Get ready to take your taste buds on a wild ride, y’all! Chef Max here, and I’m about to show you how to transform some ordinary chicken wings into an EPIC, flavor-packed masterpiece. We’re talking crispy, salty-sweet skin, infused with the smoky, bourbon-y goodness of a backyard barbecue. This recipe is the ultimate flavor adventure, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Why You’ll Love This Smoked Maple Bourbon Glazed Chicken Wings with Crispy Skin
These wings are the stuff of legends, folks. The secret lies in the way we layer the flavors – first, we smoke the wings to perfection, infusing them with that irresistible, campfire-inspired taste. Then, we smother them in a sticky-sweet maple bourbon glaze that’ll have you licking your fingers in delight. And let’s not forget the crowning glory – the shatteringly crisp skin that’ll have you craving more with every bite. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that’ll leave your taste buds begging for mercy (in the best way possible, of course)!
Ingredients
You’re going to need some key players to make these Smoked Maple Bourbon Glazed Chicken Wings with Crispy Skin: chicken wings, maple syrup, bourbon, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a few spices to really bring the heat. Trust me, the end result is worth the short ingredient list.
- 3 lbs – Chicken wings, drumettes and flats separated
- 1 cup – Maple syrup
- 1/2 cup – Bourbon
- 1/4 cup – Soy sauce
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp – Fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tsp – Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp – Chili powder
- 1/2 tsp – Cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Bourbon: Dark rum or whiskey (similar bold, oak-y flavors)
- Maple syrup: Honey or agave (for a different sweetness profile)
How to Make Smoked Maple Bourbon Glazed Chicken Wings with Crispy Skin
Now, let’s get down to business and make these wings the star of the show!
Step 1: Prep Work
First up, we’re gonna get those wings ready for their flavor transformation. Start by patting them dry with paper towels, then season them generously with salt, pepper, and a blend of your favorite spices (think smoked paprika, chili powder, and a pinch of cayenne for a real kick).
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Now, it’s time to work some magic on the grill or smoker. Set up your smoker or grill for indirect heat, and let those wings soak up the sweet, woodsy goodness of the smoke until they’re perfectly cooked through. We’re talking juicy, tender meat with that signature crispy skin.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the wings are smoked to perfection, it’s time to take them to the next level. In a saucepan, whisk together the maple syrup, bourbon, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, and let that mixture simmer until it’s thick and syrupy. Toss the wings in the glaze, making sure they’re evenly coated, and let them bake for a few more minutes to really lock in that flavor.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Before you dig in, give those wings one last finishing touch. Sprinkle on some fresh chopped parsley or green onions to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness. Then, get ready to dive in and experience the ultimate flavor explosion!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Wood Chip Variations: Try using different types of wood chips in your smoker for unique flavor profiles, like apple, oak, or hickory.
- Glaze Experiments: Experiment with other glaze ingredients like honey, brown sugar, or even a splash of hot sauce.
- Serving Suggestions: These wings would be killer alongside a creamy coleslaw or a zesty, grilled corn salad.
- Crispy Skin Tip: Crank up the heat for the final baking step to help lock in that shatteringly crisp skin.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Creamy coleslaw, grilled corn salad, or your favorite sides.
Storage: These wings will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore that crispy skin.
Make-Ahead: The smoked wings can be prepared and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days before glazing and baking.
Nutrition Information
These wings may be bursting with flavor, but they’re also packing a nutritional punch. Each serving is loaded with protein, plus a decent amount of vitamins and minerals from the spices and herbs. And hey, a little maple and bourbon never hurt anyone, right? Just be sure to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 5-6 wings
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbs: 30 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make the skin extra crispy?
The key to achieving that shatteringly crisp skin is all in the prep work. Make sure to pat the wings dry thoroughly before seasoning and smoking them. And don’t be afraid to crank up the heat for the final baking step – that’ll help lock in the crispness.
Can I make these wings in the oven instead of the smoker?
Absolutely! If you don’t have access to a smoker or grill, you can still get that same smoky, flavor-packed experience by roasting the wings in the oven. Just be sure to use a hot oven (around 425°F) and flip the wings halfway through for even cooking.
How can I adjust the spice level?
Want to turn up the heat? Add a bit more cayenne or chili powder to the seasoning blend. Or, if you’re not a fan of the spice, feel free to omit the heat-inducing ingredients altogether. The maple bourbon glaze will still provide plenty of sweet and savory flavor.
Can I make these wings ahead of time?
Definitely! The smoked wings can be prepared and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days before glazing and baking. Just reheat them in the oven or air fryer before tossing in the glaze for a quick and easy meal.
What should I serve with these wings?
The possibilities are endless, my friends! These Smoked Maple Bourbon Glazed Chicken Wings would be the ultimate main dish, but they’d also make an epic appetizer or game day snack. Pair them with a creamy coleslaw, some crispy fries, or a fresh, zesty salad for a complete flavor-packed meal.
Try These Next
- Maple Whiskey Glazed Chicken Wings With Spicy Honey Drizzle
- Whiskey Maple Glazed Chicken Wings With Creamy Ranch
- Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings With Zesty Ranch Dip
Smoked Maple Bourbon Glazed Chicken Wings with Crispy Skin
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Smoke House
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Smoked Maple Bourbon Glazed Chicken Wings are the perfect combination of sweet and smoky, with a deliciously crispy skin. Perfect for game day or a backyard barbecue!
Ingredients
2 lbs chicken wings
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup bourbon
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare your smoker to a temperature of 225°F (107°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together maple syrup, bourbon, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
3. Season chicken wings with salt and coat them in the glaze mixture.
4. Place wings in the smoker and smoke for about 1 hour, flipping halfway through.
5. Increase the smoker temperature to 375°F (190°C) for the last 15 minutes to achieve crispy skin.
6. Remove wings from the smoker and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra crispy skin, you can dry the wings in the fridge overnight before smoking.
Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the glaze by adding more or less maple syrup.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 wings
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: chicken wings, smoked, bourbon, maple, appetizer