Smoked chicken wings are the MVP of any BBQ—juicy, smoky, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re a pitmaster or a backyard grilling newbie, these 10 recipes will have everyone begging for your secret. Let’s fire up that smoker!
1. Classic Smoked Wings With a Crispy Skin Hack
These wings are the gold standard—simple, smoky, and with skin so crispy you’ll swear they’re fried. Perfect for when you want to impress without overcomplicating things.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, split
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Toss wings with olive oil and seasonings.
- Smoke at 225°F for 1.5 hours.
- Crank heat to 400°F for 10 minutes to crisp the skin.
Serve with ranch or blue cheese—because, duh. For extra crispiness, pat the wings dry before seasoning.
2. Honey Garlic Smoked Wings That Stick to Your Fingers (In a Good Way)
Sweet, sticky, and slightly spicy—these wings are finger-licking perfection. Great for game day or when you want to feel fancy while eating with your hands.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1/2 cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions:
- Smoke wings at 225°F for 1.5 hours.
- Whisk honey, garlic, soy sauce, and pepper flakes in a saucepan over low heat.
- Toss wings in sauce and serve immediately.
Warning: These disappear fast. Double the batch if you’re feeding a crowd.
3. Spicy Buffalo Smoked Wings That Bring the Heat
Smoking takes Buffalo wings to a whole new level. The smoke mellows the heat just enough to keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1/2 cup Buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tbsp paprika
Instructions:
- Smoke wings at 225°F for 1.5 hours.
- Mix Buffalo sauce and melted butter.
- Toss wings in sauce and serve with celery sticks.
For extra credit, sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles. You’re welcome.
4. BBQ Dry Rub Smoked Wings for Purists
No sauce needed—these wings let the smoke and spice do all the talking. Ideal for folks who think less is more (but still want maximum flavor).
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp onion powder
Instructions:
- Coat wings with dry rub.
- Smoke at 225°F for 1.5 hours.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Pair with an ice-cold beer. It’s science.
5. Lemon Pepper Smoked Wings That Taste Like Sunshine
Bright, zesty, and oh-so-addictive. These wings are like summer on a plate—light enough to eat a dozen without feeling guilty.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Toss wings with olive oil, lemon zest, pepper, and salt.
- Smoke at 225°F for 1.5 hours.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over before serving.
Pro tip: Use a microplane for the zest—it makes all the difference.
6. Teriyaki Smoked Wings With a Sticky Glaze
Sweet, savory, and slightly charred—these wings are the love child of your favorite takeout and BBQ. Serve them when you want to flex your culinary skills.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions:
- Smoke wings at 225°F for 1.5 hours.
- Brush with teriyaki sauce and grated ginger.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
Garnish with green onions for Insta-worthy presentation.
7. Cajun Smoked Wings That Pack a Punch
Bold, spicy, and full of Southern charm. These wings are for folks who like their food with a side of personality.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions:
- Coat wings with olive oil and Cajun seasoning.
- Smoke at 225°F for 1.5 hours.
- Serve with a cooling dip to balance the heat.
FYI: The cayenne is only for brave souls.
8. Maple Bourbon Smoked Wings for a Sweet Twist
Sweet, smoky, and slightly boozy—these wings are basically dessert for adults. Perfect for date night (or when you just want to treat yourself).
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp bourbon
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Instructions:
- Smoke wings at 225°F for 1.5 hours.
- Whisk maple syrup, bourbon, and mustard in a saucepan.
- Glaze wings and serve warm.
Trust me, the bourbon isn’t optional—it’s essential.
9. Garlic Parmesan Smoked Wings That Taste Like Heaven
Crispy, cheesy, and garlicky AF. These wings are basically Italian comfort food in wing form.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions:
- Smoke wings at 225°F for 1.5 hours.
- Toss with melted butter, garlic, and Parmesan.
- Broil for 2 minutes to melt the cheese.
Serve with extra Parmesan because there’s no such thing as too much.
10. Korean Gochujang Smoked Wings for Flavor Bombs
Sweet, spicy, and umami-packed—these wings are an explosion of flavor. Ideal for when you want to shake up your usual BBQ routine.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1/4 cup gochujang paste
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
Instructions:
- Smoke wings at 225°F for 1.5 hours.
- Whisk gochujang, honey, and vinegar in a bowl.
- Toss wings in sauce and garnish with sesame seeds.
Pro tip: Have napkins ready—these are messy in the best way.
There you have it—10 smoked chicken wing recipes that’ll make you the hero of every BBQ. Now go forth, smoke some wings, and prepare for compliments. Your taste buds (and your friends) will thank you.
