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Smoked Chicken Wings

  • Author: The Prestons
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4-6 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • Wood chips (hickory, applewood, or cherry) for smoking
  • BBQ sauce or wing sauce (optional, for serving)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Wings:

  • Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a crispy skin.

2. Season the Wings:

  • In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil.
  • In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and thyme.
  • Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the wings, ensuring they are evenly coated.

3. Preheat the Smoker:

  • Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Add wood chips of your choice for a flavorful smoke.

4. Smoke the Chicken Wings:

  • Arrange the seasoned wings on the smoker rack in a single layer.
  • Smoke the wings at 225°F (107°C) for 1.5 to 2 hours or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

5. Optional: Crisp the Wings:

  • For crispy skin, increase the smoker temperature to 375°F (190°C) for the last 15-20 minutes, or transfer the wings to a preheated grill or oven and cook until crispy.

6. Serve:

  • Serve the smoked chicken wings as is or toss them in your favorite BBQ or wing sauce.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Wood Chip Suggestions: Hickory gives a bold flavor, while applewood and cherry offer a milder, sweeter smoke.
  • Serving Tip: Pair with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing for a classic presentation.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for crispy results.