Smoked chicken wings are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of rich smoky flavor. Perfect for parties, game nights, or a delicious weekend treat.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
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2 lbs (900 g) chicken wings
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon salt
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Optional: ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat
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BBQ sauce or hot sauce for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Wings
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Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels for crispier skin.
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In a bowl, toss wings with olive oil and all the spices until evenly coated.
2. Preheat the Smoker or Grill
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Preheat smoker or grill to 225–250°F (107–120°C).
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Use wood chips (hickory, apple, or cherry) for extra smoky flavor.
3. Smoke the Wings
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Arrange wings in a single layer on the smoker rack or indirect heat area of the grill.
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Smoke for 1.5–2 hours until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and skin is firm.
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Optional: In the last 10–15 minutes, brush wings with BBQ sauce or hot sauce and increase heat to 350°F (175°C) to caramelize the sauce.
4. Serve
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Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce (ranch, blue cheese, or more BBQ sauce).
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Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips for Perfect Smoked Chicken Wings
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Dry wings thoroughly before seasoning for crispy skin.
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Keep the smoker lid closed as much as possible to retain smoke flavor.
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Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
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For extra crispiness, broil wings for 2–3 minutes after smoking.
Variations
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Spicy Smoked Wings: Add cayenne or chili powder to the seasoning mix.
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Sweet & Smoky: Brush wings with honey or maple syrup before finishing.
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Asian Style: Toss smoked wings in teriyaki or hoisin sauce after cooking.
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Buffalo Wings: Smoke wings, then toss in classic buffalo sauce for heat.
These Smoked Chicken Wings are smoky, tender, and packed with flavor, making them a perfect appetizer or main for any occasion.
If you want, I can also provide a smoked wings recipe for oven or stovetop that gives similar smoky flavor without a smoker.
