Tennessee Honey Bourbon BBQ Grilled Wings

Introduction

These Tennessee Honey Bourbon BBQ Wings are bursting with southern charm and a sweet-spicy kick. Grilled on the Arteflame, they feature a steakhouse-quality sear from the center grate and are slow finished to perfection on the flat top griddle for juicy, fall-off-the-bone results. The sticky, smoky honey bourbon glaze caramelizes beautifully, making these wings the perfect showstopper for any backyard get-together.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs chicken wings (split and tips removed)
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 tbsp butter (for searing)
• 1/2 cup Tennessee bourbon
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour a small amount of vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins in the center fire bowl of the Arteflame grill.
3. Stack firewood on top of the napkins.
4. Light the napkins and allow the firewood to catch and burn down for about 20 minutes.
5. Once the cooktop and center grate reach optimal temperature (center grate searing above 1000F, surrounding flat griddle hot with gradient zones), you're ready to grill.

Step 2: Prepare and season the wings

1. Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels.
2. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne.
3. Set aside at room temp while the grill heats.

Step 3: Sear the wings

1. Add 2 tbsp butter to the center grill grate.
2. Place wings on the center searing grate and sear 2-3 minutes per side to lock in juices.
3. Move wings to the hotter inner ring of the flat top griddle to continue cooking evenly.

Step 4: Make the honey bourbon BBQ sauce

1. On a warmer part of the flat top, combine bourbon, honey, ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili flakes (if using).
2. Stir frequently until sauce thickens and caramelizes slightly, about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Glaze the wings

1. Using tongs, dip each wing into the honey bourbon BBQ sauce or spoon over generously while on the warmest inner ring area of the griddle.
2. Allow wings to sizzle in the sauce for another 5-10 minutes, turning occasionally so the sauce caramelizes without burning.

Step 6: Remove and rest

1. Remove wings when they reach 170F internal temp (they’ll rise to 185F while resting).
2. Let rest for 5 minutes off heat.

Tips

• Internal temp is key! Remove when 15°F below desired doneness to allow carryover cooking.
• Use butter for richer flavor instead of olive oil during the sear.
• Always sear on the center grate for amazing texture and locked-in juices.
• Utilize Arteflame’s temperature zones—move food outward on the cooktop to avoid overcooking.
• Never rush the sauce—it needs heat to thicken and caramelize beautifully.

Variations

1. Sweet Heat Wings: Add extra chili flakes and use hot honey for a sweet and fiery combo.
2. Maple Bourbon Wings: Replace honey with maple syrup for a richer, earthy sweetness.
3. Peach Glazed Wings: Blend peach preserves into the sauce for a fruity southern twist.
4. Tangy Mustard BBQ Wings: Add 1/4 cup of yellow or Dijon mustard to the sauce for Carolina-style tang.
5. Jack & Coke Wings: Replace bourbon with Tennessee whiskey and add a splash of cola to sweeten the glaze.

Conclusion

These Tennessee Honey Bourbon BBQ Wings deliver bold, smoky southern flavor that only the Arteflame grill can bring to life. From the crave-worthy sear to the sticky-sweet glaze, every bite is a flavor bomb. Make them the highlight of your next gathering, game day, or cookout!

Best pairings

• Grilled corn seasoned with smoked paprika and butter
• Charred jalapeño mac and cheese on the flat top
• Grilled peach halves with cinnamon sugar
• Ice-cold Tennessee whiskey lemonade
• Crispy smashed potatoes cooked on the outer griddle with butter and rosemary