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Smoked Chicken Wings

Smoked Chicken Wings That'll Wow Your Taste Buds Every Time

These smoked chicken wings are tender, flavorful, and perfect for any gathering, delivering an irresistible smoky flavor.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 4 wings
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Wings
  • 2 lbs Chicken Wings Fresh wings are best; split with tips removed for optimal cooking.
  • 2 tbl Olive Oil Helps moisture and seasoning adhere; vegetable oil is a suitable substitute.
  • 1 tbl Paprika Adds vibrant color and flavor; opt for smoked paprika to enhance smokiness.
  • 1 tbl Garlic Powder Boosts savory notes; fresh garlic can be used but reduce the amount.
  • 1 tbl Onion Powder Provides depth to flavor; can be omitted if not available.
  • 1 tbl Brown Sugar Balances the spice with sweetness; white sugar can be a lighter option.
  • 1 tbl Salt Enhances overall flavor; adjust according to dietary preferences.
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper Offers mild heat; freshly ground is always best.
  • 1 tbl Smoked Paprika Deepens the smoky flavor profile; regular paprika works if you don’t have it.
  • 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper Adds a dash of heat; adjust the amount to fit your taste.
For the Glaze (Optional)
  • 1/4 cup Honey Delivers sweetness and stickiness; maple syrup is a good alternative.
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce Enriches the umami flavor; tamari is a gluten-free option.
  • 1 tbl Apple Cider Vinegar Balances the glaze with acidity; white vinegar or lemon juice can substitute.
  • 2 tbl Butter Enriches the glaze, creating a smooth finish; use olive oil for a dairy-free choice.
  • 1/2 tsp Chili Flakes Adds optional heat; swap it for your favorite hot spice.

Equipment

  • Smoker
  • Saucepan

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Step 1: Prepare Wings - Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels and toss in olive oil until evenly coated. This takes about 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Make Dry Rub - Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne in a bowl. Mix thoroughly for about 1 minute until clump-free.
  3. Step 3: Season the Wings - Sprinkle the dry rub generously over the wings and let sit for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  4. Step 4: Preheat Smoker - Preheat the smoker to 225°F using wood of choice. It takes about 10-15 minutes to reach the desired temperature.
  5. Step 5: Smoke Wings - Arrange wings in a single layer on smoker grates and smoke for approximately 2.5 hours or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Step 6: Prepare Glaze (Optional) - Combine honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, butter, and chili flakes in a saucepan. Heat over medium-low until mixture thickens slightly, about 10-15 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Glaze Wings - Increase smoker temperature to 375°F, brush glaze onto wings, and flip halfway for the last 20 minutes of cooking.
  8. Step 8: Serve - Remove wings from smoker and let rest briefly. Serve hot with additional glaze on the side if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1wingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 250mgSugar: 4gVitamin A: 750IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For extra crispness, grill wings for a few minutes after smoking. This enhances the outer crunch while maintaining tenderness inside.

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