Ultimate Whiskey Barbecue Baked Chicken Wings Recipe for Game Day & Gatherings

Prepare yourself for a culinary touchdown with these irresistible Whiskey Barbecue Baked Chicken Wings! Perfect for game day, tailgating, or any cozy fall get-together, these wings are generously glazed with a homemade sweet and spicy whiskey barbecue sauce that will have everyone licking their fingers clean. Forget the fryer; our baked method ensures a healthier, less messy, yet perfectly crispy wing every time.

The Irresistible Allure of Whiskey Barbecue Baked Chicken Wings

As autumn leaves begin to fall and the crisp air signals the start of football season, our minds naturally drift to comforting, flavorful dishes perfect for sharing. Sundays, for many, are synonymous with gridiron action and, more importantly, an incredible spread of game day food. In our household, even though we call Cleveland home, we proudly wave the green and gold for our beloved Packers. And what’s a football gathering without an array of delicious appetizers?

Our go-to football feast often includes a variety of crowd-pleasers. Think fresh veggies and crunchy pretzels, a warm and inviting Cheesy Black Bean Dip, savory Chicken Hummus Bites, or a hearty pot of Beef Poblano Black Bean Chili. But among all these favorites, one dish consistently reigns supreme: chicken wings. Specifically, these incredible **Whiskey Barbecue Baked Chicken Wings** are a must-have on our menu.

There truly is nothing quite like a big, mouth-watering spread to elevate the football-watching experience. Chicken wings are a personal passion of mine, and I find myself making them often throughout the fall season. These baked whiskey barbecue wings are not just food; they’re an experience. I promise you, every last bit of that luscious sauce will be licked clean from your plate and fingers!

Why Choose Baked Chicken Wings?

When it comes to preparing wings, baking offers a fantastic alternative to traditional frying. While fried wings are undeniably delicious, baking them makes them a little healthier, cutting down on excess oil without sacrificing flavor or texture. With the right technique, you can achieve a wonderfully crispy skin that rivals any fried version, all while making cleanup a breeze. This method allows the chicken to slowly absorb the flavors of the marinade and the subsequent barbecue sauce, resulting in a deeper, more satisfying taste. Plus, baking multiple batches is far easier than frying, making it ideal for feeding a hungry crowd.

The Secret is in the Sauce: Homemade Whiskey Barbecue

The true star of this recipe is undoubtedly the homemade whiskey barbecue sauce. It’s a masterful balance of sweet and spicy, with a depth of flavor that only good whiskey can provide. Creating your own sauce allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a fresh taste free from artificial additives. The whiskey adds a complex, aromatic note that elevates the classic barbecue profile, transforming it into something truly special and unforgettable. I often find myself doubling the recipe for the sauce, keeping a jar in the fridge for impromptu meals or future wing cravings. It’s incredibly versatile and fantastic on everything from grilled chicken breasts to pork sandwiches.

Featured Whiskeys: Gaur Spice Whiskey & Cavalry Bourbon

This particular recipe for baked chicken wings was inspired by the unique flavors of Gaur Spice Whiskey. This isn’t just any whiskey; it’s a celebration of Indian heritage, infused with exotic aromas and spices that create a truly distinctive profile. A small-batch American whiskey, Gaur artfully fuses Eastern and Western cultural traditions, drawing from ancient Indian practices of spice-mixing. Imagine a whiskey subtly infused with warm, inviting spices like nutmeg, clove, ginger, and cinnamon. These aromatic notes are precisely what make Gaur Spice Whiskey an exceptional choice for this barbecue sauce, contributing a layer of complexity and warmth that perfectly complements the sweet and savory elements. The creators’ passion for tradition, combined with the use of the finest ingredients and world-class American whiskeys, truly shines through in this unique blend. It’s perfect not only for your favorite cocktail but also as a secret ingredient in recipes like these whiskey barbecue baked chicken wings.

If you’re a fan of classic Bourbon Whiskeys, you’ll also want to explore Cavalry Bourbon. This spirit is more than just fine liquor; it encapsulates a sense of unity, fraternity, and patriotism. Cavalry Bourbon Whiskey bottles the spirit of the twenty-one gun salute, evoking a feeling of standing up for justice and honor. It’s a call to the revolutionary’s idealism, promising high quality and exceptional flavor. Its robust and smooth character makes it another excellent choice for both sipping in cocktails and incorporating into recipes like our baked chicken wings, offering a slightly different, yet equally compelling, flavor dimension to the barbecue sauce.

Preparing Your Perfect Chicken Wings

For this recipe, I often opt for a mix of chicken wings and drumettes. The drumettes typically boast a bit more succulent meat, providing a satisfying bite alongside the classic wing flats. However, feel free to use whatever combination of chicken pieces you prefer – whether it’s all flats, all drumettes, or a pre-packaged mix. The key is to ensure they are thawed and patted thoroughly dry before marinating; this helps achieve that coveted crispy skin during baking.

Our homemade whiskey barbecue sauce recipe yields approximately 2 cups, which is usually more than enough for 3 pounds of chicken. When coating my wings and drumettes, I typically use about 1 ½ cups of the sauce, allowing for a generous, finger-licking glaze. However, the amount you use is entirely up to your personal preference for sauciness. Don’t be shy if you like them extra coated! Any remaining sauce can be stored in an airtight container, like a mason jar, in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, ready to elevate future meals.

Beyond the Kitchen: Whiskey for Cocktails

My husband, Mike, has a knack for mixology, honed during his college bartending days. He thoroughly enjoys experimenting with both Gaur Spice Whiskey and Cavalry Bourbon, crafting unique and delicious cocktails. While I revel in using these whiskeys to create delectable kitchen masterpieces like these wings, he finds his passion in the shaker. No matter where your passion lies – be it in developing rich, savory recipes or shaking up a sophisticated drink – these two distinct whiskey brands offer exceptional quality and versatility for all your culinary and mixology adventures.

Tips for Crispy Baked Wings & Perfect Sauce

Pat Dry is Key: Ensure your chicken wings are as dry as possible after thawing. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin in the oven.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Arrange wings in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece. Overcrowding can steam the wings instead of crisping them.
Wire Rack for Airflow: Using a wire rack set on top of a baking sheet allows air to circulate around the wings, promoting even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
Basting for Flavor: The initial marinade sauce can be reserved and brushed onto the wings during baking. This helps build layers of flavor and keeps the chicken moist.
Strain the Sauce: Straining the finished barbecue sauce creates a silky-smooth texture, removing any bits of onion or garlic for a refined finish.
Make Ahead: The barbecue sauce can be made several days in advance and stored in the fridge. You can also marinate the chicken for a few hours before baking to deepen the flavors.

These Whiskey Barbecue Baked Chicken Wings are more than just an appetizer; they are a flavorful celebration, perfect for bringing people together. Whether you’re hosting a lively game day party, a casual tailgating event, or simply enjoying a cozy evening with loved ones, these wings are guaranteed to be a hit. Their unique blend of sweet, spicy, and smoky notes, infused with the rich essence of quality whiskey, creates an unforgettable culinary experience that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Whiskey Barbecue Baked Chicken Wings

Yield:
4-6

Prep Time:
30 minutes

Cook Time:
1 hour

Total Time:
1 hour 30 minutes

Whiskey Barbecue Baked Chicken Wings are perfect for game day, tailgating or a fall get together. These baked chicken wings are glazed with a spiced whiskey barbecue sauce and full of flavor.

Ingredients

For the chicken:

3 pounds chicken wings and drumettes , thawed and patted dry
1/4 cup Vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper {optional for spice}
1/4 cup of Worstershire Sauce
1/4 cup of Gaur Spice Whiskey

For the Whiskey Barbecue Sauce:

3/4 cup Gaur Spice Whiskey
1/4 cup sweet onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1/2 tablespoon kosher salt
2 cups store-bought ketchup or homemade ketchup
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce {optional for spice}
1/2 cup packed brown sugar

Instructions

For the chicken wings:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a slip mat and set a wire baking rack on top of the aluminum foil and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, place the chicken wings, vegetable oil, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, Worstershire sauce and whiskey to coat the wings. Toss the everything together until the wings are coated and seasoned. Cover and refrigerate the chicken for 20 minutes.
Begin preparing your barbecue sauce at this point {see below}.
When ready to cook the chicken spread the chicken into a single layer on the baking sheet. Set aside the sauce that the chicken was marinading in for later. Bake the chicken for 20 minutes on one side, remove from oven and use a brush to spread the reserved sauce over each side of the chicken. Flip the chicken and bake for another 20 minutes or until they are crispy and cooked through.
Once the wings are cooked, toss them in the sauce until coated {the sauce makes 2 cups–I used 1 1\/2 cups for the wings} and serve with green onion, celery and blue cheese dipping sauce.

For the Barbecue Whiskey Sauce:

While the chicken wings marinade, heat the whiskey over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic once the whiskey is heated and cook until the onions are tender and translucent, about 9-10. minutes. Mix in the pepper, salt, ketchup, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, hot sauce and brown sugar and stir to combine. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Set a mesh strainer in a large bowl and pour the barbecue sauce in. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to push the sauce through the strainer. Remove and discard the garlic and onion pieces.
Either store the sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate once cooled off or toss your wings in the sauce.

Notes

The sauce makes about 2 cups. When I coat 3 lbs of wings and legs I used about 1 1\/2 cups of sauce and saved the rest. This is a personal preference based on how saucy you like your wings.

You can double or triple this recipe when making a bigger batch of wings. Or you can also store the sauce in an airtight container for up to two weeks in the fridge and use it for things like sandwiches and grilled meats.

Today’s post is sponsored by Cavalry Bourbon & Gaur Spiced Whiskey. As always, opinions are 100% my own. Thanks for supporting brands that allow me to create new recipes for you.