Wisconsin Maple Bourbon Glazed Grilled Wings

Introduction

If you're looking to elevate your next wing night, these Wisconsin Maple Bourbon Glazed Grilled Wings are the ultimate savory-sweet delight. Seared over 1,000°F on the Arteflame grill, then finished to perfection on the flat cooktop, these wings are crispy outside, juicy inside, and slathered in a rich, sticky maple-bourbon glaze. Whether you're tailgating, hosting a backyard BBQ, or just grilling for your crew, this recipe delivers unforgettable flavor and that perfect Arteflame sear you love.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs chicken wings (separated into drumettes and flats)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 cup pure Wisconsin maple syrup
• 1/3 cup bourbon
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the soaked napkins in the center grill base and stack firewood on top.
3. Light the napkins to fire up your Arteflame grill.
4. Let the fire develop for 20 minutes until the center grate reaches over 1,000°F for searing and the cooktop is hot enough to evenly grill.

Step 2: Prep the Wings

1. In a large bowl, toss wings with melted butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if using).
2. Let marinate while the grill heats up — the butter helps the wings crisp up beautifully.

Step 3: Sear the Wings

1. Place wings on the center grill grate for 1-2 minutes per side to sear and lock in the juices.
2. Once seared, move the wings to the flat cooktop closer to the inner ring where it's hotter to continue cooking evenly.

Step 4: Make the Maple Bourbon Glaze

1. On the hot flat top, pour in maple syrup, bourbon, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and optional chili flakes.
2. Use a metal spatula to mix ingredients together on the cooktop and reduce the glaze until thick and sticky (about 5 minutes).

Step 5: Finish & Glaze the Wings

1. When wings reach an internal temperature of about 160°F, brush or toss them in the glaze.
2. Continue cooking on the cooler part of the cooktop until the internal temp hits 165°F. Remember to pull them at 150°F — carryover cooking will finish the job!

Tips

• Use real Wisconsin maple syrup for deep, rich sweetness.
• Always pull the wings off the grill 15°F before the target internal temp — they’ll keep cooking as they rest.
• Use crushed red pepper flakes to kick up the heat in the glaze if desired.
• Use butter instead of oil for grilling — it creates a richer flavor and enhances browning.
• Don’t crowd the wings on the cooktop to keep them crispy!

Variations

1. Spicy Honey Bourbon Wings: Swap maple syrup for clover honey and add 1 tbsp hot sauce for fiery sweetness.
2. Teriyaki Bourbon Wings: Replace Dijon with teriyaki sauce and reduce soy sauce by half for an Asian-style glaze.
3. Wisconsin Beer BBQ Wings: Replace bourbon with dark Wisconsin beer, and add 1/4 cup BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
4. Cider Maple Glazed Wings: Use hard apple cider instead of bourbon for a crisp, fruity glaze with balance.
5. Garlic Parmesan Maple Wings: Omit bourbon and glaze with a buttery sauce of maple syrup and grated Parmesan for a richer profile.

Best pairings

• Smoked gouda mac & cheese cooked on the griddle
• Grilled Wisconsin corn with compound butter
• Flat-top grilled peach and arugula salad
• Ice-cold Bourbon Smash or a local Wisconsin IPA
• Grilled garlic bread finished with herbed butter

Conclusion

Grilling wings on the Arteflame makes every bite unforgettable. With that steakhouse sear and juicy tenderness, these Wisconsin Maple Bourbon Glazed Grilled Wings are the ideal mix of savory, sweet, and smoky. Once you master this combo, it’ll be the grill recipe you keep going back to—especially with all the tasty variations!