This recipe outlines how to make smoked BBQ chicken wings. The wings are marinated in a spice mixture, smoked with pecan wood, and then tossed in BBQ sauce before a final grill for a caramelized exterior. The result is a balance of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors, making them perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds chicken wings, split at joints, tips discarded
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for desired spice level)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup your favorite barbecue sauce

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken Wings:
   • Rinse the chicken wings and pat them dry with paper towels.
   • Place the wings in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil, tossing to coat evenly.
2. Season the Wings:
   • In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
   • Sprinkle the spice mixture over the wings, ensuring they are evenly coated. Massage the seasoning into the wings to enhance flavor.
   • Cover the bowl and let the wings marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight for more intense flavor.
3. Prepare the Smoker:
   • For this cook set up you smoker for 225-250°F.
   • Using pecan wood for smoking wings is a fantastic choice! Pecan wood imparts a mild, slightly sweet flavor to the meat, which complements chicken wings beautifully.
   • Check out this Ultimate Beginner’s Guide on How to Smoke Meat at Home
4. Smoke the Wings:
   • Place the marinated wings on the smoker rack, leaving space between each piece.
5. Remove from the Smoker:
   • After the wings have been smoked for 2-2.5 hours and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F a good Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer removes the guess work , carefully remove them from the smoker.
6. Toss in BBQ Sauce:
   • Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat.
   • Place the smoked wings in a large bowl.
   • Pour your favorite BBQ sauce over the wings, using enough to coat them evenly. You can adjust the amount of sauce based on your preference for sauciness.
   • Toss the wings in the BBQ sauce until they are well coated.
7. Finish on the Grill Optional:
   • Transfer the sauced wings on to a pre heated med-hi grill.
   • Grill for an additional 10-15 minutes to crisp up the skin, turning and basting the wings with more sauce as needed, until they develop a caramelized, sticky exterior.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Remove the wings from the grill or oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
   • Serve the sauced and smoked BBQ wings hot, serve with you favorite dipping sauce.
   • Homemade Ranch Dressing  
   • Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing

These smoked BBQ wings are sure to be a hit at your next gathering, offering a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors. Enjoy!