Juicy Smoky Chicken Wings Recipe for Wing Lovers

Sizzling and packed with smoky chipotle chicken wings that promise to steal the show at any gathering.

These wings deliver a punch of flavor that will leave everyone asking for the secret.

We’ve perfected a technique that infuses each bite with deep, rich smokiness.

The marinade combines bold spices that dance across your palate with incredible depth.

Low and slow smoking creates an irresistible exterior that gives way to tender, juicy meat inside.

You won’t be able to resist the incredible aroma wafting from the grill.

The combination of spices and smoking method guarantees a wing experience that goes beyond ordinary barbecue fare.

Dive into this recipe and become the backyard grilling champion your neighborhood craves.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 min

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 20 min

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Smoked Chicken Wings

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and tenderizes meat, choose fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Garlic Powder: Adds deep savory notes, look for pure powder without anti-caking agents.
• Onion Powder: Provides sweet-sharp undertone, select freshly ground for maximum potency.
• Black Pepper: Brings warm spiciness, opt for freshly cracked whole peppercorns.
• Brown Sugar: Creates caramelized exterior and balances spices, select dark variety for richer taste.

• Paprika: Contributes vibrant color and mild warmth, choose Hungarian or Spanish varieties.
• Ancho Chili Powder: Introduces subtle smoky sweetness, ensure it's pure ground chili.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps dry rub adhere and promotes even browning, select cold-pressed.
• Chicken Wings: Choose fresh, plump wings with consistent size for uniform cooking, preferably antibiotic-free.
• Wood Chunks/Pellets: Impart smoky flavor, cherry or hickory recommended for poultry, ensure food-grade quality.

Tools for Prepping & Smoking Chicken Wings

• Grill or Smoker: Essential for creating low, indirect heat and generating smoke for the wings.
• Sharp Knife or Poultry Shears: Crucial for breaking down and trimming the chicken wings.
• Small Bowl or Spice Shaker: Needed for mixing and applying the dry rub.
• Meat Thermometer: Important for checking the internal temperature of the wings.
• Basting Brush: Used to apply olive oil before seasoning the wings.
• Wood Chips or Wood Chunks: Necessary for adding smoky flavor (depending on your cooking method).
• Aluminum Foil: Optional for creating a smoker pouch if using a gas grill.

How to Smoke Chicken Wings Like a Pitmaster

• Grill Setup

Choose your cooking platform – gas, charcoal, or dedicated smoker. Create an indirect heat zone by positioning coals or burners to one side, maintaining temperature between 225-275 degrees.

• Flavor Blend

Craft a custom spice mixture combining salt, garlic powder, brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, onion powder, and ancho chili powder. Mix thoroughly to develop a rich seasoning profile.

• Wing Preparation

Separate chicken wing sections by cutting through natural joints. Remove wingtips, focusing on creating uniform pieces that will cook evenly and absorb smoky flavors.

• Seasoning Process

Coat wings with olive oil, then generously sprinkle the spice blend across every surface. Ensure complete and consistent coverage for maximum taste experience.

• Smoking Journey

Position wings in the cooler section of your heat source. Allow wings to smoke slowly, absorbing wood-infused flavors for approximately 90-120 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.

• Serving Moment

Transfer smoked wings from cooking surface. Allow brief resting period to let juices redistribute. Plate and savor the rich, complex flavors of your perfectly smoked chicken wings.

Smoky Variations & Flavor Tips

• Elevate Your Wing Game
• Marinate wings overnight in buttermilk or brine to enhance tenderness and infuse deeper flavors before applying the dry rub.
• Experiment with different wood chips like hickory, apple, or mesquite to create unique smoky profiles that complement the wing's natural taste.
• Use a reliable meat thermometer to guarantee wings reach the safe 165ºF internal temperature without overcooking, ensuring juicy and perfectly smoked meat.
• Create signature wing sauces by mixing the dry rub with honey, hot sauce, or butter for a personalized finishing touch that elevates the smoky base flavor.
• Pat wings completely dry before seasoning to help the dry rub adhere better and create a deliciously crispy exterior during smoking.

Ways to Serve Smoked Chicken Wings

• Crowd-Pleasing Game Day Spread: Arrange wings on a large platter with celery sticks, carrot batons, and blue cheese or ranch dressing for classic sports-watching vibes.
• Backyard BBQ Companion: Pair these smoky wings with creamy coleslaw, corn on the cob, and baked beans for a complete summer cookout experience that'll have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Flavor Boost Dipping Station: Create a variety of dipping sauces like tangy buffalo, honey mustard, and spicy sriracha mayo to let guests customize their wing experience and add extra excitement to the meal.
• Elevated Appetizer Presentation: Serve wings on a wooden cutting board with fresh herbs sprinkled on top, accompanied by small ramekins of signature sauces for a restaurant-quality presentation that impresses guests.

Storage Plan for Leftover Wings

• Batch Cooking Magic: Prepare a large batch of smoked chicken wings during weekend meal prep. These wings store beautifully and provide quick protein options for busy weekdays.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooked wings in airtight containers, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain wing quality.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Freeze smoked wings in sealed freezer bags for up to 2 months. Pro tip: Wrap individual wings in plastic wrap before placing in freezer bags to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal texture.
• Reheating Technique: Revive refrigerated or frozen wings in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Use a wire rack on a baking sheet to restore crispiness and prevent soggy bottoms, ensuring your wings taste just as delicious as when first smoked.

Crispy Smoked Chicken Wings Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 20 min
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Spicy smoked chicken wings deliver a mouthwatering blend of smoky flavor and zesty seasoning. Crispy exterior and tender meat ensure a delightful experience for those craving bold, barbecue-style appetizers you’ll devour with excitement.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 lbs (2.27 kg) chicken wings
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp light brown sugar, tightly packed
• 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp ancho chili powder
• Extra virgin olive oil, for brushing the wings
• Cherry wood chips for gas grill or chunks for smoker or charcoal grill

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Instructions

1. Smoking Preparation: Configure grill or smoker for indirect low heat between 225ºF to 275ºF. For gas grills, activate one burner with wood chips in smoker box; for charcoal grills, arrange unlit and lit coals strategically with wood chunks to generate consistent smoke.
2. Dry Rub Creation: Thoroughly blend salt, garlic powder, brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, onion powder, and ancho chili powder into a harmonious seasoning mixture, ensuring complete ingredient integration.
3. Wing Preparation: Deconstruct chicken wings by removing wingtips and separating flat and drumette segments using a sharp knife, carefully slicing through joint connections while preserving wingtips for potential future stock preparation.
4. Seasoning Process: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil across wing surfaces, then meticulously massage dry rub mixture to achieve comprehensive and uniform coating, guaranteeing maximum flavor penetration.
5. Smoking Execution: Arrange seasoned wings on cooler grill section, maintaining consistent indirect heat. Smoke for 1.5 to 2 hours, monitoring internal temperature until reaching 165ºF with a meat thermometer to ensure complete cooking.
6. Serving Presentation: Remove wings from heat source, allow brief resting period, then plate immediately to preserve optimal temperature and showcase the rich, smoky flavor profile of perfectly prepared chicken wings.

Notes

• Prep Wood Wisely: Choose wood chips like hickory or applewood for deeper, more complex smoky flavors that complement chicken’s natural taste.
• Rub Technique Matters: Massage dry rub thoroughly into wing surfaces, ensuring every crevice gets seasoned for maximum flavor penetration.
• Temperature Precision: Use a reliable meat thermometer to confirm 165ºF internal temperature, preventing undercooking while maintaining juicy meat texture.
• Resting is Crucial: Allow wings to rest 5-10 minutes after smoking, which helps redistribute juices and locks in incredible smoky flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 min
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 120mg