Amazing Smoked Chicken Wings - The Secrets to making amazingly delicious smoked wings with step by step instructions. These will be a smashing success at any kind of get-together. MUST TRY!

The Secrets To Amazing Smoked Chicken Wings Every Time

The Secrets To Amazing Smoked Chicken Wings Every Time
Easy Smoked Chicken Wings BBQ Grilled
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Smoked chicken wings … really? Yes. Heartedly YES! Emphatically YES!

One of the first and most basic secrets about delicious chicken wings is that you can, indeed, smoke them.

Most people will either fry or bake their chicken wings and they, more often than not, are good.

There is nothing wrong with a plate full of fried up wings.

But if you’re interested in an entirely new flavor profile to your wings, if you want to blow away your guests at the next get-together at your house, please read on.

I guarantee that if you follow these very basic steps, you will amaze them and they will clamor for more. It’s so easy, it’s like magic.

The steps are easy to make your smoked chicken wings:

  • Apply Rub
  • Smoke
  • Eat

So let’s get to it.

Try our sausage balls recipe!

Apply Rub

rub spices separated on white plate

Try our street tacos recipe or our stuffed bell pepper recipe!

The first thing you want to do is prepare your wings and rub.

We usually buy our wings whole so we separate the wing, drumette, and tip by cutting them between the joints.

We toss the tips and pat down the drumettes and wings, removing the moisture and put the wings in a large mixing bowl or zip lock bag.

Mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl then pour the oil over the wings. Mix it around to coat all the wings.

Next, pour some of your rub over the wings and mix it around.

Keep adding and moving the wings around so they are equally coated with the rub.

chicken wings coated with dry rub in gallon zip top bag

Once complete, set them aside in the fridge for a few hours, one hour at the least.

Smoke

This particular recipe calls for pecan wood for the smoke, but I know that hickory will do well too.

You can decide to use any kind of wood that you like but know your flavor profiles.

If this is your first time, I would recommend running up to Lowe’s or Home Depot and picking up some pecan wood. It is a milder smoke than hickory.

If you do you use hickory, I would only smoke the wings for about an hour then just finish them up without smoke as it’s profile is much stronger.

You can use a charcoal or gas grill with indirect heat, or a smoker to make these wings.

You will need to get your cooker, whichever you’re going to use, to a temperature of 225-250 F.

If using a charcoal grill, push all your coals to one side, or along the edges as you want your wings to cook on indirect heat, not directly over the coals.

raw chicken wings covered in dry rub on the grill

Once you get your cooker to temperature, place your wings on the grill, toss in your wood chips and close it up.

How Long To Smoke Chicken Wings

Keep an eye on your grill temperature, keeping it between 225 and 250 degrees F.

You also want to make sure that smoke is pouring out at your desired level. I smoke the wings for a full two hours.

 Smoked Chicken Wings on the grill

Doesn’t that look amazing? Smoked chicken wings just like that!

After 2 1/2 hours, the wings are ready. If you want to make sure, use a meat thermometer and cook your wings to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

The wings will be cooked, but we like ours with some char and really crispy so we put them over high heat for about 5 minutes each side to get them really crispy.

EAT!

Once done, pull them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes on any baking pan or cutting board. At this point, you can apply a sauce if desired. Just toss them in a small bowl and add your favorite sauce and give them a toss to apply evenly.

I urge you to eat a smoked wing BEFORE adding the sauce. You may find that you just want to eat them plain.

This is because they’re amazingly good with just the smoke.

close up of Smoked Chicken Wings with bbq sauce in white ramekin

If you want to put the proverbial cherry on the top with these smoked chicken wings, you need to make up a batch of Alabama White BBQ Sauce.

Of course, they will be the bomb with a favorite wing hot sauce or barbecue sauce of your choice.

The sauce does pair so well with these wings. I recommend trying it at least once!

Something about a slightly vinegary peppery sauce with the smoke of the wings that makes it all come together to form a perfect ‘whole’.

Making the sauce is a breeze, check it out here.

We love wings at our house. We love them this way and that way. Baked, fried, smoked … it doesn’t matter.

I will say, without reservation, that this is the most surprisingly delicious.

I will make this recipe 2-3 times more than the standard baking or frying method.

smoked Chicken Wings on white plate with bbq sauce in white ramekin

We hope that you give this recipe a go, and we would love to hear from you to see what you think. Thanks, and happy smoking!

Try our street tacos recipe or our stuffed bell pepper recipe!

Smoked Chicken Wings Recipe

Amazing Smoked Chicken Wings - The Secrets to making amazingly delicious smoked wings with step by step instructions. These will be a smashing success at any kind of get-together. MUST TRY!

The Secrets To Amazing Smoked Chicken Wings Every Time

All the Secrets to making amazingly delicious smoked chicken wings with step by step instructions. These will be a smashing success at any kind of get-together. MUST TRY!
4.44 from 303 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: BBQ
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chicken wings, smoked
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings:
Calories: 607kcal
Author: Don’t Sweat The Recipe

Ingredients

  • 6 LBS Chicken Wings

Rub

  • 2 Tablespoon Olive oil
  • 2 Tablespoons Chili Powder
  • 2 Tablespoons Smoked Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
  • 3 teaspoons Fresh Ground Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Cayenne

Instructions

  • Separate wings into drumettes and wings, if necessary.
  • Pat wings dry.
  • Combine spices to form the rub.
  • Place wings in a container, add and mix rub and olive oil over chicken.
  • Let wings rest for at least an hour.
  • Heat the smoker or grill to a temperature between 225-250 F.
  • Place wings over indirect heat.
  • Add wood for the smoke to coals.
  • Smoke for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, maintaining a constant smoke for at least 1 1/2 hours, the chicken should have an internal temperature of 160.
  • Place directly over coals to crisp, approximately 5 minutes each side.
  • Remove from heat and let rest for approximately 10 minutes.
  • Serve

Nutrition

Calories: 607kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 189mg | Sodium: 1001mg | Potassium: 519mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 2439IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 4mg

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169 Comments

    1. I have made this recipe once before and didn’t read the whole thing and didn’t grill them at the end. So they were not crunchy, the texture wasn’t so great but they were delicious. I am making it today for a potluck end of summer pool party and I’m getting it right this time!5 stars

        1. I didn’t want to hey hickory, but also didnt see pecan. What are your thoughts on cherry wood chips? I also pre made the Alabama white bbq and it’s quite thin, is it supposed to be?5 stars

          1. Typically .. and I say that very loosely, fruitwoods are used for fish and poultry. Personally, I feel wood is regional. For us, that means hickory, oak, and pecan. Other areas can use other woods. By all means, use the cherry. And yes, the alabama white sauce is a thin sauce but don’t worry .. it’ll do its job 🙂

            Let us know what you think after!

      1. I just did that too. My wife and I both said they weren’t crunchy. Then I looked back at the recipe and said dumba$$4 stars

        1. I add baking powder as well and we now can no longer order wings out because they do not hold up to these.5 stars

          1. Thanks, Mike! Yeah, it’s the same for us. While convenient to just pick up the phone and order some wings … they’re just so sub-standard! The baking powder is a good touch. Getting some crisp on that, yeah?

          2. Thank you, Mike! I looked all over the internet and here was the answer I was looking for! Call it laziness or whatever, but I just don’t want to drag out my grill, too. It’s one or the other. I’m using your variation tonight!

      2. Got my husband a smoker for Father’s Day. Your wing recipe was our first try, brought them to July 4thparty… huge hit, delicious and the bbq sauce was amazing compliment to the Smokey wings! Great recipe highly recommend

      1. Hey Tad,
        You’re gonna have to get them into a high heat situation. If you can’t toss them onto a grill, the oven works great. Toss it on broil and (watching them closely) crisp up each side of the wings.

    1. Sorry about that, Debi! It was just an error, corrected now. Thank you so much for bringing it to our attention.

    1. Hey Jeff,

      Wow .. that is a question! If you’re only planning on SMOKING, I would recommend a cylinder style smoker. They’re very affordable and do exactly what it’s designed to do: smoke the meat.

      I personally use an offset firebox style smoker. This gives me the versatility of being able to grill AND smoke. I have also used my Weber to smoke by setting my charcoal to one side. This is good for when you’re smoking a very small amount of food that cooks rather quickly, such as poultry.

      In the end, it rather boils down to getting good at what you have. I use my offset firebox and use charcoal, but you can also use a standard grill that runs off of gas (with a wood chip box).

      Here is a link explaining different types, but in answer to your question “What do I recommend?” Use Charcoal … run away from gas.

      https://www.smokegrillbbq.com/smokers.html

  1. Tried it. Perfect recipe to follow. We just bought a kamado and this was the first thing we tried. The smoking and grilling worked perfectly. But the rub was WAY to spicy for our taste. Thats way its only a 3 star.3 stars

    1. We are so happy you liked the smoked wings, Petra! If you try them again just cut back on the cayenne pepper and they should be to your heat level. Thank you so much for coming by to let us know! 🙂

    2. Petra,
      Leave out the cayenne and smoked paprika. Use regular paprika and add brown sugar. I use an electric smoker for 2 hours with apple or cherry wood. Both are mild and add good flavor. After 2 hours I throw them on the grill for some color and lightly coat with bbq sauce. Very good wings4 stars

  2. g’day. looks great. have been smoking jerky and fish. now ready to try some chicken. i live in australia and was wondering if your temperature is in F or centigrade. eg is it 225-250f or 115-125 c. thank you5 stars

    1. G’day mate! It IS in Fahrenheit, not Celsius. Thanks for pointing that out, I will fix the post to indicate which.

        1. We found no need to baste them during the cooking process. Some people would say adding a water pan in the smoker would help but honestly, they’re not in there long enough TO dry out. I have made these … so many times I don’t even remember and they are never dried out. If you watch the temp of the wings and pull them at the right time they will be perfect every time.

  3. First time I’ve smoked wings. Awesome recipe! The wings were a little spicy for my 4 year old, but he still polished off 5 of them. I may reduce cayenne for people who can’t handle the spice as much, but keep it the same for my batch. I will make them again. Thanks!5 stars

    1. Thanks, Danny! Glad you liked them. I was really surprised myself the first time I made them. Awesome that your progeny killed off 5 of em!! That’s a healthy portion for a 4-year-old. 🙂 Yeah, cut back on the cayenne to reduce the spiciness for those that are sensitive, it’s always a safe bet. We’re getting geared up for the grilling season this year, so check back!

  4. Wonderful recipe! Another option to get the crisp skin is instead of putting the wings over direct heat, just flash fry them in a deep oil fryer for about half a minute. Finish with a sprinkling of the rub afterward. Still has the smoke, color and the spiciness.5 stars

    1. Wings cook so quick a water pan isn’t really necessary. They won’t dry out unless you over cook them.

  5. Awesome recipe, Smoked them with pecan wood in the offset smoker. I brought some to work everyone loved them!5 stars

  6. Great recipe but the skin turned out tough . Any suggestions on what I did wrong. I think maybe I didn’t grill over coals long enough.

    1. Hey Brian,

      The smoking on the wings WILL give the skin a bit more of a ‘chew’ than just straight up grilling or frying. You definitely want to finish them off over the hot coals will as this will crisp up the skin, making it much easier to bite through. I think your observations are correct, a bit more time over that direct heat is the perfect fix.

  7. Smoked these with mesquite (all I had) and they turned out amazing! Wonderful combination of spices in the rub.

  8. Just wanted to send a thank you for sharing this recipe! Just made a batch of wings for my wife and I, fifty of them to be precise, and only have fifteen leftover for lunch tomorrow!!!! Could not stop enjoying them!5 stars

    1. I have an electric smoker and want to try this so bad sounds good can I use air fryer after to crisp them thanks

      1. You sure can. It’s recommended that you find a way to crisp ’em up. Either toss them in the oven, the air fryer that you mentioned, or toss over a high heat. All to crisp up that skin.

  9. I just finished eating. i made these wings, some polish sausage, and a few whiskey Chuck burgers. Everything was excellent but these wings stole the show. Make the recipe as is, don’t change a thing. You taste buds will be doing somersaults!5 stars

  10. I just wanted to say that a great way to “crisp” up your wings is to line a cooking sheet with foil and put a wire rack on It. Set your oven to broil. Then put your wings on the wire rack and put into oven for about 2-3 mins each side of wing. It makes for a crispy smoky wing.

  11. I’ve been doing something similar to what you do for about 10 years but I made one change that really helped the wings. It was to marinade them in something like a Goya product (i.e. Mojo) overnight in the fridge. What it does is keeps them from from being temperamental when it comes to drying out. You don’t have to watch them like a hawk as even if the temp is a bit high and you crisp them up a bit over the coals (which is easy to overdo), you get really moist meat. It is a great thing to do if you need to reheat them when you make a bunch and then go to a party.5 stars

    1. Hello John, do you only do the Goya liquid marinating, then just cook them up? Or do you also add all that spicing as listed?

  12. My first time smoking wings and this was so easy and AMAZING!! I have a charcoal grill and placed the wings opposite the coals for indirect heat.

    I used mesquite chips that I already had and tossed them onto the coals dry. I smoked them for a couple hours and Shazam!5 stars

    1. Awesome, Tony! Glad you liked them. Did you try them with the Alabama White BBQ sauce or just on their own? Both ways work!

  13. Wings came out perfect on my Kamado. Used exact seasoning, then tossed them in some lemon pepper after they were complete. 10/10!5 stars

  14. Have you smoked and then fried wings to all of that crisp? I’m going to try that but wondering if I should not rub them until after they come out of the fryer.

    1. Tried the recipe and just cut back on the cayenne and than when they were done I put them in an air fryer to get the skin crispy. Did that so I didn’t have the oil in them from a deep fryer. Perfect

  15. Made these for a party last night. They were awesome! Everyone loved them and the Alabama BBQ Sauce is great with them! I have a new electric smoker and this was my first time using it. The pecan wood chips and rub worked so well together. Very good!5 stars

    1. I don’t see why not, Mark. If you’re concerned over the heat, just reduce the cayenne. But adding brown sugar sounds good, especially if you like the spicy-sweet combo.

  16. Wow!!! Just made them for the first time. Awesome. Follow the recipe step by step. A big hit for my Super Bowl Party. Only thing sucks I should of made more. Thanks for the recipe5 stars

  17. For my taste, rub calls for way too much black pepper and not enough salt. Also, item three of instructions should say to combine spice AND olive oil. Will adjust to our palate and try again. Thanks for the recipe.4 stars

  18. Fantastic recipe! My friends wanted crispier skin, so I smoked them at 225 for 2 hours and then put them in the oven (uncovered) for 15 minutes @450. They came out PERFECT.

  19. This recipe for wings looks amazing. I am going to have to try it this weekend in my smoker as I have some friend coming over that love wings.5 stars

  20. Currently smoking your recipe and I have to say the smell alone is worth 5 stars. Can’t wait to try them!5 stars

  21. This is the first recipe I ever tried in my smoker. We couldn’t have been more pleased! The grand kids devoured 4lbs in no time! Definitely a keeper! Thanks for sharing!5 stars

  22. Just recently got a smoker & I’m gonna break it in with this recipe. Sounds awesome, can’t wait to test it out. To verify tho, when grilling them at the end, should I leave the lid open or closed?

    1. Hey Mike! Great question. Yes, go ahead and leave the lid up. They won’t be on very long and you probably want to keep an eye on your wings to get that good crispy sear.

  23. Anyone ever tried this with frozen wings? Have a bag in our freezer and trying to decide if I should let thaw or just plan on smoking longer.

  24. The best wings i have ever made from this recipe. For a sauce I used sweet baby rays honey teriyaki and simmered it for about 1/2 hour. I at about half the wings just “plain” and half with the sauce. Killer.5 stars

  25. These were truly the best wings I ever had and it was the first time I smoked wings in a smoker. The taste is amazing. Might add a touch of habanero powder next time just to give it a little more heat.

    1. Awesome! Yeah, I like my wings some heat in there too. I actually got thumped in a few comments for the heat from the cayenne. Glad you liked ’em! 🙂

  26. I have LOVED reading this thread. My wings are in the rub, the coals are started, my bag of pecan chunks is at the ready, my glass of Malbec is poured and the fun is about to start. Be safe everyone.

  27. This recipe is fabulous, and has become our go-to. My husband raved the first time I made it, and said the wings were even better than the “famous” smoked wings from a restaurant in our community. Quite an endorsement!5 stars

  28. Most truly the best wings i ever had, thanks to this recipe… It was recommended by a friend, now definitely i am gonna recommend it further…..5 stars

    1. I keep constant smoke on them until they’re about finished. Typically, I toss one chunk on, and add more as needed.

  29. Looking to make this recipe this weekend on a pellet grill. Would smoking at 180 work, to get a good smoke flavor ? Also I saw some recipes add baking powder to the rub to crisp up the skin, would you recommend this ? Thanks.

    1. If you smoke at 180 plan on a longer cook time. No problem there, but you’ll just need to monitor that internal temp. I have also heard the same to crisp the skin. I haven’t tried it, I just finish off the wings over direct heat. You can also toss them in a fryer or oven for really crispy skin.

  30. This is amazing, I love trying different smoked recipes and these smoked chicken wings are definitely worth trying. In fact, your all recipes are just perfect. Keep it up. Lots of love to you. 🙂5 stars

    1. Thanks so much!! We appreciate that. We only post the good ones, and there have been plenty of failures over the years, that’s for sure! 🙂

  31. This is the first recipe I ever tried in my smoker. We couldn’t have been more pleased! The grand kids devoured 4lbs in no time! Definitely a keeper! Thanks for sharing!
    I’ll share your blog on my app XP Work Doku App5 stars

  32. This is my GO TO smoked wing recipe, including the rub recipe. As the article mentions, follow the steps and you will drive your friends and family WILD with these wings.

    I have received nothing but rave reviews and continue to get several requests for these at the next tailgate or get together. THEY ARE SO GOOD … THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS RECIPE & PROCESS!

  33. Thanks for providing these recipes. I was looking for this recipe for a quite a long time. But now, I found a perfect recipe for smoked chicken wings. However, can you suggest which electric smoker will be perfect for this recipe?5 stars

    1. Hey David, I have never used an electric smoker but what you’re looking for is temp control and the ability to keep smoke on. So, if the smoker you’re looking at can promise those two things you should be golden.

  34. I made this for my son’s birthday, and our family went crazy over it!!! My father told me this recipe is definitely a keeper, and I agree. Thank you!5 stars

  35. Followed the recipe to a tee and all I can say is wow!!! These wings take you to flavor town. The Alabama white bbq sauce is a must, it seemed to enhance the smoke flavors. This recipe will be a staple in our house. Thank you! (I went with pecan wood chips)5 stars

  36. Live in Chicago and always look for restaurants offering smoked wings (far superior to fried IMO). Not common but we have a few places that do a great job. This blows them all away. I followed the recipe using a pellet smoker (at 225F for 2.5 hours) and finished them on a 550F gas grill for less than 5 minutes. Juicy with nice crisp, flavorful as can be with a great, not to hot, kick. Will be making these regularly!!5 stars

  37. Hi! What would happen if I decide to do this and let the chicken rest in rub overnight in fridge? Trying to get as much done the night before if possible! Thanks!

  38. Made my first ever smoked chicken wings with this recipe. It was the BOMB!! Even two picky 7 year old eaters loved them and have been asking when we will make again!!5 stars

  39. I have no smoker, but do have an air-fryer! Does the oil go in the dry ingredients or ton on the wings to get the tub to stick to it?

  40. I followed this recipe by smoking them in my electric tower smoker, but also put them on the propane grill after for about 10 min on each side on high to make them crispy and they’re the best wings I’ve ever had! Thanks for the recipe!5 stars

  41. Followed the recipe without changes. Smoked on Asmoke 300 for 2.5 hours. Came out fantastically. Great amount of heat in the rub. 6 STARS!5 stars

  42. Great recipe..after smoking we throw em in the fryer and flash them for about 3 mins. Unbelievable crunchy flavorful shell and soft moist inside! We were so impressed we’re making a bunch for a Super Bowl party… thanks for sharing this recipe.. Go Bucs!😀5 stars

  43. First time I ever made smoked wings on my Traeger was for my 50th birthday party. They were such a hit!! I only got 2 before they were devoured but I was so happy everyone liked them so much. Unfortunately, I also didn’t make enough so that everyone could have a few. Now I make sure to make extras. This is my go to recipe. I’ve never used the rub recipe provided. I usually do a salt and pepper which believe it or not is amazing, and a couple different traeger rubs for 3 different flavor options. Pecan is wonderful as is Cherry. Last time I tried the Alabama BBQ and am hooked. Making smoked tomorrow for the neighbors with some Alabama BBQ sauce!5 stars

  44. Been smoking wings for years but want to try your rub. In my experience, as with all fowl i smoke, i dry brine overnite with just salt to dry out and season the skin. Much better results on a more edible skin. Especially turkey. I have done Pterodactyl wings using turkey wings, that thick heavy skin is a challenge. I watch using much sugar or honey because it can burn easily.
    One thing ive found works well is after the dry brine, I mix up my salt less rub on the wings, then smoke them at a little higher temp, 280 to 285 range and get a bite thru skin and usually only takes around an hour and a half. Ive done this on all 3 of my Good One smokers and has worked good. Your Alabama White sauce is nails

  45. I only had time to let the wings sit for about an hour after the rub. I finished them after smoking in a 450 degree oven for about 15 minutes to let them crisp. I used soaked cherry wood in an electric smoker.
    There’s a bbq place in Fort Collins, CO, famous for their smoked wings, which I LOVE. These really were better. Amazing, in fact!

  46. These were so freakin’ good! No sauce needed. I left out the cayenne, because my kids are wusses, and shortened the cooking time by a bit (my smoker was running just a smidge hot). BOTH OF MY KIDS HAD SECONDS! If you knew my kids, you’d know that’s a BIG deal. Saving this recipe to make again. Super simple. Tons of flavor. ‘Nuff said.

    1. Thanks, man. Glad you liked ’em! 🙂 It’s so convenient to pick up the phone and have some wings delivered but such a disappointment when you get them. We just don’t do it anymore. Smoked wings are my fav!! As you said, the flavor crushes!! Thanks again!

  47. I have been making wings for a couple months now, experimenting with different recipes and so far this one is hands down the best. the only thing I changed was, i subbed peanut oil for the olive oil. the wings come out perfect every time and thst Alabama white sauce is the oerfect compliment to them. thx for this!5 stars

      1. Any way we could cook these in the oven? If so temp and time please!? I’m not too wavy with a grill unfortunately.5 stars

  48. Hands down the best wings. No sauce needed, and kids eat them faster then I can cook them. I even use the rub occasionally for other pieces of chicken I smoke. Thank you!!!5 stars

  49. Like so many others have said, I also smoked wings for the first time using your recipe (on my Weber charcoal grill), and had very good results – my wife loves smoked wings, and she said these are the best thing she’s ever tasted! Thank you for sharing the love.😁5 stars

  50. Just made these for my wife’s teach end of semester party and people are loving them! Smoked them to 165 internal temp (about 2 1/2 hours at 225 in pellet smoker with apple wood). Then fired up the grill and gave them about 3 minutes per side. They are really good. I seasoned them last night and let them sit over night).5 stars

  51. People having a problem with too much heat may be confusing American chili powder ( a mixture of cayenne,onion,cumin,paprica,garlic,chile powders and herbs) vs rest of the world “chilli powder” which is pure ground dried chillis/chiles.

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