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Crispy Smoked Chicken Wings

Crispy Smoked Chicken Wings

Craving something delicious? These Crispy Smoked Chicken Wings are your answer! Packed with flavor and perfectly crispy, they make an easy weeknight dinner or a stunning party appetizer. Dive in and enjoy this mouthwatering dish tonight!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 432

Ingredients
  

  • 6 pounds chicken wings cut into parts
  • 1/3 recipe BBQ rub
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Grater
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

  1. Prepare the chicken wings by cutting them into parts and placing them in a large bowl.
  2. Pat the wings down very well using paper towels until they are dry.
  3. Start by mixing your rub with the baking powder until incorporated.
  4. Pour the rub into the bowl with the chicken wings and mix until coated.
  5. Place the chicken wings about a ½” inch apart from one another on a rack on a sheet tray.
  6. Put the chicken wings uncovered in the refrigerator for 12 to 72 hours.
  7. Preheat the smoker to 225°.
  8. Place the wings onto the grates of the smoker about a ½” inch apart from one another and smoke until they reach an internal temperature of 150°.
  9. Once they are done smoking, remove them from the smoker and briefly let them rest for 1 to 2 minutes.
  10. Add the wings in batches to a deep fryer filled with neutral flavored oil at 350° and cook them for 2 minutes or until crispy and when they’ve reached 165° internally.
  11. Or, you can cook the wings in batches over a hot grill between 450° to 550° for 1 to 2 minutes or until lightly charred and crispy.
  12. Add the cooked wings from the fryer or the grill to a large bowl and coat in your favorite BBQ sauce or buffalo sauce.
  13. Serve them on a plate or platter.

Notes

  • Make-Ahead: You can make these up to 1 hour ahead of time. Keep them warm, covered with foil on a sheet tray lined with parchment paper in the oven at 200°.
  • How to Store: Cover and place them in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. You can freeze these covered for up to 3 months.
  • How to Reheat: Add the desired number of wings to a sheet tray lined with parchment paper and bake in the oven at 350° for 6 to 8 minutes or until hot and crispy.
  • Creative Additions: Use your favorite rub for this smoked chicken recipe and get creative with spices such as chili powder or oregano.
  • Tip for Baking Powder: Substitute baking powder for cornstarch for a different texture.
  • Chicken Stock: Save the chicken wing tips for chicken stock by freezing them in a plastic bag.