These smoked chicken wings are coated in a sweet and savory spice rub then smoked until tender. Add a coating of barbecue sauce and you’ve got an amazing appetizer or meal option with very little effort.
I used my electric smoker to make these chicken wings for a party, and everyone devoured them! These wings couldn’t be any easier to make – all it takes is about 5 minutes of prep time, then the smoker does the rest of the work.
We’ve been using our new smoker every week, and this time we made some smoked chicken wings. These wings are so packed full of flavor, we couldn’t stop eating them! I’m definitely serving these chicken wings at our next game day party.
How do you smoke chicken wings?
This is a simple yet satisfying recipe. Chicken wings are coated in a homemade sweet spice rub, then smoked until cooked through. After your wings are ready, brush on some BBQ sauce and you’re ready to eat!
This recipe calls for my homemade spice rub and BBQ sauce. It really is worth the extra effort to make these yourself rather than using store bought condiments. That being said, if you’re in a pinch, you can use a store bought rub and barbecue sauce and still get good results.
What temperature do you smoke chicken wings at?
I smoke my chicken wings at 250 degrees F in an electric smoker. You can also try smoking your wings at 225 degrees F, but be aware the cook time will likely change.
How long does it take to smoke chicken wings?
It takes approximately 2 hours to smoke chicken wings at 250 degrees F. It’s always best to use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of your chicken to make sure it’s done. Chicken is done when a thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165 degrees F.
What type of wood is best for smoking chicken?
I typically use apple wood for my smoked chicken. It’s readily available and adds a bit of sweetness to the meat. Other great choices are hickory, cherry wood or maple wood.
Tips for smoked chicken wings
- Be sure to buy the party style chicken wings, which are already cut into segments. If you can’t find party wings, you can buy full sized wings and cut them into pieces yourself.
- Generally speaking, smoked chicken does not have crispy skin because it’s cooked at such a low temperature. I prefer crispy skin, so I place my pan of chicken wings under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp up the skin.
- I think these smoked chicken wings are fabulous as-is, but if you want to serve them with a dip, free free! Ranch would be a great choice.
Whether you’re a seasoned smoker cook or just starting out, these chicken wings are a great choice. They’re low on prep time, but huge on flavor!
More chicken wing recipes
Smoked Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 3 lbs chicken wings party style
- 3 tablespoons homemade BBQ spice rub or your favorite store bought rub
- 1 cup homemade BBQ sauce or your favorite store bought BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 250 degrees F. Load the smoker with apple wood, cherry wood or hickory chips.
- Coat the chicken wings with the spice rub and place in the smoker.
- Cook for 2 hours, refilling wood as needed, or until the internal temperature of the chicken wings registers 165 degrees F with a thermometer.
- Transfer the chicken wings to a sheet pan.
- Optional: Preheat the broiler. Place the sheet pan of wings under the broiler and cook for 3-4 minutes or until skin is crispy.
- Brush the wings with the BBQ sauce and serve.
Raybo says
Great recipe. Kids loved them and have made them several times since. Thanks for sharing.
Krista says
Tried this recipe for the first time in hickory. They were amazing. They were just the right amount of spice. Nice heat to them with the cayenne. Drizzled store bought bbq sauce over them. I literally couldn’t stop eating them They were that good. I will be making this recipe again and highly recommend it.
Joshua Mistler says
So great, thanks for this. Made a ton to feed in-laws and extended family and delivered tonight. Everyone loved them. Did on electric smoker with cherry wood and my own rub, but similar to what was linked.
Debbie says
This was such a great appetizer! Served them with ranch dressing and tons of napkins!
Heather says
These chicken wings are so good!! We love making them in the smoker!
Beth Pierce says
What a fun appetizer! Your BBQ Spice Rub recipe sounds delicious; I am excited to try it this weekend!
Aimee Shugarman says
Delicious. There are no other words to describe these wings 🙂
Tanya Schroeder says
These wings look incredible, I hope to make them this weekend!
Allyson Reed Zea says
I love cajun on EVERYTHING so I know these will be a win for me!
Jessica Formicola says
I made these for dinner last night and OMG they were amazing! Thanks so much for sharing!
Eden | Sweet Tea and Thyme says
So flavorful, I love that it’s getting warmer and all these good smoker and grilling recipes are everywhere! These wings are seriously so good!
Bee says
I love trying new chicken dishes! Cannot wait to try it!
Neli Howard | Delicious Meets Healthy says
Yes! It’s great! These wings look AMAZING! I cant wait to try them! Great article!
krissy says
im not usually a fan of chicken wings. but my family had been begging me to make some. so i tried this recipe. and im so glad i did! delicious! 5 stars!
Andrea Metlika says
These look so delicious! I can’t wait to taste these.
BuffaloWing says
These wings are delicious5 Stars!! Just one sore point though. Being from Buffalo it important that everyone knows chicken wings AKA (Buffalo Wings) are dipped in blue cheese dressing not ranch. Theyre sooo much netter in Blue Cheese too!
Pj says
FYI, these are not buffalo wings.