Smoked Chicken Wings

 Smoked chicken wings are a delicious and flavorful dish that's perfect for gatherings, game days, or simply enjoying as a treat. Here's a simple guide to making smoked chicken wings:

---

Ingredients:

2 lbs chicken wings (separated into flats and drumettes)

2 tbsp olive oil (optional)

Dry Rub:

1 tbsp smoked paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp chili powder (optional for spice)

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp salt

1 tsp brown sugar

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Optional Sauce for Finishing:

1/2 cup barbecue sauce

2 tbsp honey or brown sugar

---

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Wings:

1. Rinse and pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels.

2. Optional: Toss the wings in olive oil to help the rub stick.

2. Apply the Dry Rub:

1. Mix all the dry rub ingredients in a small bowl.

2. Coat the wings evenly with the dry rub, ensuring all sides are covered.

3. Preheat the Smoker:

1. Set your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Use wood chips or pellets with a mild or medium smoke flavor, like hickory, apple, or cherry wood.

4. Smoke the Wings:

1. Place the wings on the smoker grates in a single layer.

2. Smoke for about 2 hours, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

5. Crisp the Skin (Optional):

Increase the heat to 375°F (190°C) in the smoker, or transfer the wings to a preheated grill or oven for 5–10 minutes to crisp up the skin.

6. Sauce and Serve (Optional):

1. If using a sauce, toss the wings in a mixture of barbecue sauce and honey (or brown sugar).

2. Place them back in the smoker or grill for another 5–10 minutes to caramelize the sauce.

---

Tips:

Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.

For extra heat, add hot sauce to the barbecue glaze or sprinkle with additional cayenne pepper.

If you prefer a dryer finish, skip the sauce and serve the wings with the dry rub seasoning as-is.

Enjoy your smoky, tender chicken wings!