Smoked Chicken Wings Recipe
Introduction
Smoked chicken wings offer a delicious twist on a classic favorite, combining tender, juicy meat with a smoky, crispy skin. This simple recipe uses a flavorful chicken rub and careful smoking to create wings perfect for any gathering or casual meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chicken rub (such as McCormick Chicken Seasoning)
- 2 pounds chicken wing portions
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your Traeger grill or any grill with a smoker box to 275ºF and let it come to temperature for 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Toss 2 teaspoons of the chicken rub with the wings to coat evenly. Arrange the wings on the smoker grate and smoke at 275ºF for 30 minutes.
- Step 3: Increase the grill temperature to 400ºF and cook the wings for about 40 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165ºF. Use tongs to transfer the wings to a heat-proof bowl.
- Step 4: Toss the wings with the remaining chicken rub. Serve them plain or with your favorite wing sauce, paired with bleu cheese or ranch dip.
Tips & Variations
- For extra smoky flavor, add wood chips like hickory or applewood to your smoker box.
- If you don’t have a smoker, you can bake the wings in the oven at 275ºF, then broil at high heat to crisp the skin.
- Try different rubs or spice blends for unique flavor profiles.
- Serve with celery sticks and dipping sauces for a classic wing experience.
Storage
Store leftover smoked wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350ºF oven for about 10 minutes to help restore crispiness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen wings for this recipe?
It’s best to use fully thawed wings to ensure even cooking and proper smoke absorption.
How do I know when the wings are done?
The wings are done when the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165ºF measured with a meat thermometer.
PrintSmoked Chicken Wings Recipe
Deliciously smoky and crispy chicken wings seasoned with a flavorful chicken rub, slow-smoked at low heat and finished with a high-temperature crisp to lock in the juices and deliver the perfect texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chicken rub (such as McCormick Chicken Seasoning)
Chicken
- 2 pounds chicken wing portions
Instructions
- Preheat the smoker: Preheat your Traeger grill or any smoker with a smoker box to 275ºF. Allow the grill to stabilize at this temperature for about 30 minutes to ensure consistent heat for an even smoke.
- Season and smoke the wings: Toss 2 teaspoons of chicken rub with the wing portions to evenly coat them. Arrange the wings on the smoker grate, making sure they are spaced out for proper smoke circulation. Smoke the wings at 275ºF for 30 minutes to infuse them with a rich smoky flavor.
- Increase heat to crisp the wings: After the initial smoke, raise the grill temperature to 400ºF and continue cooking the wings for an additional 40 minutes. This step crisps the skin to a golden brown while cooking the wings through. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165ºF for safe consumption.
- Final toss and serving: Using tongs, transfer the wings to a heat-proof bowl. Toss them with the remaining chicken rub to enhance flavor. Serve the wings as is or toss with your favorite wing sauce. Accompany with bleu cheese or ranch dip if desired.
Notes
- Using a meat thermometer helps guarantee wings are cooked to a safe and juicy internal temperature.
- For extra flavor, marinate wings with the rub a few hours before smoking.
- Choose a mild wood like apple or cherry for a subtle smoky aroma or hickory for a stronger smoke flavor.
- Serving with dips like bleu cheese or ranch adds a creamy balance to the smoky wings.
- Adjust cook times slightly based on wing size and grill temperature accuracy.
Keywords: Smoked chicken wings, crispy wings, smoked appetizer, grilled chicken wings, wing recipe, finger foods, game day recipe
