Bring Sizzle to the Party with Bourbon Smoked Chicken Wings

A generous batch of savory chicken wings is just the right menu choice for many occasions. Fourth of July celebrations, game day, family picnics, and outdoor barbecues in the backyard with friends all call for these hands-on bites. While smoking your wings takes longer than other grilled chicken recipes, the mouthwatering results are so worth the wait. This bourbon smoked chicken recipe is a crowd pleaser.

Ingredients

· 2 cups water

· 1/4 cup bourbon

· 1/8 cup brown sugar

· 1 tablespoon salt

· 4 cups ice water

· 2 teaspoons black pepper

· 3 garlic cloves, minced

· 1 tablespoon red chili peppers, sliced thinly

· 1 small lemon, quartered

· 2 pounds chicken wings

Smoking Supplies

· 1 bag of charcoal

· 1 or 2 bags of light wood chips ideal for poultry (apple or alder)

· Enough water to cover chips for soaking

· Aluminum foil, a disposable aluminum pan, or a wood chip smoker box

These bourbon smoked chicken wings are easy to prepare. Just make the chicken marinade, chill for a few hours to let the chicken soak in the sweet and spicy goodness, and fire up the smoker. This recipe adapts easily into a grilled chicken marinade if you prefer to grill your chicken wings — or have grilled chicken breast, thighs, or legs. Simply create the same marinade and place the chicken on a hot grill instead of into a smoker.

Step 1 

In a large skillet or sauté pan, create the chicken marinade by bringing the first four ingredients to a boil, dissolving the sugar and salt. Remove from heat and add remaining ingredients, placing the chicken wings in the marinade after it has cooled to room temperature. Place in a freezer bag and chill for up to five hours. Occasionally toss the bag to recoat the chicken wings with the marinade.

Step 2

Soak the wood chips for an hour in water; drain.

Step 3

Prepare the smoker so the coals are white hot. Place wood chips in an aluminum foil pouch, the pan, or a smoker box and place on coals.

Step 4

Drain excess marinade from the bag. Place wings on the grill and cover the smoker. Chicken wings take two hours to smoke. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.