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Flavorful Maple Bourbon Wings with Bacon Bits

maple bourbon wings - featured image
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These wings combine smoky bacon, sweet maple syrup, and rich bourbon for a sticky, crispy, and savory treat perfect for gatherings or game days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds chicken wings, split at the joints and tips removed
  • ½ cup pure maple syrup (120 ml)
  • ¼ cup bourbon (60 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup bacon bits (about 4 strips cooked and crumbled)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional fresh herbs (chopped parsley or chives) for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a rimmed baking sheet with a wire rack on top.
  2. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Place wings in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over the wings, then sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat evenly.
  4. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack, ensuring they are not touching.
  5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through (around 18-20 minutes), until skin is golden brown and slightly crisp. Optionally broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for extra crunch, watching closely to avoid burning.
  6. While wings bake, combine maple syrup, bourbon, and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until sugar dissolves and mixture thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  7. Transfer baked wings back to the large bowl. Pour warm maple bourbon glaze over and toss gently to coat every wing.
  8. Sprinkle crumbled bacon bits over the glazed wings and toss lightly again.
  9. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Dry wings thoroughly before seasoning for extra crispiness. Use a wire rack to allow air circulation. Flip wings halfway through baking. Broil briefly at the end for extra crunch but watch carefully to avoid burning. If glaze is too thin, simmer longer to thicken; if too thick, add a splash of water or bourbon. Avoid overcrowding wings on the rack.

Nutrition

Keywords: maple bourbon wings, bacon bits, chicken wings recipe, sweet and smoky wings, game day wings, easy wing recipe

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/flavorful-maple-bourbon-wings-with-bacon-bits-easy-homemade-recipe/