My air fryer cornish hen recipe gives you tender, juicy meat encrusted with perfectly seasoned crispy skin in less than 40 minutes. Love cooking poultry in the air fryer? Try my air fryer chicken breast, air fryer chicken thighs, air fryer turkey breas…
My air fryer cornish hen recipe gives you tender, juicy meat encrusted with perfectly seasoned crispy skin in less than 40 minutes. Love cooking poultry in the air fryer? Try my air fryer chicken breast, air fryer chicken thighs, air fryer turkey breast, and air fryer chicken tenderloins next. While I typically like to make…
Baked Apple Cider Chicken and Cabbage is the perfect one-pot fall dish made with cider-marinated chicken, red cabbage and apples. Apple Cider Chicken and Cabbage This one-pot dish is great for an easy weeknight dinner idea. On a busy school night, I li…
Baked Apple Cider Chicken and Cabbage is the perfect one-pot fall dish made with cider-marinated chicken, red cabbage and apples. Apple Cider Chicken and Cabbage This one-pot dish is great for an easy weeknight dinner idea. On a busy school night, I like to keep dinners simple. Since everything bakes in one dish, cleanup won’t […]
We love a good saucy chicken recipe and this creamy paprika chicken is no different. This chicken recipe will be a family favorite in no time. I love serving it with crusty bread to mop up the sauce but it is just as delicious served over noodles or ri…
We love a good saucy chicken recipe and this creamy paprika chicken is no different. This chicken recipe will be a family favorite in no time. I love serving it with crusty bread to mop up the sauce but it is just as delicious served over noodles or rice. Ingredients and Substitutions This paprika chicken...
My spicy chicken sandwich is quick and easy to make and has the most delicious crispy breading! It’s better than McDonald’s or Popeye’s and comes together in minutes. Love easy sandwich recipes? Try my chopped cheese, Mexican torta, m…
My spicy chicken sandwich is quick and easy to make and has the most delicious crispy breading! It’s better than McDonald’s or Popeye’s and comes together in minutes. Love easy sandwich recipes? Try my chopped cheese, Mexican torta, mulitas, and air fryer grilled cheese next. My #1 guilty pleasure is a fast food spicy chicken…
This roast turkey recipe makes a juicy, moist, delicious and beautiful turkey every time! This easy recipe is perfect for a slow roasted Thanksgiving turkey!
This roast turkey recipe makes a juicy, moist, delicious and beautiful turkey every time! This easy recipe is perfect for a slow roasted Thanksgiving turkey!
Nothing says game day like a pile of perfectly cooked wings, and these Whisky Brined Chicken Wings are the BEST—straight-up lip-smacking, finger-licking…
Nothing says game day like a pile of perfectly cooked wings, and these Whisky Brined Chicken Wings are the BEST—straight-up lip-smacking, finger-licking good. We’re talking juicy, flavor-packed wings brined in whisky, smoked hot on the grill until they’re golden and crispy, then tossed in a rich BBQ sauce.
The real MVP of this easy chicken wing recipe? Pendleton Whisky. It takes the chicken to a whole new level of awesome. Whether it’s the Super Bowl, a backyard BBQ, or anytime you want to flex your grill skills, these wings are guaranteed to please a hungry crowd.
First off, chicken wing recipes are all about creativity. And I couldn’t be more stoked to showcase this recipe’s secret ingredient: the smooth, classic Pendleton Whisky. The rich, smoky notes of Pendleton take these wings to a whole new level. The spirit adds the perfect balance of flavor while keeping them juicy and tender. Whether you’re firing up the grill to impress a lot of people or just yourself, these wings deliver.
Brining chicken wings might sound like overkill, but trust me—it’s the secret to locking in moisture and adding deep flavor. The whisky in the brine adds a subtle, smoky sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory rub and sticky maple whisky sauce.
Plus, we’re smoking these wings hot, so they come out extra crispy with perfectly rendered fat. Whether you’re cooking on a charcoal grill or firing up the gas grill, these wings are all about that balance of tender meat and crispy skin.
To make these amazing chicken wings, you’ll need some fairly straightforward ingredients from the grocery store.
Chicken Wings – Grab a pack of fresh chicken wings (free range or organic is always best!), some BBQ seasoning, and a neutral, high-smoke point oil like avocado.
Whisky Brine – All you’ll need is some Pendleton Whisky, kosher salt, maple syrup, garlic cloves, baking powder, and then peppercorns.
Maple Whisky Sauce – We’ll take a favorite BBQ sauce and amp it up with Pendleton Whisky, unsalted butter, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce.
Now that we’ve got our shopping list checked off, throw on your apron so we can finally fire up the grill. And don’t forget to grab a cold beer—it’s grillin’ time!
Not sure why brining matters? Let me break it down for you (pun totally intended). Brining locks in moisture, amps up flavor, and then absolutely guarantees your meat stays juicy—even at high temps. Whether you’re grilling chicken wings or roasting a whole turkey, a solid brine gives you that perfect mix of tender and flavorful. Want to know more? Head over to my Benefits of Brining post!
How to Make Whisky-Brined Chicken Wings
Brine the chicken
First up, let’s brine. In a large bowl, combine warm water, Pendleton Whisky, kosher salt, maple syrup, garlic cloves, baking powder, and peppercorns. Stir everything for a couple of minutes until the sugar and salt dissolve completely. That brine is going to infuse the wings with some serious flavor while keeping them juicy. Place the raw wings in the brine, cover, and then stick them in the fridge for at least 2 hours—but no more than 4 hours. Any longer and you risk over-brining, which can make the wings too salty.
Season the Chicken
Once the wings are brined, pull them out and pat them completely dry with a paper towel. Discard the brine. Now, slather those wings in a little neutral oil and generously coat them with your favorite BBQ seasoning.
Smoker Time
We are smoking these wings hot. In other words, we are using a higher temperature than normal for smoking to crust up the skin and render the fat. Therefore, go ahead and preheat your smoker to 375 degrees F for indirect heat cooking.
If you’re using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals on the opposite side of where you’ll cook the wings. Toss on some wood chips for that smoky flavor boost! If you’re on a gas grill, turn off one burner and cook the wings over the unlit side.
Place wings on the grill grate in a single layer and let them smoke for about 1.5 to 2 hours, until they hit an internal temperature of 175 degrees F. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness because, after all your efforts, you’ll want the chicken to be perfect. Once done, pull the wings off the grill and then cover them with aluminum foil to keep them warm.
BBQ Sauce
Now it’s time for the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine your favorite BBQ sauce, Pendleton Whisky, melted butter, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and then some soy sauce.
Bring everything to a simmer and then let the sauce thicken for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The whisky adds a rich, smoky flavor, while the maple syrup brings that perfect amount of sweetness.
Toss the wings in the sauce, making sure they’re all coated, and you’re ready to serve and enjoy. Cheers!
What to Serve with Whisky Brined Chicken Wings
These wings are perfect for your next backyard party or poker night spread. Serve them up with some classic sides like ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or even a tangy apple cider vinegar slaw. And, of course, don’t forget an ice-cold beer to wash it all down!
Leftovers and Reheating Instructions
If you somehow end up with leftovers (doubtful), store the wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 375 degrees F for about 5-10 minutes to crisp them back up. You can also pop them in the oven on a baking sheet at 350 degrees F until warmed through.
If you skip the brine, your chicken wings may not be as juicy or flavorful. Brining helps lock in moisture and infuses the meat with seasoning, so without it, you might end up with drier wings that lack that extra depth of flavor. While they’ll still cook fine, brining takes them to the next level by ensuring tender, flavorful, and juicy wings every time!
What’s the ultimate secret to getting crispy wings?
The key to crispy wings is drying them thoroughly after brining and cooking at a higher temperature. The baking powder in the brine also helps by breaking down the protein in the skin, leading to that golden brown perfection.
Can I make these wings in the oven or air fryer?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a smoker or grill, you can bake them at 375F in the oven or toss them in the air fryer. Either way, they’ll still come out crispy and delicious. Just make sure to follow the same prep time and cook to the correct internal temperature.
Get stoked for life
This sauce is FYR!
an all-new line created for live fire cooking
Born from a deep passion for food and flavor. Whether you’re grilling in the backyard or live fire cooking around the world, we have what you need to transform every meal into an adventure.
Add to a food safe bowl or bag your warm water and the rest of the brining ingredients. Stir for a couple of minutes until the sugar and salt has dissolved. Add your raw chicken wings to the brine, seal the container and place in the fridge.
Let brine for at least 2 hours but ideally 4 hours.
Wings:
Pull out the wings from the brine and completely pat dry. Discard the used brine. Slather with oil and generously season with your favorite BBQ Rub (I used my Maple Bourbon seasoning).
Preheat the smoker for 375F cooking indirectly. Add wood chips or wood chunks for added smoke flavor.
Add the chicken wings to cook for about 1.5-2 hours until 175F internal. Pull off once done.
Add a skillet to the fire along with all of the ingredients for the Maple Whisky Sauce and bring to a simmer. Add your wings to a bowl and toss in the sauce.
Serve the wings up and enjoy!
Notes
Benefits of Brining
Not sure why brining matters? Let me break it down for you (pun totally intended). Brining locks in moisture, amps up flavor, and then absolutely guarantees your meat stays juicy—even at high temps. Whether you’re grilling chicken wings or roasting a whole turkey, a solid brine gives you that perfect mix of tender and flavorful. Want to know more? Head over to my Benefits of Brining post!
Lentil soup and I have a special connection. As a child with a frugal Middle Eastern father, lentil soup often happened in my growing-up years. It was healthy, filling, and, most of all, affordable. Little did I know that one day, it would ultimately …
Lentil soup and I have a special connection. As a child with a frugal Middle Eastern father, lentil soup often happened in my growing-up years. It was healthy, filling, and, most of all, affordable. Little did I know that one day, it would ultimately become my favorite comfort food.
My homemade chicken Al Pastor recipe tastes EVEN better than Chipotle and comes together in no time. It’s packed with SO much flavor. Looking for more Mexican chicken recipes? Try my chicken tinga and pollo asado next. I am slightly obsessed with…
My homemade chicken Al Pastor recipe tastes EVEN better than Chipotle and comes together in no time. It’s packed with SO much flavor. Looking for more Mexican chicken recipes? Try my chicken tinga and pollo asado next. I am slightly obsessed with Chipotle, so when they launched the new chicken al pastor, I was first…
My healthy chicken lettuce wraps feature juicy ground chicken and tender veggies swimming in an umami-forward Asian sauce and piled on crisp lettuce leaves. It’s a quick, low carb weeknight meal! Need more Asian appetizer ideas? Try my Asian cucu…
My healthy chicken lettuce wraps feature juicy ground chicken and tender veggies swimming in an umami-forward Asian sauce and piled on crisp lettuce leaves. It’s a quick, low carb weeknight meal! Need more Asian appetizer ideas? Try my Asian cucumber salad, summer rolls, or crab rangoon next. It’s been years since I last went to…
Game day is all about great food, and there’s nothing better than crowd-pleasing dip recipes to get everyone excited. Wondering what my go-to dips are? Keep scrolling to find out. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just hanging with friends, these dips are guaranteed to be a hit. No matter the occasion, these recipes won’t let you down!
With cheesy classics and spicy, meaty favorites, my dip recipes are as memorable as the event itself. They’re quick, easy, and made with simple ingredients. Let’s jump into creating a spread that will keep everyone satisfied and coming back for more!
Let’s be honest—dips are the true MVPs of any snack table. They’re easy to whip up, packed with flavor, and pair perfectly with everything from chips to wings. Whether you’re into a classic sour cream dip, spicy buffalo chicken dip, or even a dessert dip, sometimes the dip steals the show more than the main dish!
My fire dip recipes won’t disappoint. They might just take your dipping game to the next level. The possibilities are endless when you start with savory ingredients like cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and smoky meats. Trust me, you’re about to turn your dipping obsession into a full-on addiction!
The Short History of Super Bowl Dip Recipes
Easy dips have become the MVP of Super Bowl parties. They’re rooted in the rise of shareable snacks that took off with televised sports. The first Super Bowl in 1967 wasn’t just about football. It was an opportunity to bring people together in front of the TV. This is what gave rise to the simple, crowd-pleasing snacks that didn’t take attention away from the game.
The American dip journey began with classics like spinach-artichoke dip, French onion dip, bean dip, and crudités with ranch dressing. Over the years, dips like buffalo chicken dip, pimento cheese dip, and even seven-layer dip took center stage. And now? Thanks to the internet blowing up with recipes, there’s no limit to the creative dip combos we can whip up today.
Tips for Serving Dips
Variety is Key – Serve with a variety of dippers like your favorite tortilla chips, pita chips, veggies, and sliced French bread to make sure there’s something for everyone.
Prep Dips Ahead of Time – Many dips, like onion dip or sour cream dip, can be made the night before to save you time on game day.
Invest in a Slow Cooker – A slow cooker is the perfect way to keep cheesy dips warm, gooey, and so addictive throughout the whole game or party.
Offer Mild and Spicy Dips – Not everyone at the party will share your love of heat, so make sure to provide a variety of dips that suit everyone’s tastes. And by the way, if you’re looking for the best hot sauce, check out mine on FYR.com! Because while some don’t want the heat, some others love it!
Get stoked for life
This sauce is FYR!
an all-new line created for live fire cooking
Born from a deep passion for food and flavor. Whether you’re grilling in the backyard or live fire cooking around the world, we have what you need to transform every meal into an adventure.
From cheesy classics to spicy favorites, this roundup has some seriously delicious dip recipes for everyone. Whether you’re craving something smoky or creamy, there’s a perfect dip in here for every palate. So, let’s dive right in and check out my top picks that will definitely keep your friends and family happy throughout the event!
Cheese Dips
If you think you’ve tried every cheesy dip, then think again—these new recipes may just surprise you! With smoky flavors and unexpected twists, they’re here to elevate your dip game. Get ready to discover some bold, cheesy favorites that are guaranteed to become instant crowd-pleasers!
Smoked Steak Queso Dip
Smoked steak and melted cheese come together for a rich, smoky queso that's perfect for dipping.
These fun dips bring bold flavors and unique twists to your dip lineup. From spicy buffalo chicken to smoky Nashville hot cream cheese, they represent comfort food at its best.
Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip with Stuffed Crust
This buffalo chicken dip is creamy, spicy, and topped with stuffed crust—guaranteed to be a new favorite for Super Bowl Sunday.
To store leftover dips, first transfer them to an airtight container and make sure to refrigerate them within two hours of serving to maintain freshness. Additionally, most dips, especially those based on cream cheese or sour cream, can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge. However, for dips with fresh ingredients like herbs or vegetables, it’s a good idea to consume them sooner to keep their flavor and texture at their best.
When it comes time to reheat hot dips, such as queso or buffalo chicken dip, using a microwave or oven will work well. Start by microwaving in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating. Alternatively, you can reheat them in an oven-safe dish at 300 degrees F until thoroughly warmed. If the dip has thickened during storage, adding a splash of milk or broth can help loosen the consistency and restore its creamy texture.
Enjoy the sharing!
These dip recipes are guaranteed to make your party a hit, whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party or just chilling with a few friends. So skip the boring bag of chips and make the most bold and daring dips possible!
My air fryer cornish hen recipe gives you tender, juicy meat encrusted with perfectly seasoned crispy skin in less than 40 minutes. Love cooking poultry in the air fryer? Try my air fryer chicken breast, air fryer chicken thighs, air fryer turkey breast, and air fryer chicken tenderloins next. While I typically like to make… 
My spicy chicken sandwich is quick and easy to make and has the most delicious crispy breading! It’s better than McDonald’s or Popeye’s and comes together in minutes. Love easy sandwich recipes? Try my chopped cheese, Mexican torta, mulitas, and air fryer grilled cheese next. My #1 guilty pleasure is a fast food spicy chicken… 
This roast turkey recipe makes a juicy, moist, delicious and beautiful turkey every time! This easy recipe is perfect for a slow roasted Thanksgiving turkey! 
My homemade chicken Al Pastor recipe tastes EVEN better than Chipotle and comes together in no time. It’s packed with SO much flavor. Looking for more Mexican chicken recipes? Try my chicken tinga and pollo asado next. I am slightly obsessed with Chipotle, so when they launched the new chicken al pastor, I was first… 
My healthy chicken lettuce wraps feature juicy ground chicken and tender veggies swimming in an umami-forward Asian sauce and piled on crisp lettuce leaves. It’s a quick, low carb weeknight meal! Need more Asian appetizer ideas? Try my Asian cucumber salad, summer rolls, or crab rangoon next. It’s been years since I last went to… 
