Grilled Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Wings with Smoky Paprika Rub

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken wings infused with a smoky paprika rub, grilled to perfection, and finished with a sweet and tangy bourbon glaze. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 175 minutes pairs pounds chicken wings, split, smoked paprika, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 150 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 2 pounds chicken wings and 2 tbsp olive oil, tossing well to coat each wing evenly with the smoky rub.
  2. Step 2: Cover and refrigerate the wings for at least 2 hours to let the flavors penetrate.
  3. Step 3: While the wings marinate, prepare the bourbon glaze by whisking together 1/3 cup bourbon, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 2 minced garlic cloves in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 8 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy. Remove from heat.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium heat (about 375°F). Arrange wings on the grill in a single layer.
  5. Step 5: Grill wings for 20-25 minutes, turning every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent burning, until skin is crisp and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Step 6: During the last 5 minutes, brush wings generously with the bourbon glaze on both sides, allowing the glaze to caramelize without burning.
  7. Step 7: Remove wings from grill, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve with any remaining glaze for dipping.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Wings with Smoky Paprika Rub take to make?

Total time is about 175 minutes (150 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Wings with Smoky Paprika Rub?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pounds chicken wings, split from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Wings with Smoky Paprika Rub?

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 Grilled Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Wings with Smoky Paprika Rub for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Grilled Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Wings with Smoky Paprika Rub?

American grilling 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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