How can you possibly have a big backyard party without some chicken wings? The best all around wing are smoked chicken wings. Juicy, tender wings are so delicious when infused with smokey flavors. These wings have a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley. With this simple seasoning, you can serve them with any of your favorite sauces.
When you want to serve some more smoked meats that don’t take a long time, try smoked chicken drumsticks and smoked sausage.
SMOKED CHICKEN WINGS
I’ve tried chicken wings every different way you can possibly cook them. Whether it’s baked, fried, or grilled, none of them come close to smoked chicken wings. Smoking is definitely the way to go for the best taste and juicy, tender wings.
It doesn’t matter if you’re planning a big barbecue bash, getting ready to watch the game, or just have a craving for some wings. Get a few pounds of chicken wings and spend a couple of hours smoking them. There is barely any prep required so the most effort will go to tossing wings in seasoning, putting them on the smoker and then, taking them off. The best part of the party will be hanging out with a drink in your hand, just waiting on the smoker.
You will notice that seasoning on these wings is very simple. I do that on purpose because that way, you can use any sauce with the wings. When I use my Ultimate Dry Rub on the wings, you don’t need any sauce with it. Dry rub is what gives the wing a ton of flavor and putting sauce in addition to dry rub is just overkill.
So to keep the wings “sauce-friendly” and yet still amazingly delicious, seasoning is very mild. It’s a mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley. This mix enhances the flavor of the chicken but it will not interfere with any sauce.
QUICK SMOKING GUIDE
What is the smoker temperature for the chicken wings: the magic 225°. For the gas and electric smokers, set it to 225°. If you’re using charcoal and wood smoker, maintain the temperature of 225°-250°. (Of course, you want to try and keep it closer to 225°.)
What types of wood to use for smoking chicken: apple, pecan, maple are all nice and mild for chicken. If you want to go with a strong wood, use hickory.
How Long Does It Take To Smoke Chicken Wings: It will take 2 to 2 1/2 for chicken wings to cook. But even with knowing the time, the most reliable way to tell when your meat is done is to use an instant read digital thermometer. Chicken wings should be cooked to 165°.
How Do I Know When Wings Are Done: The best way to tell if the wings are done is to use an instant read thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the wing, towards the center, not touching the bone. Chicken wings are done when they reach 165° internal temperature.
WHAT SAUCES TO SERVE:
You can use all your favorite sauces with these wings. Whether you want to toss the wings in sauce or dip it, pick your favorites.
Buffalo Sauce
Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce
Teriyaki Sauce
Korean BBQ Sauce
Garlic Parmesan Butter
Sweet Thai Chili Sauce
HOW TO SMOKE CHICKEN WINGS
You can smoke whole chicken wings or wings broken down into flats and drumettes. If using frozen wings, make sure they are fully thawed first.
Season: dry wings with a paper towel and place them into a mixing bowl. Add seasoning and toss until all the wings are covered in seasoning.
Smoke: start the smoker and heat it to 225°. Place wings on the grate next to each other but not touching. Close the lid and let them cook for 2-2 1/2 hours, depending on how large they are. Use an instant read thermometer to check the temperature. Insert it into the thickest part of the wings towards the center but not touching the bone. Wings are done when they reach 165°.
HOW CAN I MAKE SMOKED CHICKEN WINGS CRISPY?
On The Grill – If you have the ability to use the grill right after smoking, set it on high and crisp up the wings just until crispy, flip and crisp the other side.
In The Oven – Turn on the broiler on high and set the rack in the middle. Place smoked wings on a large baking sheet in one even layer and place it under the broiler. Keep an eye on it because the skin will get crispy pretty quick.
In The Fryer – You can also crisp up smoked wings in a fryer. Add oil to the fryer and preheat it to 350°. (You can also use a Dutch oven and pour 2 inches of oil into it.) Add smoked wings into hot oil and let them fry for 1-2 minutes. (If reheating cold chicken wing in a fryer, it will take 3-5 minutes.)
SOME MORE CHICKEN RECIPES TO TRY:
Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers
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Smoked Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 3 lbs chicken wings
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 1/2 tbsp dried parsley rubbed
Instructions
- You can smoke whole chicken wings or wings broken down into flats and drumettes. If using frozen wings, make sure they are fully thawed first.
- Dry wings with a paper towel and place them into a mixing bowl. Add seasoning and toss until all the wings are covered in seasoning.
- Start the smoker and heat it to 225°.
- Place wings on the grate next to each other but not touching. Close the lid and let them cook for 2-2 1/2 hours, depending on how large they are. Use an instant read thermometer to check the temperature. (Insert it into the thickest part of the wings towards the center but not touching the bone. Wings are done when they reach 165°.)
How To Crisp Smoked Wings:
- On The Grill – If you have the ability to use the grill right after smoking, set it on high and crisp up the wings just until crispy, flip, and crisp the other side.
- In The Oven – Turn on the broiler on high and set the rack in the middle. Place smoked wings on a large baking sheet in one even layer and place it under the broiler. Keep an eye on it because the skin will get crispy pretty quick.
- In The Fryer – You can also crisp up smoked wings in a fryer. Add oil to the fryer and preheat it to 350°. (You can also use a Dutch oven and pour 2 inches of oil into it.) Add smoked wings into hot oil and let them fry for 1-2 minutes. (If reheating cold chicken wing in a fryer, it will take 3-5 minutes.)
Notes
Nutrition
Another winning recipe, for sure. I made it and the favor was perfection, the house smelled very yummy and the chicken was delicious!