These smoked chicken wings are the perfect combination of tender, juicy meat and a smoky flavor that will elevate any gathering. Infused with a custom spice rub and finished with a tangy sauce, these wings are a must-try for your next barbecue or game day. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a novice, this recipe will guide you through creating wings that are crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious dish!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Wings:
- 2 pounds of chicken wings (about 10-12 wings)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (for extra crispiness)
For the Spice Rub:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
For the Sauce (Optional):
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce or your favorite wing sauce
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon honey (for a touch of sweetness)
Instructions:
- Preparation:
- Rinse the chicken wings under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture will help achieve a crispy skin.
- In a large bowl, combine the wings with olive oil and baking powder. Toss until the wings are evenly coated.
- Make the Spice Rub:
- In a separate bowl, mix together all the spice rub ingredients: salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme.
- Sprinkle the spice rub over the wings, tossing to coat thoroughly.
- Preheat the Smoker:
- Preheat your smoker to 250°F (121°C). Use wood chips like hickory, apple, or cherry for a delightful smoky flavor.
- Smoke the Wings:
- Place the seasoned wings directly on the smoker rack or a grilling basket. Smoke the wings for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy.
- For extra crispiness, you can increase the temperature to 300°F (149°C) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Prepare the Sauce (if using):
- While the wings are smoking, combine buffalo sauce, melted butter, and honey in a small bowl. Whisk until well combined.
- Toss the Wings:
- Once the wings are done, remove them from the smoker and place them in a large bowl. If you’re using sauce, drizzle it over the wings and toss until evenly coated.
- Serve:
- Serve the smoked chicken wings hot with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and your favorite dipping sauce (like ranch or blue cheese). Enjoy!
Tips:
- Experiment with different wood chips for varied flavors.
- Adjust the spice rub ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
- If you don’t have a smoker, you can achieve a similar effect using a grill with indirect heat.
With this recipe, you’ll have mouthwatering smoked chicken wings that are sure to be a hit at any event!