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    Home » Recipes » Smoker Recipes

    How To Make The Best Smoked Chicken Wings Every Time

    Published: Jul 12, 2023 by Amanda Mason · 51 Comments

    Yield 8 people
    Prep 10 minutes minutes
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

    If you've never smoked wings before, you're going to be amazed at how quick and easy it is! These smoked chicken wings are not only tender and juicy, but they are the best smoked wings ever! Master the art of smoking chicken wings so you can enjoy them every time you whip them up!

    A plate filled with smoked chicken wings paired with ranch dressing.

    This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Bradley Smokers. All opinions are my own.

    Chicken wings are the star of the show when it comes to appetizers and they also pair amazingly well with pizza. But when you make smoked chicken wings, it's a game changer. If you're looking for things to smoke, then you're in the right place. I have a plethora of smoker recipes where I show you how to smoke a brisket and how to smoke a chicken. And these smoked wings are going to quickly become one of your favorite smoker recipes!

    Not only are they delicious, but the process to make them is super easy. Similar to making grilled chicken wings, you'll combine the dry rub ingredients, slather them with BBQ sauce, and let the smoker do all the work. And the result is beyond flavorful!

    Jump to:
    • Why This Recipe Works
    • 🛒 Ingredients You'll Need
    • Variations
    • 📋 Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions
    • 🙋 Recipe FAQs
    • 💭 Expert Tips
    • 🍽️ More Smoker Recipes
    • How To Make The Best Smoked Chicken Wings
    Close up of a person holding a chicken wing with ranch.

    Why This Recipe Works

    1. You can make these wings on any type of smoker.

    2. They are sweet and the dry rub is made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen!

    3. It only takes 10 minutes to prep and 45 minutes to 1 hour to smoke!


    🛒 Ingredients You'll Need

    Chicken wings, spices, BBQ sauce and olive oil on a table.
    • Chicken Wings - party wings work best and can be found in the freezer section of your local grocery store.
    • Olive Oil - a good quality oil is essential to lock in the flavor. Extra Virgin olive oil or just olive oil works best.
    • Light Brown Sugar - used as a base to the smoked wings and adds a balance of sweet to the salty and smokiness.
    • Chili Powder - a flavor enhancer that adds a rich, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor.
    • Paprika - smoked paprika adds a hint of smoky flavor. Regular or sweet paprika also works well.
    • Cumin - adds a slight earthy flavors and compliments the other dry rub ingredients.
    • Onion Powder - a savory and slightly sweet flavor enhancer.
    • Garlic Powder - add a hint of garlic flavor.
    • Salt & Pepper - used as a flavor enhancer.
    • BBQ Sauce - used to baste onto the smoked wings before, during, and after the smoke.

    Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full ingredients list & instructions!

    Variations

    • Mild, Medium, or Hot: these are mild smoked wings but to make them more spicy, try adding cayenne pepper, dried chipotle powder, or hot paprika.
    • Oil: Avocado oil also works well. Avoid any flavored oils as it will detract from the intended taste.
    • Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar is good if you want to add a bit more sweetness.
    • BBQ Sauce - The flavor combination with these spices pair amazingly well with the BBQ sauce. I'm a fan of making my own bbq sauce recipe, but using a store bought BBQ sauce also works well.
    • Types of Chicken: This recipe also tastes amazing using boneless wings. It's also really good on drumsticks.

    📋 Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions

    Step 1: Prepare the smoker accordingly and preheat it to 225°F.

    Step 2: While the smoker is preheating, combine all the dry rub ingredients in a small bowl.


    👩‍🍳 Expert Tips: Use a whisk to combine, but then use your fingers to breakdown any small clumps.


    Glass bowl containing chicken rub.

    Step 3: Using a basting brush, baste the olive oil onto both sides of each wing. You'll need ¼ cup of olive oil for the basting process.

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    Person basting chicken wings with olive oil.

    Step 4: Next, evenly sprinkle on the chicken wing seasoning onto both sides of the chicken.

    Chicken wings covered in a spice rub.

    Step 5: Baste ½ cup of barbecue sauce onto each wing until they are well covered. At this point of the process, each piece should be well covered in the smoked chicken rub and the BBQ sauce.

    Person basting on BBQ sauce.

    Step 6: Now it's time to put the chicken wings in the smoker! When the smoker has preheated, place each wing directly onto the smoker trays evenly so they do not overlap.

    Person using tongs to place chicken wings on smoker racks.

    Compared to smoking a chicken or making smoked chicken quarters, it doesn't take long to smoke these. If you're using party wings, it only takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to smoke. If you're using whole wings, they will take 1.5-2 hours.


    👩‍🍳 Expert Tip: For whole, larger wings, don't rely on the smoke time. Insert a digital thermometer and when the meat has reached 165°F, they can be removed from the smoker.


    Step 7: Halfway through the smoke time, baste on more BBQ sauce. Only basting one side so that you can keep as much smoke in the smoker as possible.

    Person basting BBQ sauce onto chicken wings.

    Step 8: When they are done smoking, remove them from the smoker and serve.

    Person removing smoked chicken wings from the smoker.

    These smoked chicken wings have never been easier to make, or tastier! Try serving these alongside these air fryer french fries and make sure you try dipping them in this homemade garlic aioli or this guacamole!

    White plate containing smoked chicken wings, platter of ranch in plate.

    🙋 Recipe FAQs

    How do I make smoked wings crispy?

    When smoking meat low and slow, it's nearly impossible to get the skin nice and crispy. If you want to crisp these wings up a bit, put them on the grill on high heat and grill them for 2-3 minutes. You can also broil them on high in the oven for 3-5 minutes to get the skin more crispy.

    Should I brine chicken wings before smoking them?

    It's not necessary to brine chicken wings before placing them on the smoker. The rub and BBQ sauce adds a lot of flavor. Smoking chicken wings at a low and slow temperature enhances their natural juiciness. The dark meat also tends to be more moist so brining just isn't necessary.

    What is the best temperature to smoke chicken wings?

    The ideal temperature for smoking is around 225°F. With this recipe, don't let the internal temperature of the smoker get above 250°F. The key to juicy, tender, and flavorful meat is to smoke them low and slow.

    Close up on Smoked BBQ chicken wings on a plate.

    💭 Expert Tips

    • Use a mild wood when smoking chicken wings. Apple and cherry wood works best. If you use a strong wood like hickory or mesquite, the smoke flavor will overwhelm the meat making these taste too smokey and bitter.
    • Never smoke frozen meat. The meat should be completely thawed before starting the smoking process.
    • Smoke low and slow. The ideal temperature for smoking is around 225°F. With this recipe, don't let the internal temperature of the smoker get above 250°F.
    • Store any leftovers in a container with a lid in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
    • Reheating chicken wings is easy! If you reheat them in the oven, they will also crisp up nicely. Set the oven to 400°F and bake for 5-7 minutes until warm.
    • Try dipping them in ranch or blue cheese dressing. You can also serve them with celery and carrot sticks!

    🍽️ More Smoker Recipes

    • Applewood Smoked Chicken on a wooden cutting board, fork in chicken.
      Applewood Smoked Chicken
    • Close up view of pulled pork sandwich on a plate.
      Smoked Pork Butt
    • White dish with smoked brisket burnt ends in a kansas city-barbecue sauce with a glass of beer
      Smoked Brisket Burnt Ends
    • Slab of bbq ribs on the smoker.
      Smoked Baby Back Ribs

    If you tried these smoked chicken wings or any other recipes on my website, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below. I love hearing from you! And, please leave a 🌟 rating while you're there!

    📧 Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter, so that you don’t miss out on any of my delicious recipes!

    How To Make The Best Smoked Chicken Wings

    If you've never smoked wings before, you're going to be amazed at how quick and easy it is! These BBQ chicken wings are not only tender and juicy, but they are the best wings ever! And I'm going to show you how to master the art of smoking chicken wings so you can enjoy these every single time!
    5 from 34 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizers, dinner, Lunch, Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    1 hour hour
    Total Time: 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8 people
    Calories: 474kcal
    Author: Amanda Mason

    Equipment

    • Smoker any type

    Ingredients

    For The Chicken Wing Seasoning

    • 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • ½ teaspoon cumin, ground
    • ½ teaspoon onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

    For The Chicken

    • 30 party wings, (or whole wings)
    • ¼ cup olive oil

    Instructions

    • Prepare the smoker accordingly and preheat it to 225°F.
    • In a small bowl, combine 2 Tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Use a whisk to combine, ensuring you use your fingers to breakdown any small clumps.
    • Baste ¼ cup of olive oil onto both sides of each wing.
    • Next, evenly sprinkle on the dry rub onto both sides of each piece.
    • Baste ½ cup of barbecue sauce onto each wing until they are well coated.
    • After the smoker has preheated, put each wing directly onto the smoker trays evenly so they do not overlap.
    • If you're using party wings, it only takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to smoke. If you're using whole wings, they will take 1.5-2 hours.
      Expert Tip: For whole wings, don't rely on the smoke time. Insert a digital thermometer and when the meat has reached 165°F, they can then be removed from the smoker.
    • Halfway through the smoke time, baste on more BBQ sauce.
      Expert Tip: I suggest only basting one side of the wings so that you can keep as much smoke in the smoker as possible.
    • When the wings are done smoking, remove them from the smoker.
    • Serve immediately.

    Video

    Notes

      • Use a mild wood when smoking chicken wings. Apple and cherry wood works best. If you use a strong wood like hickory or mesquite, the smoke flavor will overwhelm the meat making these taste too smokey and bitter.
      • Never smoke frozen meat. The meat should be completely thawed before starting the smoking process.
      • Smoke low and slow. The ideal temperature for smoking is around 225°F. With this recipe, don't let the internal temperature of the smoker get above 250°F.
      • Store any leftovers in a container with a lid in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
      • Reheating chicken wings is easy! If you reheat them in the oven, they will also crisp up nicely. Set the oven to 400°F and bake for 5-7 minutes until warm.
      • Dip them  in ranch or blue cheese dressing. You can also serve them with celery and carrot sticks!

    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

    Enter your email to receive this recipe, along with weekly food inspiration!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 474kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 139mg | Sodium: 283mg | Potassium: 303mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 464IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @RecipesWorthRep or tag #RecipesWorthRepeating!
    « Cauliflower Salad with Peas and Cashews
    Greek Chicken Marinade »
    971 shares

    About Amanda Mason

    Hi! I'm Amanda, the founder and creator behind Recipes Worth Repeating! Simply put, I focus on creating delicious recipes for everyone. I offer variety. I offer convenience. I offer yumminess! And that's why people keep coming back. The recipes I create are absolutely worth repeating.

    Founded in 2012, Recipes Worth Repeating grew from people routinely asking me to email them the recipe for my latest dish. Recipe development comes naturally to me and I find cooking relaxing. Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, I developed a passion for cooking at an early age and I love to showcase a variety of recipes on my blog.Creating delicious new recipes, still photography, and video for Recipes Worth Repeating is the driving force behind what engages my readers to keep coming back for more recipes they will love.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 34 votes (13 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




       

    1. Fay

      July 08, 2024 at 6:05 pm

      Where are the instructions for making the bbq sauce? Or did you just just store bought BBQ sauce? If so, what kind?

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        July 09, 2024 at 7:42 pm

        I used my homemade BBQ sauce on these wings. I linked to them in the recipe, but here is the link to the BBQ recipe: https://recipesworthrepeating.com/how-to-make-homemade-bbq-sauce/

        Reply
    2. Kate Hahnel

      January 22, 2024 at 3:05 am

      5 stars
      My family loved the barbecue smoky flavor of these chicken wings! I cannot wait to make them again!

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        January 22, 2024 at 8:31 am

        Make them for super bowl coming up!! Such a crowd favorite!

        Reply
    3. Amy Liu Dong

      January 19, 2024 at 11:38 pm

      5 stars
      I love how easy to make this recipe. It is so good and tasty.
      My husband loves it!

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        January 20, 2024 at 12:43 pm

        Yeah!! So glad he loved the wings!!

        Reply
    4. Jamie

      January 19, 2024 at 11:36 pm

      5 stars
      I made this for my siblings and it was gone in a minute. The chicken is so tender and flavorful!

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        January 20, 2024 at 12:43 pm

        So glad they loved my wings recipes so much!!

        Reply
    5. DK Park

      January 19, 2024 at 10:20 pm

      5 stars
      Definitely one of the best recipes out there! Thank you for sharing this to us, gotta make this now and enjoy it by myself!

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        January 20, 2024 at 12:42 pm

        So glad you love the recipe! So many people do...it's one of my most popular recipes!

        Reply
    6. Savita

      January 18, 2024 at 7:08 am

      5 stars
      This Chicken in White Wine Sauce is a culinary masterpiece! The tender chicken, paired with the rich and flavorful white wine sauce, creates a dish that's simply heavenly.

      Reply
    7. Rick

      September 12, 2023 at 8:58 am

      Thinking about making these this weekend. Are they crispy cooking at 225?

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        September 12, 2023 at 8:31 pm

        No - you'll never get crispy smoking slow and low. If you want to crisp these wings up a bit, put them on the grill on high heat and grill them for 2-3 minutes. You can also broil them on high in the oven for 3-5 minutes to get the skin more crispy.

        Reply
        • Ryan

          September 21, 2023 at 6:30 pm

          5 stars
          I just stumbled onto this article while looking into the best wood to smoke Chinese salt & pepper wings. The fact that you describe each individual spice is absolutely AWESOME!! A lot of recipes call for seasonings that some people have never heard of. Having an idea of how an unfamiliar spice will affect the flavor is really helpful.

        • Amanda Mason

          September 22, 2023 at 8:01 am

          I am so glad to hear how helpful this was to you! Thank you for taking the time to write me to let me know! So glad you loved the article! Let me know what other recipes of mine you try!!

    8. Wayne

      September 03, 2023 at 6:46 am

      5 stars
      Made your recipe and they were fantastic. No left overs. Next time making a double batch.

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        September 03, 2023 at 12:54 pm

        Oh! I'm so glad to hear you loved them! So glad they were a hit!!! Share this recipe with all your friends!!!! Let me know what other recipes of mine you make!!

        Reply
    9. kubet

      August 08, 2023 at 7:41 am

      best view i have ever seen !

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        August 10, 2023 at 1:42 pm

        HA HA! Yes! I 100% agree 🙂

        Reply
    10. Laura

      December 18, 2022 at 1:45 pm

      The recipe says 30 party wings but you used about 15 in your video with the same amount of rub. Should the rub recipe be used for 15 or 30 party wings?

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        December 21, 2022 at 8:22 am

        The rub as written in the recipe card is for 30 party wings. It should use all the rub with no leftovers.

        Reply
    « Older Comments
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    Hi, I'm Amanda! Welcome to my little corner of the internet. I'm a wife, mother of two, lover of all things food and wine, and photographer. Here at Recipes Worth Repeating, you're going to find the most delicious and easy to make recipes everyone will love.

    More about me →

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