Smoky, crispy-skinned, and flavourful, these irresistible crispy smoked wings are as simple to make as they are easy to eat. Dress them up however you like or eat them plain straight off of the smoker; they are -simply put- the best chicken wings ever.
I’ve mentioned a time or fifty that I’m from the Buffalo, NY area. In fact, I spend 6 days a week in Buffalo proper and I’m pretty darned loyal to the city, the residents, and -above all- the food. Y’all, Buffalo does food right.
I’ve shared a fair number of Buffalo inspired recipes over the years like our Buffalo Chicken Meatball Sub, Buffalo Garlic Knots, and game day classic Pizza Logs – Classic Buffalo New York Snack Food. But wings? Well, wings are far and away the most well-known and universally loved Buffalo food.
And I’m here to tell you that while I have spent many an hour over a fry-o-lator making thousands of chicken wings for bar patrons, I think that my crispy-skinned smoked chicken wings blow away any fried wing I’ve ever tasted. Ever.
And honestly, I find smoked chicken wings to be almost infinitely lower on the hassle scale than fried wings. Smoked wings are easier to make AND clean up after making.
The only catch is that you need a smoker or at the very least, an adjustable grill with a smoker box with some wood chips. This isn’t a big hurdle, though, because you can buy those smoker boxes on Amazon or at a store like Home Depot, Target, or Walmart.
Don’t worry. I’ve got everything you need to know to make your very own smoked chicken wings that will make you the envy of Buffalo or wherever you live!
How to Smoke Chicken Wings
If you’re wondering how to smoke chicken wings and how complicated the whole process is, I’m here to set your mind at ease. Smoked chicken wings don’t require much skill or hands-on effort. In fact, I’d say they’re in the “beginner cook” wheelhouse.
Traeger Smoked Wings
For ease, use a Traeger or Traeger-style pellet smoker/grill combo. This allows you to do all of the steps of the recipe on one piece of equipment.
If you don’t have a smoker/grill combo, you can smoke chicken wings on a grill with an add-on smoker box. They’re under $20 and transform any old propane grill into a smoker!
The Traeger makes this process as easy as setting the dial on an oven. You begin by preheating the Trager or the grill with smoke for 30 minutes. Smoke the wings at 275ºF and crank it up to 400ºF to finish them.
How Long to Smoke Chicken Wings
All it takes to make smoked chicken wings is 30 minutes in a low heat smoke environment followed by another 30 minutes or so on high heat to crisp the skin. It’s so easy, it’s almost embarrassing!
The beauty of this low-to-high method is that the low heat dries out the skin as it renders the fat. This leaves chicken skin that is ready to become shatteringly crisp in a high-heat environment.
After turning the grill up to a high temp, you’ll watch your wings for crispy skin. You’ll be able to tell by poking the wings with your fingers or squeezing them gently with tongs. When crispy, remove the wings from the grill!
Smoked Wings
When it comes to how to dress your smoked wings, the world is your oyster. The recipe I’m sharing is for straight up smoked wings, but you can toss the finished wings with whatever sauce suits your fancy.
If you’re looking for a traditional Buffalo type sauce, look no further than my Garlic Buffalo Sauce Recipe. If you want to change it up a bit, try Ssamjang Korean Spicy Dipping Sauce, or Happy Lady Sauce {Homemade Chinese Spicy Chili Crisp}- Lao Gan Ma.
As for dipping your smoked wings, the sky is the limit! Bleu cheese is de rigeur in Western New York, but I won’t tattle if you want to try this Thick Caesar Dressing {Caesar Mayonnaise} or (GASP) Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix for ranch dip.
Fair warning, though. If you ask for Ranch for your smoked chicken wings or any other wings in Buffalo, we’re gonna know you’re not local.
If you’re looking for the ultimate in simplicity, toss the finished smoked chicken wings in a little garlic butter and serve as is. You will not regret it.
What Kind of Wood is Best for Smoked Chicken?
In short, pick a fruit wood. Cherry and apple are naturally great with any smoked chicken, including our Smoked Whole Chicken.
Maple is another wonderful match for smoked chicken. Pecan and all-purpose hardwood pellet blends are good, too.
Hickory is a little strong for my tastes when it comes to smoking chicken. It isn’t bad, it’s just there are better choices out there.
And while you have the grill fired up high to finish the wings, throw on a batch of Shishito Peppers to round out your party food!
Smoked Chicken Wings
Toss 2 teaspoons of the rub or chicken seasoning with the wings, arrange on the smoker grate. Smoke at 275ºF for 30 minutes.
Raise the heat to 400ºF for about 40 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy and internal temp of the chicken reaches about 165º. Use tongs to transfer the wings to a heat-proof bowl and toss with the remaining chicken rub or seasoning.
Serve as is or tossed with the wing sauce of your choice and bleu cheese or ranch dip.
Smoked Chicken Wings
Rate RecipeEquipment
- Traeger Smoker/Grill Combo
- or Propane Grill with Smoker Box
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chicken rub like McCormick Chicken Seasoning
- 2 pounds chicken wing portions
Instructions
- Preheat the Traeger or grill with a smoker box in it to 275ºF for 30 minutes.
- Toss 2 teaspoons of the rub or chicken seasoning with the wings, arrange on the smoker grate. Smoke at 275ºF for 30 minutes.
- Raise the heat to 400ºF for about 40 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy and internal temp of the chicken reaches about 165º. Use tongs to transfer the wings to a heat-proof bowl and toss with the remaining chicken rub or seasoning.
- Serve as is or tossed with the wing sauce of your choice and bleu cheese or ranch dip.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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Reader's Thoughts...
Gary says
Sentimental (& foody) Journey finding your blog again this evening (as well as Val & your bios). Thank you for keeping up the good work & sharing the Smoked Chicken Wing & Candied Jalapenos recipes.