smoked chicken wings

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser, these smoked chicken wings are just what you need! They’re simple to make and packed with smoky flavor that everyone will love. Perfect for parties, game day, or even a cozy night at home, these wings will have everyone coming back for more. so, grab your grill and let’s get smoking! Ready to learn how to make the best wings ever?
Ingredient List
Get ready to whip up some mouthwatering smoked chicken wings! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 16 chicken wings (tips discarded)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup dry rub for chicken (like McCormick® Grill Mates®)
- 1 pound mesquite wood chips (soaked in water)
- 1 (8 ounce) bottle blue cheese salad dressing (for dipping)
These ingredients are simple but pack a ton of flavor! The wood chips will give your wings that appetizing smoky taste, making them perfect for any gathering.
Step-by-step Instructions
Ready to make these tasty wings? Let’s dive into the steps!
- First, place the chicken wings in a large bowl. Pour in the olive oil and toss them around with your hands until they’re evenly coated. This helps the dry rub stick better!
- Next, add your dry rub to the wings. give them another toss,making sure each wing is fully covered in that zesty seasoning!
- Now,it’s time to light that charcoal! Preheat your smoker to between 170°F and 200°F (77°C – 93°C). Follow the manufacturerS instructions to get it just right.
- Once the smoker is ready, drain the soaked wood chips and place half of them directly onto the charcoal. This will create that lovely smoke!
- Carefully spread the wings on the cooking grate,ensuring they’re skin-side down. Let’s get smoking!
- Smoke the wings for about an hour. you want them to start smelling delicious and fragrant!
- After an hour, flip the wings over. Add the remaining wood chips to the charcoal to keep that smoky flavor going. Continue smoking until an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) near the bone, which should take about another hour.
- once they’re done, serve those gorgeous wings with a side of blue cheese dressing. Enjoy every bite!
How easy was that? You’re going to love how these wings turn out! Perfect for your next party or a cozy night in front of the TV. What’s your favourite dipping sauce? Let me know!

Serving and Storage Information
Once those smoked chicken wings are ready,it’s time to dig in! You can serve them hot off the grill,straight onto a platter for everyone to enjoy. I reccommend pairing them with some fresh veggie sticks and your choice of dipping sauce—blue cheese dressing is a classic favorite!
Since this recipe yields about 16 wings, it’s perfect for a gathering or a cozy night for two. If you’re serving a larger crowd, feel free to double the recipe. They disappear fast, trust me!
Now, let’s talk about storage. If you happen to have any wings left (though I doubt it!), let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They’ll be good for about 3 to 4 days. Just reheat them in the oven or air fryer to bring back that crispy texture—you want them to be just as delicious as when they were freshly smoked!
If you want to store them for a longer period,you can freeze the wings! Just wrap them tightly in foil or use a freezer bag. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat!
Recipe Notes and Troubleshooting
Cooking can sometimes come with a few bumps in the road, but don’t worry! Here are some handy tips to make your smoked chicken wings turn out perfectly every time:
- Wings Sticking to the Grill: To prevent sticking, make sure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled before placing the wings on them.
- Not Smoky Enough? If you crave even more smokiness, consider adding a bit more wood chips! Just be careful not to overpower the flavors.
- Checking for Doneness: Always use an instant-read thermometer! The wings should reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) near the bone.
- Customize the Flavor: Feel free to experiment with different dry rubs or marinades. Spicy, sweet, or tangy—they’re all delicious!
And remember, practice makes perfect! If something doesn’t go as planned, just take a note for next time.Cooking is all about having fun and trying new things. Happy smoking!