Mastering Bourbon Peach Grilled BBQ Wings: Sweet, Tangy, and Perfectly Smoky
Get ready to elevate your grilling game with these incredible Bourbon Peach Grilled BBQ Wings! Bursting with a delightful combination of tangy, sweet, and just a hint of smoky heat, these wings are coated in my absolute favorite bourbon peach BBQ sauce recipe. The result? Irresistibly sticky, gloriously crispy, and utterly delicious chicken wings that will have everyone reaching for more. This recipe comfortably serves 4 to 6 people, making it perfect for a family meal or a small gathering.
Is there anything better than a big, succulent pile of sweet and sticky grilled BBQ wings, especially when the weather calls for outdoor cooking? For many, chicken wings are more than just an appetizer; they’re a culinary obsession.
I confess, I have a profound soft spot for wings. They are my go-to appetizer on any menu, I’m constantly experimenting with new ways to make them even more delicious, and it’s no secret that wing recipes are consistently among the most popular on my blog throughout the year. The versatility and sheer enjoyment factor of a perfectly cooked wing are unmatched!
So, let’s dive into this fresh and exciting take on grilled chicken wings that I am absolutely loving right now. Crispy grilled wings, perfectly charred and then generously coated in a luscious, sticky sauce, are arguably one of the best ways to enjoy this classic dish. Who could argue with that?
These Bourbon Peach Grilled BBQ Wings deliver exactly that experience. We begin by applying a simple yet flavorful dry rub, crafted from staple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. This rub not only seasons the chicken deeply but also imparts a lovely hint of warmth and spice, creating a fantastic base for the sauce.
The true star, however, is the homemade sweet and tangy peach bourbon BBQ sauce. This sauce is nothing short of divine – rich, fruity, and with that distinct smoky kick from the bourbon. It clings beautifully to the crispy wings, transforming them into an easy-to-make, seriously addictive feast!
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Why These Bourbon Peach Grilled BBQ Wings Will Be Your New Favorite
These wings aren’t just another BBQ recipe; they’re a revelation of flavors and textures that truly stand out. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with them:
- Unforgettable Flavor Profile: The combination of sweet, ripe peaches with the smoky depth of bourbon creates a BBQ sauce that’s wonderfully complex and utterly unique. Add in the savory and spicy dry rub, and you have a flavor explosion in every bite.
- Perfectly Crispy Skin: Grilling the wings directly ensures that coveted crispy skin, while the internal meat remains juicy and tender. This textural contrast is essential for truly great wings.
- Effortlessly Delicious: Despite their gourmet taste, these wings are surprisingly easy to prepare. The dry rub comes together in minutes, and the grilling process is straightforward, making them perfect for both novice and experienced grill masters.
- Ideal for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a casual backyard BBQ, watching a game, or simply looking for a fantastic appetizer or main dish, these Bourbon Peach Grilled BBQ Wings are always a crowd-pleaser.
- Seasonal Star: Peaches are at their best in the summer, making this recipe a perfect way to celebrate fresh, seasonal produce.
Other Delectable Wing Recipes to Try
If you’re as big a fan of chicken wings as I am, you’re always on the lookout for new and exciting variations. While these Bourbon Peach Grilled BBQ Wings are truly special, don’t forget to explore other fantastic options from my collection:
- Dry Rub Wings: For those who love a savory, spice-forward experience without the stickiness.
- Crispy Korean BBQ Wings: A delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and umami flavors, often fried for extra crunch.
- Grilled Cajun Wings: Infused with bold, zesty Cajun spices for a kick of Southern flavor.
- Beer Marinated Chicken Wings: Tenderized and flavored with your favorite brew, perfect for a casual grill-out.
Essential Equipment for Perfect Grilled Wings
One of the best things about making these incredible BBQ wings is how little specialized equipment you actually need. Most of these items are probably already in your kitchen, making this a hassle-free cooking experience.
- Metal Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a set of durable metal mixing bowls. These are indispensable for two main steps: first, to thoroughly combine your dry rub ingredients, and second, to evenly coat your chicken wings with both the rub and later, the delicious bourbon peach BBQ sauce. Using different sizes can be helpful!
- Silicone Brush: A good quality silicone brush is crucial for applying the sticky BBQ sauce evenly to the wings during the final stages of grilling. Silicone brushes are heat-resistant and easy to clean, making them ideal for high-temperature cooking.
- Grill: Of course, a grill is essential! We absolutely love our Traeger Lil Tex Elite 34 Pellet Grill for its consistent heat and smoky flavor, but any charcoal or gas grill will work wonderfully. Just ensure your grill is clean and preheated properly.
- Long-Handled Tongs: A sturdy pair of long-handled tongs (like these 9-inch tongs) is a must for safely flipping the wings on the hot grill and transferring them once cooked.
- Meat Thermometer: While not strictly a “must-have” for mixing and grilling, a reliable meat thermometer is essential for ensuring your chicken wings are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees food safety and perfectly juicy wings every time.
These basic tools are all you need to create a truly sensational batch of grilled chicken wings. If you’re looking to continue the delightful peach theme beyond just wings, you might also enjoy these sweet and savory peach basil goat cheese tarts as another appetizer!
How to Make Bourbon Peach Grilled BBQ Wings!
Creating these irresistible Bourbon Peach Grilled BBQ Wings is a straightforward process that yields incredibly flavorful results. Follow these steps for grilling success.
Crafting the Perfect Dry Rub
The dry rub is the foundation of flavor for these wings. It creates a savory, slightly spicy crust that enhances the crispiness of the skin and complements the sweet and tangy BBQ sauce.
- Combine Spices: In a small mixing bowl, thoroughly combine all the dry rub ingredients: kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, dark brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix until the spices are uniformly distributed. The smoked paprika adds a beautiful color and smoky depth, while the brown sugar helps with caramelization and a hint of sweetness. Cayenne pepper is optional but highly recommended for that subtle kick of heat.
- Coat the Wings: Add the cleaned and pat-dried chicken wings to a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the prepared dry rub generously over the wings. Use your hands (or tongs) to toss and massage the rub into every crevice of the chicken, ensuring each wing is evenly coated. This step is crucial for building layers of flavor.
Grilling to Perfection
Grilling is key to achieving that desirable crispy skin and smoky flavor that sets these wings apart.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to a consistent 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for getting the skin crispy without overcooking the inside.
- Grill Wings: Once the grill is hot, carefully place the seasoned wings directly on the grates. Grill the wings for a total of approximately 30 to 40 minutes. The secret to even cooking and maximum crispiness is to flip them every 10 to 15 minutes. This ensures all sides get a chance to crisp up and cook through.
- Sauce the Wings: During the last 5 to 10 minutes of cooking, it’s time to introduce the star sauce! Using your silicone brush, generously baste the wings on all sides with the Bourbon Peach BBQ Sauce. Continue to flip and brush, allowing the sauce to caramelize and create that beautiful, sticky glaze.
- Check Doneness: Always ensure your chicken wings are fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. They should register 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the wing. This guarantees they are safe to eat and perfectly juicy.
The Final Toss
A second coating of sauce right after grilling takes these wings from great to absolutely phenomenal.
- Remove and Toss: Once the wings are cooked through and beautifully glazed, remove them from the grill and transfer them immediately to a large, clean mixing bowl. Pour the remaining Bourbon Peach BBQ Sauce over the hot wings.
- Serve: Toss the wings gently to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated in the luscious, sticky sauce. Arrange them artfully on a serving platter. For a fresh, vibrant finish and a subtle oniony bite, generously top with sliced green onions before serving. These wings are best enjoyed fresh off the grill!
Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings
These Bourbon Peach Grilled BBQ Wings are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides and drinks. For a complete meal, consider serving them with a light coleslaw, creamy potato salad, or grilled corn on the cob. If you’re hosting a spread of appetizers, they complement other summer favorites beautifully.
Need some more inspiration for amazing appetizers? Don’t hesitate to check out my extensive appetizer recipe page for countless delicious ideas!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Grilled Wings
How Long Does It Take to Grill Chicken Wings?
The total grilling time for chicken wings typically ranges from 30 to 40 minutes when cooked at a consistent temperature of 400°F (200°C). The exact time can vary depending on the size of your wings and the specific heat of your grill. The key is to flip them regularly, every 10 to 15 minutes, to ensure even cooking and a uniformly crispy skin.
Most importantly, always use a meat thermometer to confirm they are safely cooked through before removing them from the grill. Chicken wings should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in their thickest part. This not only guarantees food safety but also results in perfectly juicy, tender meat.
Should I Buy Whole Wings or Pre-Cut Drumettes and Flats?
I highly recommend buying whole chicken wings! Not only are they often significantly less expensive this way, but you can also easily break them down yourself at home. It’s a quick process that takes about 10 minutes once you get the hang of it. Breaking them down yourself allows you to save money and ensures you get fresh, high-quality cuts.
If you’re unsure how to break down a whole chicken wing into drumettes and flats, don’t worry! It’s simpler than you might think. Click here for a quick 30-second video tutorial that demonstrates exactly how to do it. You’ll be a pro in no time!
Can I Bake These Wings Instead of Grilling?
Absolutely! While grilling adds a unique smoky flavor and char, these Bourbon Peach BBQ Wings can certainly be baked in the oven. To achieve crispy skin, arrange the seasoned wings on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. Bake at a high temperature, around 400-425°F (200-220°C), for 45-60 minutes, flipping halfway. Baste with the sauce during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. Ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What Can I Substitute for Bourbon in the Sauce?
If you prefer to avoid alcohol or don’t have bourbon on hand, you can certainly make substitutions. For a non-alcoholic option, use apple juice, apple cider, or even a strong brewed coffee for depth of flavor. If you’re looking for a similar boozy kick without bourbon, dark rum or even a splash of apple cider vinegar (to mimic the acidity and complex notes) could work, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
Looking for another fantastic summery appetizer to complement these amazing wings? These tasty tomato puff pastry tarts are absolutely perfect for tomato season and make a wonderful pairing!
Bourbon Peach Grilled BBQ Wings
10 minutes
40 minutes
50 minutes
8
equipment
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9-Inch Tongs
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Traeger Lil Tex Elite 34 Pellet Grill
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Hickory Hardwood Grill Pellets (optional, for pellet grills)
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Measuring Spoons
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Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
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Silicone Basting Brush
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Meat Thermometer
ingredients
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your heat preference)
- 4 lbs chicken wings (broken down into drumettes and flats, patted dry)
- 1 cup Bourbon Peach BBQ Sauce (homemade is best!)
- Garnish: sliced green onion
instructions
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Step 1: Prepare Grill. Preheat your grill to a steady 400°F (200°C).
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Step 2: Make the Rub. In a small bowl, thoroughly stir together all the ingredients for the dry rub (kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, dark brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper) until well combined.
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Step 3: Season Wings. Place the pat-dried chicken wings in a large mixing bowl. Add the prepared rub and toss vigorously to ensure every wing is evenly and generously coated.
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Step 4: Grill the Wings. Carefully place the seasoned wings on the preheated grill. Cook for about 30 to 40 minutes, flipping them every 10 to 15 minutes. This ensures the skin gets wonderfully crispy and the wings cook evenly. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; they should register an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Step 5: Sauce and Glaze. In the last 5 to 10 minutes of grilling, use a silicone brush to generously baste the wings on all sides with the Bourbon Peach BBQ Sauce. Continue to flip and brush to build up a beautiful, sticky glaze.
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Step 6: Final Toss and Serve. Once cooked, remove the wings from the grill and transfer them to a large, clean bowl. Pour any remaining Bourbon Peach BBQ Sauce over the wings and toss to coat thoroughly. Arrange on a serving platter, garnish with freshly sliced green onions, and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture!
nutrition
Carbohydrates: 23g |
Protein: 23g |
Fat: 20g |
Saturated Fat: 6g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 8g |
Trans Fat: 0.2g |
Cholesterol: 94mg |
Sodium: 1333mg |
Potassium: 314mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 19g |
Vitamin A: 560IU |
Vitamin C: 1mg |
Calcium: 38mg |
Iron: 2mg
366kcal
American
Appetizer