Kentucky Bourbon-Honey Wings

These wings are one of those recipes I keep coming back to.

They're crispy, sticky, a little sweet, and have just enough bourbon flavor to make them feel a little more special than your average wing.

I usually make them for game days, cookouts, or anytime we have people over because they're easy and everyone likes them.

The bourbon-honey glaze is my favorite part. It's sweet, savory, and gets nice and sticky when the wings go back in the oven for a few minutes.

Fair warning... make extra. They disappear fast.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Crispy on the outside and juicy inside.

• Sweet, sticky bourbon-honey glaze.

• Perfect for game day, Derby parties, or backyard cookouts.

• Oven baked or air fryer friendly.

• Easy enough for a weeknight but great for entertaining.

  
  

Ingredients

For the Wings

• 2 lbs chicken wings (flats & drumettes)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

  
  

For the Bourbon-Honey Glaze

• ½ cup honey

• ¼ cup bourbon (Woodford, Buffalo Trace, or your favorite)

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat

  
  

How to Make Kentucky Bourbon-Honey Wings

1. Prep the Wings

Preheat your oven to 425°F.

Pat the wings dry and toss with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Arrange on a baking sheet in a single layer.

2. Bake.

Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden brown and crispy.

Air Fryer: Cook at 380°F for 22–25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

3. Make the glaze.

While the wings cook, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.

Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.

Stir in the honey, bourbon, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes.

Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly.

4. Glaze the wings.

Toss the cooked wings in the bourbon-honey glaze.

Return them to the oven for 5–7 minutes so the glaze caramelizes and becomes sticky.

Make It Your Own

• Add more red pepper flakes if you like extra heat.

• Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

• Garnish with sliced green onions.

• Try the glaze on grilled chicken or pork chops.

• Add a splash of hot sauce for a spicy bourbon version.Serve immediately.

  
  

Storage & Leftovers

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer until warmed through and crispy again.

The extra glaze can also be refrigerated for up to 1 week and used on grilled chicken, pork, or burgers.

A Few Questions You Might Have

Can I make these in the air fryer?

Yes! Cook the wings at 380°F for 22–25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Toss with the glaze and air fry for another 2–3 minutes if you'd like the glaze to caramelize.

Does the alcohol cook out?

Most of the alcohol cooks off while the glaze simmers, leaving behind the rich bourbon flavor.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week and gently warm it before tossing with the wings.

What should I serve with these wings?

They're great with celery, ranch or blue cheese dressing, potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw, or a side of Kentucky Beer Cheese and pretzels.

A Few Final Thoughts

These Kentucky Bourbon-Honey Wings are one of those recipes that never lasts long around our house. They're crispy, sticky, and packed with flavor, making them perfect for everything from game day to summer cookouts.

If you make them, I'd love to hear what you think or how you made them your own. Leave a comment below and let me know!

Thanks for stopping by The Schmidt Table. I hope this recipe finds its way to your table soon.