Bourbon Honey Char Siu Wings: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Hatch Chile Mac and Cheese: Prepare to experience a flavor explosion that will redefine your comfort food expectations! Imagine the creamy, cheesy goodness of classic macaroni and cheese, elevated to new heights with the smoky, subtly spicy kick of authentic Hatch chiles. This isn’t your grandma’s mac and cheese (unless your grandma happens to be a culinary genius from New Mexico!).

Hatch chiles, grown exclusively in the Hatch Valley of New Mexico, are revered for their unique flavor profile, a result of the region’s unique terroir. For generations, these chiles have been a staple in Southwestern cuisine, adding depth and complexity to everything from stews to salsas. Now, we’re bringing that Southwestern magic to a beloved American classic.

What makes Hatch Chile Mac and Cheese so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy indulgence and that signature Hatch chile heat. The chiles add a subtle smokiness and a pleasant warmth that complements the richness of the cheese sauce. People adore this dish because it’s both comforting and exciting, familiar yet refreshingly different. It’s also incredibly easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish. Get ready to experience mac and cheese like never before!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Char Siu Marinade:
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons bourbon
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing rice wine (or dry sherry)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring (optional, for that classic red hue)
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• For the Wings:
• 2 pounds chicken wings, separated into drumettes and wingettes
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
• Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Char Siu Marinade:

Alright, let’s get started with the heart of this recipe – the Char Siu marinade! This is where all the magic happens, infusing our wings with that sweet, savory, and slightly boozy flavor we’re after. Trust me, it’s worth the effort!

1. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, bourbon, and Shaoxing rice wine (or dry sherry). Make sure the honey is well incorporated, so you don’t have any sticky clumps.
2. Add the Dry Ingredients: Now, add the brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, five-spice powder, red food coloring (if using), and white pepper to the bowl.
3. Whisk it All Together: Give everything a good whisk until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the brown sugar has dissolved. The marinade should be smooth and fragrant. Take a little sniff – doesn’t that smell amazing?
4. Taste and Adjust (Optional): This is your chance to customize the marinade to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add a little more honey. For a saltier kick, add a splash more soy sauce. Just remember to taste in small increments!

Marinating the Wings:

Now that our marinade is ready, it’s time to let the wings soak up all that deliciousness. This is a crucial step, so don’t skimp on the marinating time. The longer they marinate, the more flavorful they’ll be!

1. Prepare the Wings: Make sure your chicken wings are separated into drumettes and wingettes. Pat them dry with paper towels. This will help the marinade adhere better.
2. Marinate the Wings: Place the wings in a large resealable plastic bag or a non-reactive container (like glass or ceramic). Pour the Char Siu marinade over the wings, ensuring they are all evenly coated.
3. Massage the Marinade: Gently massage the marinade into the wings, making sure it gets into all the nooks and crannies. This will help the flavors penetrate deeper.
4. Refrigerate: Seal the bag or cover the container tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer, the better! I usually aim for at least 8 hours for maximum flavor. Turn the bag or stir the wings occasionally to ensure even marinating.

Cooking the Wings:

Alright, the moment we’ve been waiting for! It’s time to cook these bad boys and transform them into sticky, glazed, Bourbon Honey Char Siu Wings. We’re going to use a combination of baking and broiling to achieve that perfect crispy skin and tender interior.

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will make cleanup a breeze! Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the wings, promoting even cooking and crispier skin.
3. Arrange the Wings: Remove the wings from the marinade and arrange them in a single layer on the wire rack. Discard the remaining marinade (don’t reuse it!).
4. Bake the Wings: Bake the wings for 30-40 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Flip the wings halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking.
5. Broil for Crispy Skin: Once the wings are cooked through, turn on the broiler. Broil the wings for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are nicely browned and the skin is crispy and slightly caramelized. Watch them carefully, as they can burn quickly under the broiler!

Serving and Garnishing:

These Bourbon Honey Char Siu Wings are best served immediately while they’re still hot and crispy. But before you dig in, let’s add a few finishing touches to make them even more irresistible!

1. Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle the wings with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a pop of color and added flavor.
2. Serve Immediately: Serve the wings hot and enjoy! They’re perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a main course.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
• Smoked Wings: For an extra layer of flavor, try smoking the wings for an hour before baking them.
• Air Fryer Option: You can also cook these wings in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the wings for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are cooked through and crispy.
• Make it Ahead: You can marinate the wings up to 24 hours in advance. Just be sure to keep them refrigerated.
• Glaze it Up: For an extra glossy finish, brush the wings with a little extra honey during the last few minutes of broiling.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy these Bourbon Honey Char Siu Wings as much as I do! They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the recipe and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Bourbon Honey Char Siu Wings are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience. The irresistible combination of smoky bourbon, sweet honey, and that classic char siu flavor profile creates a truly unforgettable taste sensation. I know, I know, I might be biased, but trust me on this one – you absolutely need to try these.

Why are they a must-try? Because they’re incredibly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a game-day gathering, planning a summer barbecue, or simply looking for a delicious weeknight meal, these wings will undoubtedly steal the show. The marinade does all the heavy lifting, transforming ordinary chicken wings into sticky, caramelized masterpieces. Plus, the balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes is simply addictive. I promise you won’t be able to stop at just one!

But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different types of bourbon to find your perfect flavor profile. A higher-proof bourbon will add a bit more kick, while a sweeter bourbon will enhance the honey notes. You can also adjust the amount of honey to suit your personal preference. If you prefer a spicier wing, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

These wings are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with a side of steamed rice, Asian slaw, or even just some simple crudités and a dipping sauce. For a complete meal, try pairing them with a stir-fried vegetable dish.

Looking for variations? You can easily adapt this recipe to use other cuts of chicken, such as drumsticks or thighs. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. You could even try marinating pork ribs or belly in the same sauce for a truly decadent treat. Another fun variation is to grill the wings instead of baking them. The smoky char from the grill will add another layer of flavor that complements the bourbon and honey perfectly.

Don’t be afraid to get creative! This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to experiment and make it your own. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process.

I’m so confident that you’ll love these Bourbon Honey Char Siu Wings that I’m practically begging you to try them! Seriously, clear your schedule, gather your ingredients, and get cooking. You won’t regret it.

And once you’ve made them, I want to hear all about it! Share your photos and stories on social media using [Your Hashtag Here – e.g., #MyWingNight]. Let me know what you think of the recipe, what variations you tried, and what sides you served them with. I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration, and I love seeing how people are making my recipes their own.

So go ahead, give these Bourbon Honey Char Siu Wings a try. I know you’ll be hooked from the very first bite. Happy cooking!