Description
These sticky honey bourbon chicken wings are slow-cooked to juicy perfection, then broiled for a caramelized, glossy glaze. Sweet, smoky, and irresistibly tender, they’re the ultimate party favorite and comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2.5 pounds chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats (fresh or thawed)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (regular or low-sodium)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels. If using frozen wings, ensure they are completely thawed.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, bourbon, soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Arrange wings in the slow cooker. Pour sauce over wings and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 2-2.5 hours, until wings are tender and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F).
- Optional: Remove wings and pour remaining sauce into a small saucepan. Simmer on medium heat for 5-8 minutes until thick and glossy, whisking occasionally.
- Preheat broiler to HIGH. Arrange wings on a foil-lined baking sheet (wire rack optional). Brush with thickened sauce.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and caramelized. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Transfer wings to a platter. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot with extra sauce on the side.
Notes
For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. For dairy-free, substitute olive oil for butter. Watch the broiler closely to avoid burning the glaze. Sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge overnight. Double the sauce for extra sticky wings or larger batches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours (slow cooker on LOW) or 2 hours (HIGH) plus 5-8 minutes to thicken sauce and 2-3 minutes broiling
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 4-5 wings per
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 780
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Protein: 18
Keywords: chicken wings, honey bourbon, slow cooker, party food, appetizer, sticky wings, game day, comfort food