You won’t get a more savory-smoky flavor in your chicken than in this recipe for crispy smoked chicken wings. If you’re craving crispy skin and perfectly cooked, tender meat for dinner, look no further than this post.
Table of Contents
Smoky, Crispy Chicken Wings with an Easy Dry Rub
Everyone loves chicken wings! Whether you prefer them fried, baked, or grilled, there’s a chicken wing recipe out there for you. These crispy smoked chicken wings are everything a wing lover dreams about: boldly seasoned, smoke-kissed, and just the right amount of heat. Perfect for game day, cookouts, or even a weeknight treat, this recipe uses a simple dry rub and the magic of low and slow smoking on a Traeger or any pellet grill to deliver big-time flavor and texture. Best of all, they’re made of chicken, which means the kids automatically love them!
This recipe for smoked chicken wings is simple and yields perfectly crispy, yet tender, wings every time. You’ll need a few seasonings and pantry staples, as well as your chicken wings and Traeger grill, of course!
Ingredients, Estimated Cost, and Substitutions
Per Serving Cost: $1.79
Recipe Cost: $14.35
Here is everything you need to make these smoked chicken wings and some simple substitutions. You’ll need a few seasonings and pantry staples, as well as your chicken wings and Traeger grill, of course! This recipe assumes you have a Traeger smoker/grill. I highly recommend apple or pecan wood pellets for smoked wings.
- 4 pounds of chicken wing sections – Wings are perfect for smoking because of how meaty they are.
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil – Helps the dry rub stick to the wings. Avocado or vegetable oil will work as well.
Rub For Smoked Chicken Wings:
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder – This is the secret to getting that crispy skin. Skip this ingredient if you do not have it; the wings will still be delicious, just not quite as crispy.
- 2 Tablespoons smoked paprika – Adds to the smoky flavor you get from the smoker grill.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder – Adds a savory depth to the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – It adds a savory flavor to the wings.
- 1 teaspoon cumin – The earthy flavor of cumin balances the bold spices. Use chili powder instead if you need to use cumin.
- 2 teaspoons salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the wings.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper – Adds a little punch to the recipe. I prefer fresh cracked pepper, but regular pepper is fine too.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper – Adds a subtle kick of heat. Use red pepper flakes as a substitute.
NOTE: The recipe prices are calculated by using grocery store websites. The recipe cost is calculated by the amounts needed for the recipe. The actual cost of the recipe will vary depending on what ingredients you already have.
How To Smoke Chicken Wings
If you’ve made chicken wings before, especially on the grill, this recipe isn’t too far off from the process you’re used to.
- Separate chicken wings into drum and wing sections if they’re not already separated.
- Combine all the dry ingredients for the seasoning rub together in a small bowl.
- Add chicken wing sections to a large zip-top bag. Drizzle the wing sections with olive oil and coat both sides of the wings very well
- Sprinkle the seasoning rub evenly over the chicken wings, pressing it into the chicken to coat the outside thoroughly.
- Place the chicken in the refrigerator for 2 hours. Preheat the smoker to 225°F 20-30 minutes before you’re ready to smoke the chicken wings.
- Place the chicken wing sections directly on the smoker and smoke for 2 hours at 225°F.
- The wings are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Serve immediately with buffalo sauce, blue cheese, or sauce of your choice! (They also taste amazing without sauce, too.)
Tips for Perfect Crispy Smoked Chicken Wings
- Don’t skip the baking powder. It’s the secret to crispy skin when you’re smoking low and slow.
- Refrigerate the wings uncovered. Even just a few hours helps dry the skin, making it crisp up better during smoking.
- Finish over high heat if needed. Want extra crisp? After smoking, throw the wings on a hot grill or under the broiler for a minute or two per side.
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Crispy Smoked Chicken Wings
Equipment
- small mixing bowl
- mixing spoon
- Smoker grill
Ingredients
- 4 pounds of chicken wing sections
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 2 Tablespoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Separate chicken wings into drum and wing sections if not already separated.
- Combine all the dry ingredients for the seasoning rub together in a small bowl.
- Add chicken wing sections to a large zip-top bag. Drizzle the wing sections with olive oil and coat both sides of the wings very well.
- Sprinkle the seasoning rub evenly over the chicken wings, pressing it into the chicken to coat the outside thoroughly. Place in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
- Preheat the smoker to 225°F.
- Place the chicken wing sections directly on the smoker and smoke for 2 hours at 225°F. Wings are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Serve immediately with your choice of sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
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Crispy Smoked Chicken Wings Recipe FAQs
I highly recommend apple or pecan wood pellets for these smoked wings.
Sure. When preparing the wings, let them chill in the refrigerator overnight until you’re ready to smoke them.
One of the most frequently asked questions I get is “How long do you smoke chicken wings?” This goes for any meat, too! The answer: always go by temperature and not time. Therefore, if they’ve hit 160°F, they’re done, even if it takes a little longer or less than 2 hours. Don’t over- or under-cook your food!
Pair these crispy smoked chicken wings with coleslaw, baked beans, grilled corn, or even a tangy cucumber salad. They also go great with ranch, blue cheese dressing, or a drizzle of hot honey if you’re feeling adventurous.
More Smoked Recipes
This is the perfect time of year for smoking recipes. Here are a few more recipes I think you will enjoy!
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