Whiskey Glazed Chicken Wings are the ultimate party food: crispy chicken wings finished in a sticky, savory-sweet whiskey glaze.
Craving more wing ideas? Try Salt and Vinegar Chicken Wings or crispy Parmesan Chicken Wings for other crowd-pleasing options.
Whiskey Glazed Chicken Wings
Wings instantly signal party time or game day. A plate of these Whiskey Glazed Chicken Wings elevates any gathering. This recipe is inspired by our Chicken Fried Ribs with Whiskey Glaze and brings the same bold flavor to wings.
The whiskey glaze stands on its own and pairs beautifully with many proteins—try it on pulled pork, grilled chicken, or even drizzled over steak. If you prefer not to deep fry, you can grill or bake the chicken and finish with the glaze for equally delicious results.
How to Make Fried Chicken Wings
To get a crisp exterior without overcooking the meat, this recipe pre-bakes the wings first. That ensures the chicken is cooked through and only needs a brief fry to crisp the coating.
If you prefer to skip frying, you can stop after baking and toss the wings in the whiskey glaze—still excellent. For maximum crunch, coat the baked wings in seasoned flour and deep fry briefly, then toss them in the warm glaze.
How Long To Deep Fry Chicken Wings
Because the wings are pre-cooked in the oven, the deep-frying step is short—just enough to brown and set the coating. Fry the wings for about 2 to 3 minutes until golden and crisp.
If you cook wings entirely in the deep fryer from raw, they typically need 10–12 minutes to reach a safe internal temperature. Pre-baking reduces the time spent in hot oil and helps ensure tender, juicy meat.
Can You Bake These Chicken Wings Instead?
Yes. The recipe is written to bake the wings first; you can stop there and skip the fried coating. Toss the baked wings in the whiskey glaze for a sticky, flavorful finish. They’ll be tender and juicy, with the glaze adding a sweet, tangy layer.
Still Craving More Chicken Wings?
- Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
- Buffalo Chicken Wings
- Baked Marsala Chicken Wings
- Dry Rub BBQ Chicken Wings
- Nacho Chicken Wings
Whiskey Glazed Chicken Wings
- Author: Dan
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 min
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Whiskey Glazed Chicken Wings deliver crispy coating and a sticky, sweet-savory glaze that keeps people coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds of chicken wings, separated at the joints
- 1 cup flour
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons BBQ dry rub (store-bought or use your favorite recipe)
- Kosher salt to taste
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying
For the Whiskey Glaze
- 6 cloves garlic, grated or finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1/2 cup water
- 3/4 cup pineapple juice
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1/2 cup whiskey
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 1 1/2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Season the wings generously with 1/4 cup of the dry rub. If your rub has little or no salt, add kosher salt to taste. Bake the wings for 25–30 minutes until browned.
- While the wings bake, make the glaze: heat 1 tablespoon oil in a small pan and cook the garlic for about 30 seconds without burning. Carefully add the whiskey and reduce for 2 minutes. Add water, pineapple juice, brown sugar, teriyaki sauce, and cayenne, then simmer for 10 minutes.
- Whisk in the cornstarch mixture to thicken, bring to a boil, and simmer another 10 minutes. Cover and keep warm.
- Heat a large pot with oil filled halfway and heat to 350°F (175°C). Combine flour with the remaining 2 tablespoons of dry rub. Dredge the baked wings in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess.
- Fry the wings 2–3 minutes until the coating is golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels and repeat with remaining wings.
- Toss the hot wings in the warm whiskey glaze and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
To test oil readiness without a thermometer, dip the handle of a wooden spoon into the oil—if bubbles form around the handle, the oil is hot enough. If you prefer not to fry, skip the flour coating after baking and simply toss the wings in the whiskey glaze.
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American