoker grate. Close the lid and smoke for about 50-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160-162°F.
- Optional - Sear for Extra Crispiness:
- Increase the smoker temperature to its highest setting. If your smoker doesn't have a high heat function, use a broiler or grill to sear the wings for about 1 minute per side to achieve golden-brown, crispy skin.
- Make the Honey, Bourbon, and Molasses Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, bourbon, molasses, butter, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove the wings from the smoker and toss them in the Honey, Bourbon, and Molasses sauce until well coated. Serve immediately with your favorite sides or dipping sauces!
Tips:- For extra crispy wings, you can finish them in an oven broiler for a few minutes after glazing with the sauce.- Use a variety of wood pellets (e.g., apple, cherry) to enhance the smoky flavor.- Adjust the amount of chipotle powder to your desired level of spiciness.
Enjoy the delectable medley of smoky rubbed chicken wings and the rich flavors of the honey, bourbon, and molasses sauce! This recipe takes taste buds on an exhilarating culinary rollercoaster ride!
- The honey, bourbon, and molasses sauce, along with the zestful smoky rub, are creditline to the incredible flavors in this Smoky Rubbed Chicken Wings recipe.
- To achieve perfectly crispy and spice-rubbed wingettes, it's advisable to opt for fresh, not frozen, chicken wingettes, and to toss them in a mixture of ingredients for the smoky rub before baking or grilling.
- This Smoky Rubbed Chicken Wings recipe not only offers a mouthwatering, smoky, and tender chicken dish but also boasts a cool alternative to the original recipe, with a honey, bourbon, and molasses sauce that adds an extra layer of flavor to the wingettes.
