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Flavorful Bourbon Cherry Cola Glazed Chicken Wings

bourbon cherry cola glazed chicken wings - featured image

Sticky, sweet chicken wings glazed with a bourbon and cherry cola sauce that delivers a perfect balance of smoky warmth and fruity sweetness. Easy to prepare and perfect for parties or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats (skin-on)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
  • 1 cup cherry cola (avoid diet sodas)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Set a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet and lightly oil the rack to prevent sticking.
  2. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Toss them in a mixing bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Arrange the wings on the wire rack, spacing them so they are not touching. Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  4. While the wings bake, combine cherry cola, bourbon, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), and apple cider vinegar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir well.
  5. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes until reduced by about half and slightly thickened.
  6. Mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering glaze and cook for 1-2 minutes until glossy and thickened. Remove from heat.
  7. Transfer the baked wings to a large bowl. Pour the warm glaze over the wings and toss gently with tongs until each wing is well coated.
  8. Serve immediately while hot and sticky.

Notes

Dry wings thoroughly before baking for crispiness. Use a wire rack to allow air circulation and fat drainage. Simmer glaze slowly to concentrate flavors and avoid burning. Add cornstarch slurry at the end to keep glaze glossy and sticky. Optionally reserve some glaze to brush on wings during last 5 minutes of baking for extra flavor. Substitute bourbon with dark rum, whiskey, or vanilla extract for non-alcoholic version. For grilling, cook wings skin-side down on medium heat for 15-20 minutes then toss with warm glaze.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken wings, bourbon glaze, cherry cola, party food, easy recipe, smoky wings, sweet and spicy wings