Smoked Wings in Sweet‑Heat Bourbon Barbecue Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Chicken wings
• 1/4 cup Bourbon
• 1/2 cup Ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Honey
• 2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper(optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1 cup Cherry wood chips

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C) and add the cherry wood chips to the firebox.

2. 2

   Pat the chicken wings dry, then season them lightly with salt and set aside.

3. 3

   Place the wings on the smoker rack and smoke for 60 minutes, turning once halfway through.

4. 4

   While the wings are smoking, combine bourbon, ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper in a saucepan; simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

5. 5

   Remove the wings from the smoker and toss them in the prepared bourbon barbecue sauce until fully coated.

6. 6

   Increase the smoker temperature to 350°F (177°C) and return the sauced wings to the smoker for an additional 20–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the glaze is sticky.

7. 7

   Let the wings rest 5 minutes before serving.