Smoked Chicken Wings

Smoked Chicken Wings Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken wings (split into flats and drumettes)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon paprika (for color and mild smokiness)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (for extra tang and to help with crisping)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken Wings:
   • Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Drying them helps achieve a crispy skin when smoked.
   • Place the wings in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat the wings evenly.
2. Season the Wings:
   • In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar (if using).
   • Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the wings and toss them well to coat all sides. For extra flavor, let the wings marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour in the fridge.
3. Prepare the Smoker:
   • Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). You can use wood chips like hickory, apple, or cherry for a nice smokey flavor that complements the chicken wings well.
   • Add the wood chips to your smoker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Smoke the Wings:
   • Arrange the wings on the smoker rack in a single layer, leaving space between each wing for the smoke to circulate.
   • Smoke the wings for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), and the wings are golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside. You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
5. Optional: Crisp the Skin:
   • If you prefer a crispier skin, increase the temperature of the smoker or move the wings to a hot grill for 5-10 minutes after smoking, flipping them occasionally to get an even crisp on all sides.
6. Serve:
   • Remove the wings from the smoker and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
   • Serve the smoked chicken wings with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, blue cheese, or a tangy barbecue sauce.

Tips:

• Smoking Time: Smoking time may vary depending on the size of the wings and the consistency of the smoker’s temperature. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F.
• Wood Choice: Different wood types will add different flavors. Apple and cherry wood create a sweet, fruity flavor, while hickory and mesquite give a more intense smokiness.
• Crispier Skin: If you like extra crispy skin, you can finish the wings in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes or on a hot grill.

Enjoy these Smoked Chicken Wings as the perfect addition to your next barbecue or game day spread! The smoky flavor combined with the seasonings makes them irresistible.