Smoked chicken wings are a tasty treat! With smoky flavors and crispy skin, they’re perfect for parties or game days. Just toss them in your favorite sauce, and you’re all set!
Who doesn’t love a good wing? I love making a big batch and sharing them with friends, or really, just keeping them all to myself! 😄 They’re super easy to make, too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: Fresh chicken wings are ideal for this recipe. If you’re short on time, you might find pre-cut wings in stores. You can also consider using drumsticks if you want a different texture!
Olive Oil: This helps the spices stick to the wings and promotes browning. If you’re looking for a different flavor, avocado oil or melted butter works well as a substitute.
Spices: Smoked paprika brings a lovely smoky flavor, but if you don’t have it, regular paprika works too. You can adjust spices like cayenne to suit your taste – perfect if you want to control the heat!
Wood Chips: Hickory is a classic for smoking, but applewood gives a sweeter, milder flavor. Experiment with your favorite wood chips to see what you like best!
How Can I Get the Wings Extra Crispy?
For wings that have that perfect crispiness, start by smoking them slowly to let the flavors develop. But to really get that crunch, a quick trip to a hot grill or oven at the end will do the trick!
- After smoking for 1.5 to 2 hours, heat your grill to high or preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place the wings on the grill or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, keeping an eye on them to avoid burning.
This method not only crisps up the skin but also adds an extra layer of deliciousness. Enjoy your wings crispy every time! 🍗
Smoked Chicken Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 pounds chicken wings, tips removed and separated into flats and drumettes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Wood chips for smoking (e.g., hickory or applewood)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional, for serving)
- Celery sticks (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Making smoked chicken wings will take about 30 minutes of prep time and around 1.5 to 2 hours of cooking time in the smoker. After cooking, let the wings rest for a few minutes before serving. In total, plan for about 2.5 hours to enjoy these delicious treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Smoker:
Start by preheating your smoker to 225°F (107°C). If you’re using wood chips, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps them smoke better! Follow the instructions for your electric or gas smoker if you’re using one.
2. Season the Wings:
In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, ensuring they’re all nicely coated. In a separate small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if you’re feeling spicy), and salt. Sprinkle this spice mixture over the wings, tossing to coat them evenly. Get those flavors all over!
3. Arrange and Smoke:
Lay the seasoned wings in a single layer on the smoker rack, making sure they’re not overcrowded so they can absorb the smoke evenly. Smoke the wings at 225°F for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is firm and slightly crispy.
4. Crisping Up Your Wings:
If you love crispy skin, here’s the optional step! Once smoked, you can finish off the wings on a hot grill or in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Once they’re done, take the wings out of the smoker and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps them stay juicy. Serve your delicious smoked chicken wings hot, with ranch or blue cheese dressing and crunchy celery sticks on the side!
Enjoy your delicious, smoky, crispy chicken wings! Perfect for any gathering or just a tasty snack. Bon appétit! 🍗
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings! Just be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight before preparing. This helps ensure even cooking and proper seasoning adherence.
What Can I Use Instead of Smoked Paprika?
If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works just fine. You might miss the smoky flavor, but you can add a tiny pinch of liquid smoke to your olive oil for a similar effect!
How Should I Store Leftover Wings?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through, ensuring they remain crispy.
Can I Prep the Wings Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can season the wings and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before smoking. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully!