These smoked chicken wings are super tasty and packed with flavor! With a lovely smoky touch, they’re crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside—perfect for your next gathering.
Who can resist chicken wings, right? I love serving them with a side of tangy sauce for dipping. They’ll disappear quickly, so grab some while you can! 😂
Making these wings is a breeze! Just rub your favorite spices, smoke them, and enjoy a delicious meal. It’s a fun way to impress your friends and family with BBQ goodness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: Look for fresh wings or frozen ones that are thawed. If you can’t find wings, drumsticks will also work well; they’ll just need a bit more cooking time to get tender.
Spices: Paprika gives a nice color and flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use smoked paprika for an extra smoky hit. For chili powder, any blend will work, but you could substitute cayenne for a spicy kick if desired!
Olive Oil: This helps the spices stick and provides moisture. You can use any neutral oil like canola or avocado oil instead. Just avoid heavy oils like olive oil which can dominate the flavor.
How Do I Get the Skin Extra Crispy?
Crispy skin on chicken wings is key to a great bite! Start by patting your wings dry with paper towels; this removes excess moisture and helps with crisping. Then, make sure to apply a light coat of oil before tossing in your spice mix.
- Smoking at a lower temperature for longer helps develop flavor. But, for ultimate crispiness, you can finish them on a grill or under the broiler for a few minutes once they are done smoking. Watch carefully to prevent burning!
- Allowing them to rest for a few minutes after smoking helps juices redistribute, keeping them juicy.
Smoked Chicken Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 lbs chicken wings, tips removed and wings separated into flats and drumettes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp brown sugar (optional, for slight sweetness)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for serving)
- Celery and carrot sticks (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15-20 minutes for prep work, plus 1.5 to 2 hours for smoking the wings. Adding a few more minutes if you choose to crisp them up, and you’ll be ready to enjoy a big batch of tasty wings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Smoker:
Start by preheating your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Choosing wood chips like hickory or applewood adds a delicious smoky flavor to your chicken wings.
2. Prepare the Chicken Wings:
Take your chicken wings and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is important because it helps the seasoning stick and the skin to become crispy when cooked.
3. Coat with Olive Oil:
In a large bowl, drizzle the olive oil over the wings. Toss them gently until they are evenly coated with the oil, helping the spices to stick better.
4. Mix the Spice Rub:
In a separate small bowl, combine the paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar. This mix will be your adventure in flavor!
5. Season the Wings:
Now, sprinkle the spice rub all over the wings. Toss them well to ensure every single piece is nicely coated in the flavorful spices.
6. Arrange the Wings:
Place the wings in a single layer on the smoker rack. Make sure they have some space between them for the smoke to circulate, allowing for even cooking.
7. Smoke the Wings:
Let the wings smoke for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the wings are beautifully browned and crisped.
8. Crisping Up the Skin (Optional):
If you prefer extra crispy wings, you can finish them on a hot grill or under a broiler for about 3-5 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
9. Rest the Wings:
Once done, take the wings out of the smoker and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle for juicy bites!
10. Garnish:
Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the wings for a pop of color and freshness.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious smoked wings hot, with crunchy celery and carrot sticks, along with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. They’re sure to be a hit!
Enjoy your delicious smoked chicken wings with a perfect balance of smoky flavor and spices!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for a quicker thaw.
How Can I Make These Wings Spicier?
If you love heat, you can increase the cayenne pepper in the spice rub or add some hot sauce to the olive oil when coating the wings. Marinating the wings in hot sauce for an hour before seasoning can also elevate the spice level!
What Should I Serve with the Wings?
These smoked wings pair perfectly with ranch or blue cheese dressing. For sides, consider serving celery and carrot sticks for crunch, or add some classic sides like coleslaw or potato wedges to round out your meal.
How Long Do Leftover Wings Last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to ensure they stay crispy! Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave, although they may lose some crispiness.
