Applewood-Smoked Chicken Wings with Jim Beam BBQ Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken wings smoked over applewood and tossed in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce made with a hint of Jim Beam bourbon. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 150 minutes blends tablespoon kosher salt, teaspoon black pepper, teaspoon smoked paprika into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 340 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 135 min Serves 6 American cuisine 340 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 3 pounds chicken wings with 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 2 tablespoons olive oil, coating evenly.
  2. Step 2: Preheat your smoker to 225°F and add 2 cups soaked applewood chips for a mild fruity smoke.
  3. Step 3: Arrange the wings on the smoker rack and smoke for 2 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin feels slightly firm.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare the Jim Beam BBQ sauce by whisking together 1 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 3 tablespoons Jim Beam bourbon, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened and glossy.
  5. Step 5: Once wings are smoked, increase the smoker temperature to 300°F or transfer wings to a preheated oven at 300°F and cook for an additional 15 minutes to crisp the skin.
  6. Step 6: Toss the crisped wings in the warm Jim Beam BBQ sauce until fully coated and serve immediately for a smoky, sweet, and tangy bite.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Applewood-Smoked Chicken Wings with Jim Beam BBQ Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 150 minutes (15 min prep + 135 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Applewood-Smoked Chicken Wings with Jim Beam BBQ Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Applewood-Smoked Chicken Wings with Jim Beam BBQ Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Applewood-Smoked Chicken Wings with Jim Beam BBQ Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Applewood-Smoked Chicken Wings with Jim Beam BBQ Sauce?

American bbq & smoked like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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