These Sweet and Tangy Smoked Chicken Wings are a tasty treat! They are juicy, full of flavor, and have a perfect mix of sweetness and tanginess that makes them hard to resist.
Smoked chicken wings make any gathering feel special, and they disappear fast! I love serving them with some fresh veggies for a crunchy side. Who doesn’t appreciate a good wing? 🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: Fresh chicken wings are best for flavor. If you can’t find them, drumettes can be a great alternative. They might cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on them!
Olive Oil: This adds moisture and helps the spices stick. If you’re out of olive oil, you can use vegetable oil or even avocado oil for a slightly different flavor.
BBQ Sauce: A sweet BBQ sauce really makes this dish shine. If you prefer less sweetness, you can choose a tangy or spicy sauce. Homemade sauce is also a fun option to personalize the flavors!
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a nice tang and balances the sweetness. If you don’t have it, white vinegar or lemon juice can work as substitutes, but they might change the flavor slightly.
Smoked Paprika: This is key for that smoky taste. If you can’t find it, regular paprika with a bit of liquid smoke can mimic the flavor, or even chipotle powder for a spicier kick!
How Do I Get the Wings Smoky and Tender?
Smoking chicken wings is about patience and temperature control. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by marinating your wings with olive oil and spices. For the best flavor, let them sit for at least 30 mins or even overnight.
- Preheat the smoker to 225°F (107°C) to keep things low and slow, which enhances tenderness.
- Use wood chips like hickory or applewood in your smoker. They add a delicious smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the wings.
- Make sure to check the internal temperature—it should be 165°F (74°C) before they’re done. A meat thermometer helps to be accurate.
For that caramelized glaze, smoking the wings for an extra 10-15 minutes after glazing enhances the flavor further. Just keep a close watch during this step to prevent burning!
How to Make Sweet and Tangy Smoked Chicken Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (sweet variety)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Fresh herbs (like parsley) for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes for preparation (including marinating the wings) and 1.5 to 2.5 hours for cooking—1.5 to 2 hours for smoking and an additional 10-15 minutes for glazing. Overall, you should set aside around 3 hours to prepare and enjoy the wings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Chicken:
Start by tossing the chicken wings in a large bowl with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if you love a little heat. Make sure all the wings are coated well with the spices! For a deeper flavor, let the wings marinate for at least 30 minutes or even overnight in the fridge if you have time.
2. Prepare the Smoker:
Next, get your smoker ready! Preheat it to 225°F (107°C). If you have wood chips, using hickory or applewood can really enhance the flavor of your wings.
3. Smoke the Wings:
Once the smoker is warm and cozy, place the seasoned chicken wings on the grate. Let them smoke away for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they hit that delicious internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and have a beautiful golden color.
4. Make the Glaze:
While the wings are working their magic in the smoker, it’s time to prepare the sweet and tangy glaze. In a saucepan on medium heat, mix together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Stir it all together and let it simmer gently for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens up a bit. It will smell fantastic!
5. Glaze the Wings:
Once your wings are done smoking, toss them into a large bowl and pour that lovely glaze over them. Gently toss the wings until they’re all coated in that sweet sauce.
6. Finish Cooking:
For an extra touch, you can pop the glazed wings back on the smoker for another 10-15 minutes to achieve perfectly caramelized skin. Alternatively, you can broil them in the oven for a few minutes—just keep a close eye on them to prevent burning!
7. Serve:
Finally, take the wings out and, if you’d like, garnish them with fresh herbs for a pop of color. Serve them immediately and enjoy your sweet and tangy masterpiece!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen chicken wings, make sure to fully thaw them before starting. The best way to thaw is by placing them in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can also submerge them in cold water in a sealed plastic bag for a couple of hours. Just ensure they are patted dry before marinating for the best coating.
What if I Don’t Have a Smoker?
No problem! You can prepare the chicken wings in an oven or on a grill. For the oven, preheat it to 225°F (107°C) and place the wings on a baking sheet with a wire rack. Cook for about 1.5 hours, then glaze and broil for a few minutes to achieve that caramelized finish. If grilling, use indirect heat and wood chips in a smoker box for similar flavor!
How Should I Store Leftover Wings?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave them, but for the best texture, reheating in the oven is preferred.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Yes, you can easily adjust the spice level! If you prefer a milder wing, simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. For extra heat, you can add more cayenne or even a splash of hot sauce to the glaze. Taste as you go to find that perfect balance for your palate!
