Smoked Chicken Wings

Here’s a delicious smoked chicken wings recipe for you:

Smoked Chicken Wings

Ingredients:

• Chicken Wings:
  • 2 pounds of chicken wings
• Dry Rub:
  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
• Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Smoking:
  • Wood chips (hickory, apple, cherry, or your preferred type)
  • Olive oil or cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Preparation:
   • Rinse the chicken wings under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the rub adhere better to the wings.
2. Dry Rub:
   • In a bowl, combine all the dry rub ingredients. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of spices.
   • Place the chicken wings in a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag. Sprinkle the dry rub over the wings and toss to coat them evenly. Ensure all surfaces of the wings are covered with the rub. Let the wings sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors. For best results, refrigerate them for a few hours or overnight.
3. Prepare the Smoker:
   • Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Add your choice of wood chips to the smoker box or tray. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific smoker model.
   • Lightly oil the smoker racks or use cooking spray to prevent the wings from sticking.
4. Smoking the Wings:
   • Arrange the wings on the smoker racks in a single layer. Ensure there is enough space between each wing for even cooking.
   • Smoke the chicken wings for about 2 to 2.5 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The wings should have a nice smoky flavor and a slightly crispy exterior.
5. Sauce:
   • While the wings are smoking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the barbecue sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is well combined and heated through.
6. Finishing the Wings:
   • Once the wings are done smoking, you can leave them as is for a pure smoked flavor or brush them with the prepared sauce for a sticky, flavorful finish.
   • For sauced wings, increase the smoker temperature to 375°F (190°C) and cook the wings for an additional 15-20 minutes, brushing them with the sauce every 5 minutes. This step helps caramelize the sauce and adds a delicious glaze to the wings.
7. Serving:
   • Remove the wings from the smoker and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve them hot with extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Enjoy your perfectly smoked chicken wings!