Smoked wings - buffalo and garlic parmesan wings completed in the Traeger smoked chicken wings recipe.

Are you on a quest for the perfect smoked wings recipe? Well, your search ends here, as we’re about to delve into the irresistible world of smoked wings, crafted to perfection on a Traeger Grill. Smoking chicken wings on a Traeger imparts a deep, smoky flavor that’s simply unrivaled. Intrigued about how to smoke chicken wings to achieve that perfect balance of smoky, juicy, and crunchy? We’ve got you covered. This Traeger smoked chicken wings recipe will guide you through the process, from how long to smoke chicken wings, to achieving that desired crispy finish. Stick around and prepare to amaze yourself and your guests with a batch of mouth-watering, crispy smoked chicken wings.

In This Article

Preparation – Smoked Chicken Wings Recipe

Smoked wings - wing on the cutting board ready for trimming.

Begin by cutting the wings into wing and wingette sections. This will ensure even cooking and also allow for more surface area to absorb that smoky flavor.

Follow these simple steps to trim your chicken wings:

  1. Lay the chicken wing flat on a cutting board. Identify the three sections – the wingtip, the middle joint or ‘wingette’, and the drumette.
  2. Cut through the joint that connects the wingtip and the wingette. You can discard the wingtip or save it for making stock.
  3. Next, cut through the joint that connects the wingette and the drumette.
  4. Repeat this process for all the wings. You should now have separate wingettes and drumettes ready for seasoning.
Smoke chicken wings - wings cut into 3 proper pieces.

Next, dry your wings thoroughly with a paper towel. This step is crucial to achieving crispy smoked chicken wings. Too much moisture will prevent the skin from getting that deliciously crunchy finish we all crave.

Crispy smoked chicken wings - trimmed wings in a bowl ready for smoking.

In a large bowl, season your wings liberally. For this smoked wings recipe, we’re using a combination of 1 Tablespoon of cornstarch, Traeger Chicken Rub, and kosher salt.

Our #1 Choice
Traeger Grills SPC170 Chicken Rub with Citrus & Black Pepper 9 Ounce (Pack of 1)
$9.99 $7.99


Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
09/13/2024 10:40 pm GMT

Cornstarch is a little secret that helps in attaining that extra crunchiness

How to Smoke Chicken Wings?

Smoking chicken wings is an art, and an alluring one at that – it intensifies flavors and gives wings that irresistibly smoky taste. The question often arises, how long to smoke chicken wings? The answer lies within the fine balance of temperature and time. With your Traeger primed on the smoke setting and preheated to 375 degrees, it’s time to place those seasoned wings directly on the grill grates.

Our Choice to Get You Started
Traeger Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill, Cover, and Pellets
$499.00
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
09/13/2024 10:41 pm GMT

The cooking process requires careful attention.

How long to smoke chicken wings? About 35 minutes, let your wings bask in the heat, turn them halfway to ensure even cooking.

A safe internal temperature is 165 degrees, but if you are a fan of crispy smoked chicken wings, it’s worth bringing them up to 180 degrees.

Crispy smoked chicken wings - a close-up view of wings on Traeger grill.

The final touch to our smoked wings recipe is the application of your sauce of choice. Smoked chicken wings soaked in a delectable sauce is a combination that never fails. Your smoked wings are now ready to be devoured; their smoky, crispy, juicy goodness is a testament to the art of smoking wings.

Remember, the key to perfect smoked chicken wings is patience and precision. You now know how to smoke chicken wings — take the leap, put on your apron, and let the smoking begin!

Sauce Recipes for Smoked Chicken Wings

Buffalo Sauce

Not sure how long to smoke chicken wings? For crispy buffalo wings shown about 35 minutes at 375.

To elevate the flavor of your smoked wings, we’re going to walk you through the process of making a classic Buffalo sauce. This sauce will generously cover your smoked chicken wings, enhancing their smoky essence with a hint of delightful heat.

  1. Start by gathering your ingredients: hot sauce, mustard, and butter. These simple items will come together to create a tangy, spicy sauce that pairs perfectly with your smoked wings.
  2. Next, take a small saucepan and combine the hot sauce and mustard. As the pan warms on medium-low heat, add in the butter.
  3. Use a whisk to combine the ingredients and continue to stir until the butter has fully melted. Ensure the sauce is warmed through, but be careful not to let it boil. Once done, cover the saucepan and keep the sauce warm until you’re ready to use it on your smoked chicken wings.

Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Smoked wings recipe - garlic parmesan wings sauced in a bowl.

Now, if you’re a fan of creamy, savory flavors, our Garlic Parmesan sauce is what your smoked wings recipe needs. This sauce will not only intensify the taste of your crispy smoked chicken wings, but will also add an irresistible aroma that will make your meal even more appetizing.

  1. Begin by creating the garlic butter. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan, then add minced garlic. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. Once ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool.
  2. Once the smoked wings are done on the grill grate, it’s time to enhance their flavor. Sprinkle a generous amount of Parmesan cheese over the wings, making sure each one gets a good coating.
  3. For a final touch, garnish your smoked chicken wings with parsley. You can enjoy them with a side of ranch or by themselves, basking in the rich, creamy flavor of your homemade Garlic Parmesan sauce.

Remember, the art of this smoked wings recipe is all about patience and precision. Now that you know how to smoke chicken wings and prepare two delectable sauces, it’s time to put on your apron and let the smoking begin!

How to Smoke Chicken Wings : The Finish

In the delightful world of smoked chicken wings, it’s the final steps that can truly elevate your dish. Once you’ve meticulously followed the smoked wings recipe thus far, it’s time to add the pièce de résistance — the sauce. This is when our succulent, crispy smoked chicken wings get their final flavor baptism. Start by transferring the wings into a large bowl.

Smoked wings - buffalo and garlic parmesan wings completed in the Traeger smoked chicken wings recipe.

Drizzle your homemade sauce liberally over the wings. Make sure to use tongs to toss the wings, ensuring each one is thoroughly coated. This step infuses the wings with the rich, aromatic blend of the sauce, marrying the smoke-infused meat with the tangy topping.

Next, it’s back to the grill with our sauce-smothered wings. Return your smoked chicken wings to the grill, then close the lid. Cook for another 10–15 minutes until you see the sauce setting in nicely. This extra grilling session allows the sauce to adhere to the Traeger smoked chicken wings, enhancing their crispy texture.

So, how long to smoke chicken wings? The timing can vary based on various factors, but precision is key. The final grill after saucing is the crucial stage that binds all the flavors together, ensuring every bite is a burst of smoky, crispy, and tangy delight.

In conclusion, creating the perfect smoked wings recipe isn’t just about the initial smoking; it’s also about the finishing touches that enhance the flavor and texture. So the next time you decide to smoke chicken wings, remember to pay equal attention to the sauce selection and the final grilling. Happy cooking!

Find more smoking and grilling recipes here!