📖 Instructions

1. First, lets prepare the wings. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This helps the rub adhere better and ensures a crispier skin.
2. Now for the rub. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and generously coat the wings with the rub, making sure every surface is covered. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Lets make the Mint Julep Marinade: In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, bourbon, fresh mint leaves, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to infuse the mint flavor. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they're not overcrowding the pan. This ensures even cooking.
5. Bake the wings for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they're golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure they're fully cooked.
6. While the wings are baking, strain the mint julep marinade through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the mint leaves. Discard the leaves.
7. Once the wings are out of the oven, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the strained mint julep marinade over the wings and toss to coat evenly. Make sure every wing gets a good coating of that sweet and minty glaze.
8. Return the coated wings to the baking sheet and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the marinade has thickened and become sticky. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
9. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh mint leaves. Serve immediately and enjoy the unique flavor combination of mint julep and savory chicken wings!