Are you craving a delicious and easy weeknight dinner? Look no further! These bourbon chicken wings are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky, guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family. They're surprisingly simple to make, perfect for game day, a casual get-together, or just a satisfyingly delicious meal. This recipe is your shortcut to homemade cooking at its finest, offering a healthy and flavorful alternative to takeout. Get ready for a flavour explosion!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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Season the Wings: In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and black pepper. Ensure the wings are evenly coated with the seasoning.
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Bake the Wings: Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and almost cooked through.
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Make the Bourbon Glaze: While the wings are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, and rice vinegar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes).
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Glaze & Finish: Remove the wings from the oven and pour the bourbon glaze over them, ensuring each wing is coated. Return the wings to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the glaze is sticky and caramelized.
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Serve & Enjoy: Remove the wings from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious homemade bourbon chicken wings!
Tips for the Best Bourbon Chicken Wings:
- Pat the wings dry: Before seasoning, pat the wings dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere better and creates crispier wings.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Make sure the wings are in a single layer on the baking sheet for even cooking. You may need to bake them in batches if necessary.
- Adjust the heat: If you prefer milder wings, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. For extra heat, add more.
- Broil for extra crispiness: For extra crispy wings, broil them for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Variations:
- Spicy Bourbon Wings: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for an extra kick.
- Garlic Parmesan Wings: Add 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese to the glaze for a savory twist.
- Honey Mustard Wings: Substitute honey mustard for the bourbon glaze.
Nutritional Information (per wing, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: 10-15g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
These values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion size. Enjoy your delicious and easy meal! This quick dinner idea is perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to become a family favourite. These best recipes are simple to follow even for beginner cooks. Remember to share your creations with us!