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    Urban Bliss Life » All Recipes » Chicken Recipes » Honey Bourbon Wings

    Published: January 20, 2024 / Updated: January 20, 2024 by Marlynn Jayme Schotland · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Honey Bourbon Wings

    1689 shares
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    honey bourbon chicken wings on a plate with title text overlay.

    These Honey Bourbon Wings are baked sticky chicken wings with a delicious sweet sauce. Perfect for any weeknight dinner, Game Day tailgating parties, and holiday parties!

    This post was originally published on May 1, 2015. It was updated with new photos, more helpful cooking instructions, and recipe details and republished on January 20, 2024.

    honey bourbon chicken wings stacked on top of each other next to green salad.

    Baked or grilled, sweet or spicy, chicken wings always manage to make almost any meal a party.

    We have loved wings here for a long time, if you haven't noticed. My family makes a lot of Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Wings and Salt and Pepper Wings when we're craving crispy skin. But we also love wings with sticky sauce, like these Baked Teriyaki Chicken Wings and Cilantro Lime Asian Chicken Wings.

    We even like to make chicken wings a fancy main entree at times, like these Cranberry Pomegranate Sticky Wings.

    This chicken wing recipe makes some of the best wings, because it features one of the most delicious flavor combinations on the planet: honey and bourbon.

    It's a flavor combo that's delicious in everything from sweet Honey Bourbon Chocolate Truffles to savory Slow Cooker Honey Bourbon Meatballs. So it's no surprise that it's a winning combo for Honey Bourbon Chicken Wings, too!

    Jump to:
    • ❤️ Why you'll love this recipe
    • 🛒 Ingredient notes
    • ✅ Step-by-step instructions
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Recipe FAQs
    • 🍽️ Serving ideas
    • 🍷 Wine pairings
    • More chicken wing recipes
    • Honey Bourbon Wings

    ❤️ Why you'll love this recipe

    honey bourbon chicken wings stacked on top of each other.

    You're gonna love this honey bourbon wings recipe!

    • Easy - This is an easy recipe that you can make with minimal prep work.
    • Flavorful - The honey bourbon combination creates sweet, slightly sticky wings that have big flavors in every bite.
    • Baked, not fried - Baking wings gives them that beautiful, yummy sticky skin while retaining super tender meat that's packed with flavors. And, it's healthier than fried chicken wings.
    • Versatile - These wings can be served as a party appetizer, and would be great for any tailgating party or holiday soiree. These can also be paired with a salad and/or some rice to make a delectable meal any night of the week.

    🛒 Ingredient notes

    raw chicken wings in a bowl.
    • Chicken - You'll need two pounds of chicken wings, and you can use a mix of drums and flats, full chicken wings with the tips intact, or use all drums or all flats. It's up to you!
    • Apple cider vinegar - This adds a little tanginess to the sauce.
    • Honey - This is the sweetness
    • Molasses - Molasses helps add richness to the sauce and also gives it the stickiness.
    • Bourbon - Use whatever bourbon you have on hand.
    • Garlic - You can increase or decrease the amount of garlic based on your personal preference, but I love using three cloves of minced garlic in this recipe. You can substitute ½ teaspoon to one teaspoon of garlic powder if you prefer.
    • Lemon juice - A little fresh lemon juice adds some nice acidity and balance to the sauce.
    • salt and pepper - Use kosher salt and ground black pepper to season the wings.

    ✅ Step-by-step instructions

    A full list of ingredients with measurements, and the full recipe with more detailed instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. But here are some step-by-step instructions to help you make these delicious wings.

    • In a large bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients.
    • Season the chicken wings and add to the sweet bourbon sauce marinade.
    • Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour. You can make these the day before and refrigerate over night as well.
    • Preheat oven to 350° degrees.
    • Cover a baking sheet with foil and coat with cooking spray.
    • Transfer wings from the bowl, setting aside the honey bourbon sauce marinade.
    • Place chicken wings in a single layer on the foil.
    • Bake for 30 minutes.
    • At 30 minutes, baste chicken with remaining sauce, and rotate the pan.
    • Bake for another 20-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
    • Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

    👩🏻‍🍳 Recipe FAQs

    What's the best way to store leftovers?

    Allow the chicken wings to cool down, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

    Can I make these crispy wings?

    With the honey bourbon BBQ sauce that coats these wings, they are meant to be more sweet and sticky wings than a crispy wing. However, before seasoning, you can dry wings with a paper towel, season with salt and pepper, then coat with a little cornstarch before marinating. This will give wings a bit of a crispier texture while baking.

    How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?

    Chicken is done cooking and safe to eat when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads an internal temperature of 165°F.

    🍽️ Serving ideas

    honey bourbon chicken wings next to green salad.

    During football season, serve these chicken wings on a Game Day platter next to your favorite hot sauce, Soft Pretzel Bites, Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket, and Air Fryer Potato Skins.

    For a weeknight dinner, serve these yummy wings with a simple salad. Try this tasty Asian Carrot Cucumber Salad, Thai Chicken Salad, or Arugula Quinoa Salad.

    🍷 Wine pairings

    teriyaki chicken wings with a glass of Teutonic Riesling white wine

    Similar to the wine pairing for our Baked Teriyaki Wings, these honey bourbon wings would pair well with a Riesling. The high acidity of this white wine balances the sweetness of the honey bourbon flavors.

    More chicken wing recipes

    • white plate with several crispy air fryer chicken wings on top.
      Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
    • air fryer teriyaki chicken wings close up
      Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Wings
    • white plate full of salt and pepper wings with side of chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
      Salt and Pepper Wings
    • baked teriyaki chicken wings with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
      Baked Teriyaki Chicken Wings

    Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to leave a 5-Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card, and if you really loved it, please leave a comment further down on the page. Thank you!

    honey bourbon chicken wings stacked next to green salad.

    Honey Bourbon Wings

    5 from 26 votes
    Prep Time: 40 minutes mins
    Cook Time: 1 hour hr
    Total Time: 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins
    Recipe by Marlynn Schotland
    These chicken wings are sweet, slightly sticky, and perfect for Game Day appetizers or as a weeknight dinner.
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 389kcal
    PRINT PIN RATE 🤍 SAVESaved!

    Ingredients

    • 2 pounds chicken wings
    • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • 3 tablespoons molasses
    • 3 tablespoons honey
    • 2 tablespoons bourbon
    • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
    • 3 garlic cloves finely minced
    • salt and pepper
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions

    • Combine all marinade ingredients (apple cider vinegar through garlic) into a large bowl.
    • Add the chicken wings and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle all sides with salt and pepper.
    • Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour. You can make these the day before and refrigerate over night as well.
    • Preheat oven to 350° degrees.
    • Cover a baking pan with foil and coat with cooking spray.
    • Remove chicken wings from the bowl, setting aside the marinade.
    • Place chicken wings, wing-side down, on the foil.
    • Bake for 30 minutes.
    • At 30 minutes, baste chicken with reserve marinade, and rotate the pan.
    • Bake for another 20-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
    • Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

    Notes

    Makes 2 pounds of chicken wings, which makes approximately 4 appetizer servings or 2 main course servings.
    Double the recipe; You can double this recipe, which would make approximately 8 appetizer servings and 4 main course servings. 
    Storage: store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
    Tried this recipe?Please leave a star rating and comment! Then snap a pic of your dish and share it on social media. Tag @UrbanBlissLife and #UrbanBlissLife!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 389kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 97mg | Potassium: 453mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 181IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 2mg

    Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.

    This post was originally published on May 1, 2015. It was updated with new photos, more helpful cooking instructions, and recipe details and republished on January 20, 2024.

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    1689 shares

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      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Connie Andros Glentadakis says

        May 09, 2025 at 12:59 pm

        5 stars
        Looking forward to make these children wings for my Grandchildren P.S saving this recipe TY

        Reply
      2. Susan says

        February 27, 2020 at 6:00 pm

        5 stars
        I used the recipe with chicken breasts. I doubled the recipe, however I had to make it without molasses. (They don’t carry it in my local grocery store.)

        Turned out really good!

        Reply
        • Marlynn Jayme Schotland says

          February 28, 2020 at 12:33 pm

          5 stars
          So happy they turned out well! Thank you for commenting, Susan!

      3. Ryan says

        March 28, 2017 at 10:10 am

        5 stars
        Wow this is absolutely delicious! I love this favor, thanks for sharing!

        Reply
      4. Miss Marcy says

        December 17, 2016 at 6:24 pm

        Sounds and looks delicious! Cannot wait to try these. Just 1 comment /question, have been always told to boil leftover marinades due to blood etc from marinating. I noticed your recipe uses marinade to brush on while cooking.
        I will boil mine for a few minutes first.

        Reply
        • Marlynn Jayme Schotland says

          December 18, 2016 at 11:29 am

          It's never been a problem for us with this recipe since the meat cooks longer after the last time we brush on some marinade, but thanks for sharing, Marcy! If anyone is concerned about that, boiling the marinade is certainly a good option. :) Hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

      5. Sarah says

        August 09, 2015 at 2:22 pm

        5 stars
        Yum, these sticky wings are the best, and I totally support your desire to honeybourbonallthethings!!

        Reply
        • Marlynn Jayme Schotland says

          August 11, 2015 at 9:01 am

          5 stars
          Yay! Another supporter of #HoneyBourbonAllTheThings! Welcome to the club! :)

      6. Barbara C says

        July 11, 2015 at 8:10 am

        5 stars
        You say bourbon and I'm in...these are FANTASTIC!

        Reply
        • Marlynn Jayme Schotland says

          July 12, 2015 at 9:08 am

          5 stars
          Love my fellow bourbon fans! Thanks, Barbara!

      7. Monica Louie says

        June 13, 2015 at 4:04 pm

        5 stars
        Wow! These are good. YUM!

        Reply
        • Marlynn says

          June 15, 2015 at 9:00 am

          5 stars
          Thanks, Monica!

      8. Barbara says

        June 01, 2015 at 4:29 am

        5 stars
        OMG! Love wings these are amazing.

        Reply
        • Marlynn says

          June 02, 2015 at 9:11 am

          5 stars
          Thank you, Barbara!

      9. Erin says

        May 24, 2015 at 2:30 pm

        5 stars
        This is real good. I am not a huge wings fan but that marinade is delicious.

        Reply
      10. Jennifer S says

        May 21, 2015 at 9:58 am

        5 stars
        I am so excited about these wings!! I recently ordered some bourbon wings at the local sports bar and was disappointed- you couldn't taste the bourbon at all. But these honey bourbon wings have lots of flavor!

        Reply
        • Marlynn Jayme Schotland says

          May 21, 2015 at 10:06 am

          5 stars
          Great thing about making wings at home -- you can always add more bourbon! Cheers! :)

      11. Marlynn Jayme Schotland says

        May 07, 2015 at 9:09 am

        You can eat these with pomme frites, Bill! ;)

        Reply
      12. Danielle says

        May 03, 2015 at 8:36 am

        5 stars
        I've been dying to try some wings lately. I've never made them from scratch until now and this a great recipe. Thanks for sharing, cheers!

        Reply
        • Marlynn Jayme Schotland says

          May 07, 2015 at 9:07 am

          5 stars
          Oh, homemade wings are the BEST, Danielle! You can make them just how you like them. Thank you - so glad you like them!

      13. Kira says

        May 01, 2015 at 12:50 pm

        They sound amazing and I love that it's all ingredients I have on hand.

        Reply
        • Marlynn Jayme Schotland says

          May 07, 2015 at 9:04 am

          Fabulous! I try to do recipes using ingredients you'd most likely have on hand, so that makes me happy. :) Thanks for stopping by, Kira!

      14. Pech says

        May 01, 2015 at 2:53 pm

        Um, so much yum! I want to eat my screen. Though I would never serve it with salad - rice to make sure no sauce goes to waste!

        Reply
      15. pam says

        May 01, 2015 at 4:52 am

        5 stars
        Always looking for new ways to use bourbon :)

        Reply
        • Marlynn Jayme Schotland says

          May 07, 2015 at 9:11 am

          Oh SO many ways to use bourbon... :) This is a tried & true one for me!

      16. Adriana Martin says

        May 01, 2015 at 12:10 am

        wow what a decadent recipe perfect for entertaining at home!

        Reply
        • Marlynn Jayme Schotland says

          May 07, 2015 at 9:10 am

          Thank you, Adriana! I appreciate you stopping by!

      5 from 26 votes (8 ratings without comment)

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      Marlynn Jayme Schotland 2021 profile pic

      Hi! If you're looking for easy, fast, delicious family-friendly recipes, wine pairings, and travel tips, you've come to the right place! I'm Marlynn - a cookbook author, writer, photographer, and mom of two teenagers + a lovable lab retriever. I hold a WSET 2 with Distinction in wine, and am a member of Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA).

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