Smoked chicken wings are a crowd-pleaser and a staple of any backyard BBQ. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or just want to whip up something special for dinner, this recipe is a must-try.
Smoked Chicken Wings
To make the perfect smoked chicken wings, you’ll need a pellet smoker and a meat thermometer. These items will make the preparation process easier and ensure that your chicken wings turn out perfectly every time.
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves smoky, tender, and juicy fresh chicken wings. The combination of the smoke, the heat, and the seasonings all work together to create a delicious and flavorful dish that everyone will love.
Whether you prefer them spicy, sweet, or just plain savory, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the smoker, and let’s get started!
How To Make Smoked Chicken Wings
Step 1: Preheat the Pellet Smoker
The first step in making smoked chicken wings is to preheat your smoker. Set the temperature to 250°F and let it heat up while you prepare the chicken wings.
This will ensure that the smoker is ready to cook the chicken wings to perfection.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Wings
Take the 2 pounds of chicken wings and rinse them under cold water. Then, pat them dry with paper towels. This will help the seasoning to stick to the wings.
Step 3: Season Wings
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This mixture will be used to season the chicken wings and add flavor to the finished dish.
Use a brush to apply the seasoning mixture onto the chicken wings. Be sure to evenly coat each wing to ensure that they are evenly seasoned.
Step 4: Place the Wings on the Pellet Smoker
Once the chicken wings are evenly coated with the olive oil and seasoning mixture, place them on the grates of the smoker. Make sure to space them out evenly so that they cook evenly. pan and coat with the BBQ sauce, or any sauce of your choosing.
Step 5: Smoke the Chicken Wings
Close the lid of the smoker and smoke the chicken wings for 30 minutes at 250°F. This low temperature will help to slowly infuse the smoky flavor into the chicken wings.
Step 6: Increase the Smoker Temperature
After 30 minutes, increase the smoker temperature to 425°F. This higher temperature will help to cook the chicken wings more quickly and brown the skin.
Continue to smoke the chicken wings until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the wings.
This will ensure that they are fully cooked and safe to eat as smoked wings.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!
Once the chicken wings have reached an internal temperature of 165°F, remove them from the smoker and let them rest for a few minutes.
This will allow the juices to distribute evenly throughout the meat and will result in juicy and flavorful wings.
Serve your delicious and smoky backyard BBQ traeger smoked chicken wings hot with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Your guests are sure to be impressed with your skills as a backyard BBQ hero!
Tips For Making Chicken Wings
Time Management:
Cooking times can vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken wings, as well as the temperature of the smoker.
Keep a close eye on the temperature of the wings, and remove them from the smoker once they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Keep in mind it is not recommended to put frozen chicken wings directly on the smoker.
Mix It Up.
One of the great things about smoking chicken wings is that you can easily experiment with different seasonings and sauces to create a variety of flavors.
If someone likes to use buffalo sauce go for it. Try doing half with a sweet sauce and the other half with a spicy sauce. Or, try using a different spice blend, brown sugar, dry rub-like baking powder on each batch to see which one you prefer.
The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun with smoking wings!
Dipping Sauce.
While the flavor of the smoked chicken wings is fantastic on its own, serving them with a delicious dipping sauce can take the taste to the next level.
A creamy ranch or Caesar dressing is a classic option that complements the smoky and spicy flavors of the wings. You can also try honey mustard to add even more flavor and variety to your plate.
Best Beer To Have With Chicken Wings
India Pale Ale (IPA) – A bold and hoppy IPA is the perfect pairing for the smoky and spicy flavors of these crispy chicken wings.
The bitter hops in the IPA help to cut through the richness of the wings, creating a balanced and refreshing taste.
Pilsner – A crisp and refreshing pilsner is a great choice for those who want a lighter option that still packs a flavorful punch.
The clean and light taste of the pilsner will not overpower the flavors of the wings, and it will also help to cleanse the palate between bites.
Brown Ale – A malty and nutty brown ale is a great match for the earthy spices in the seasoning mixture on the wings.
The rich and toasty flavors of the brown ale will complement the smoky and spicy flavors of the wings, creating a harmonious and delicious taste.
No matter which beer you choose, just remember to sit back, relax, and enjoy the delicious combination of beer and smoked wings. Cheers!
Related Recipes
- Honey BBQ Wings
- Smoked Hot Wings Recipe
- Smoked Buffalo Wings
- Smoked Lemon Pepper Wings
- Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings
Smoked Chicken Wings Recipe
Equipment
- Smoker Pellets
- BBQ Grill Accessories (Basting Brush, Tongs)
- Aluminum Pan
Ingredients
- 2 lb chicken wings
- 1 Seasoning Mix: Salt, Black pepper, Paprika, Garlic powder, Onion powder
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- Olive Oil
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 250°F. Let it heat up for 30 minutes.
- Rinse and pat dry the chicken wings.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Brush the mixture onto the chicken wings.
- Place the chicken wings on the smoker's grates.
- Close the lid and smoke the chicken wings for 30 minutes at 250°F.
- After 30 minutes, increase the smoker temperature to 425°F.
- Continue to smoke the chicken wings until they reach an internal temperature 165°F (use a meat thermometer to check).
- Once they reach the desired temperature, remove the wings from the smoker and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy your delicious, smoky backyard BBQ smoked chicken wings!
Smoked Chicken Wing FAQs
How long does it take to smoke wings?
The cooking time for smoked chicken wings can vary depending on the size and thickness of the wings and the temperature of the smoker.
On average, it takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to smoke chicken wings to an internal temperature of 165°F.
What temperature should I smoke the chicken wings at?
The chicken wings should be smoked at 250°F for the first 30 minutes and then increased to 425°F until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
What type of wood pellets should I use for this recipe?
Experiment with different types of wood pellets to find the flavor you like best.
Popular options include hickory, mesquite, and apple wood.
What type of beer pairs well with smoked chicken wings?
A bold and hoppy IPA, a crisp and refreshing pilsner, or a malty and nutty brown ale are all great options to pair with smoked chicken wings.
How do I store leftovers of this recipe?
Store any leftover smoked chicken wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop until heated through.
Can I make this recipe in an electric smoker instead of a pellet smoker?
Yes, you can make this recipe in an electric smoker or gas grill as well.
The cooking time and temperature may need to be adjusted to accommodate the differences in the type of smoker.
What dipping sauces pair well with smoked chicken wings?
Creamy ranch or Caesar dressing, blue cheese, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce are all great options to pair with smoked chicken wings.