Juicy, herbed wings soaked in apple cider brine and coated in a smoky dry rub for bold, crispy flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Brine Ingredients
-
3 cups filtered apple cider
-
2 cups water
-
1 medium white onion, quartered
-
1 medium lemon, sliced
-
4 sprigs fresh rosemary
-
1 bundle fresh sage
-
⅓ cup kosher salt
-
½ cup packed brown sugar
-
4 garlic cloves, smashed
-
1 bay leaf
-
1 teaspoon whole pink peppercorns
-
4 pounds chicken wings, thawed
Dry Rub Ingredients
-
3 tablespoons brown sugar
-
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
-
1 teaspoon onion powder
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1 teaspoon sea salt
-
1 teaspoon ground pepper
-
1 teaspoon dried oregano
-
1 teaspoon ground mustard
Berry BBQ Ingredients
-
2 cups fresh blackberries
-
2 cups fresh blueberries
-
½ cup sugar
-
¼ cup water
-
1 to 2 cups barbecue sauce
Directions
-
In a large pot over medium heat, combine the apple cider, water, onion, lemon, rosemary, sage, kosher salt, brown sugar, garlic, bay leaf, and pink peppercorns. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
-
Once cooled, add the thawed chicken wings. Brine in the fridge for 2 to 8 hours using the pot with a lid or a brining bag.
-
After brining, remove wings and pat dry with paper towels. Place on a rack over a sheet pan and refrigerate uncovered for 2 to 4 hours to help crisp the skin.
-
Mix all dry rub ingredients in a bowl. Toss wings in the seasoning until evenly coated.
-
To grill, oil the grates and heat to high. Cook wings for 15 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
-
To bake, place wings in a single layer on a rack over a sheet pan. Bake at 400°F for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Berry BBQ Sauce
-
In a large saucepan, combine the berries, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
-
Stir in your desired amount of barbecue sauce and simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes until rich and smooth.
-
Let cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.