Smoked Chicken Hot Wings Recipe

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Cook Time: 75 minutes

Smoked and Grilled Chicken Wings with Spicy Sauce

This recipe yields 8 servings, perfect for a gathering or a delicious weeknight treat.

Ingredients

Dry Rub:

• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 pounds chicken wings

Sauce:

• cup hot pepper sauce (such as Frank's RedHot)
• cup butter
• 1 tablespoons white vinegar
• teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 pinch salt, to taste

Directions

Step 1: Gather all ingredients before you begin cooking. This will make the process smoother and quicker.

Step 2: Preheat your smoker to 225F (110C), following the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 3: To make the dry rub, combine the kosher salt, black pepper, and Cajun seasoning in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the chicken wings, ensuring they are well-coated.

Step 4: Arrange the seasoned chicken wings in a single layer on wire racks. Place the racks into the preheated smoker. Add wood chips as directed by the manufacturer, and smoke the wings for about 1 hour.

Step 5: While the wings are smoking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the hot pepper sauce, butter, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until the butter is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Once ready, set aside.

Step 6: Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grate to prevent sticking.

Step 7: After the wings have smoked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour half of the prepared sauce over the wings and stir to coat them evenly.

Step 8: Place the wings on the preheated grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the skin becomes crispy and browned. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165F (74C).

Step 9: Once the wings are cooked, transfer them back to the large bowl. Pour the remaining sauce over the wings and toss until they are well-coated.

Step 10: Serve the wings hot and enjoy the smoky, spicy goodness!

Cook's Note

You can experiment with different types of wood chips for smoking. Hickory wood is a great option, but feel free to use whatever you prefer or have on hand.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving	209 Calories
Total Fat	19g (24% DV)
Saturated Fat	9g (46% DV)
Cholesterol	60mg (20% DV)
Sodium	1435mg (62% DV)
Total Carbohydrates	1g (0% DV)
Dietary Fiber	0g (1% DV)
Protein	10g (20% DV)
Vitamin C	14mg (16% DV)
Calcium	12mg (1% DV)
Iron	1mg (4% DV)
Potassium	109mg (2% DV)

Note: Nutritional values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet and may vary depending on portion sizes. Adjust according to your dietary needs.

Smoked Chicken Hot Wings are a popular appetizer known for their rich smoky flavor, crispy exterior, and spicy kick. While they have become a go-to dish at barbecues and gatherings worldwide, their origins and preparation methods hold a fascinating story that connects them to American culinary traditions, particularly in the Southern United States. These wings are seasoned with a dry rub, smoked for a perfect flavor infusion, and finished off with a buttery hot sauce for that iconic kick. But their story doesnt end there. Lets dive into the history, regional variations, and some unique facts about these flavorful treats.

History of Smoked Chicken Hot Wings

The origin of chicken wings, particularly the hot variety, dates back to the 1960s in Buffalo, New York. It was in 1964 when Teressa Bellissimo of the Anchor Bar created the first "Buffalo wings" by deep-frying chicken wings and tossing them in a hot sauce. Since then, wings have become a beloved snack across the United States and the world. However, the smoked variant of chicken wings has a slightly different backstory. Smoking chicken wings is a technique that hails from Southern barbecue traditions, where slow-cooking over wood or charcoal imparts a smoky flavor that complements the spices in the sauce. The combination of smoking and grilling, like in this recipe, results in a perfect balance of tenderness and crispiness. Smoked wings have grown in popularity, especially with the advent of pellet smokers and other innovative smoking methods.

Regional Features

While Buffalo wings are generally served with a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing, smoked chicken wings are particularly popular in Southern barbecue culture. The emphasis here is not just on heat but on the flavor imparted by the wood smoke. Smoked wings can be made with different wood types, such as hickory, applewood, or mesquite, each adding its distinct flavor to the dish. In addition to the classic hot sauce, regional variations may include BBQ sauces, honey, mustard, or even fruit-based glazes. These differences highlight the regional flair of smoked wings, with each region boasting its own preferred seasoning, wood type, and sauce. Whether youre in Texas, Memphis, or the Carolinas, the preparation of smoked wings can vary, but the end result is always a smoky, flavorful treat.

What Makes Smoked Chicken Wings Different?

What sets smoked chicken wings apart from other similar dishes, like deep-fried wings or grilled wings, is the cooking process. The slow smoking method ensures that the chicken absorbs the flavors from the wood chips, resulting in a more complex and robust taste. Unlike fried wings, which often have a greasy texture, smoked wings are much juicier on the inside and have a crispy skin on the outside due to the finishing grill step. Moreover, the hot sauce coating adds a perfect balance of heat and tang, without overpowering the smoky essence of the meat. Fried wings may be crispy, but they often lack the depth of flavor that smoking imparts.

Where Are They Typically Served?

Smoked chicken hot wings are often found at backyard barbecues, tailgate parties, and casual gatherings, particularly in the Southern United States. These wings are perfect for outdoor cooking, where smokers and grills are easy to use, and wood chips can be added to create the desired smoky flavor. In addition, they are a staple at sports bars, where people gather to watch games and enjoy finger foods. In fact, they have become so popular that they are now commonly featured on menus at restaurants that specialize in barbecue or chicken dishes. Whether served at a casual cookout or a more formal barbecue event, smoked wings bring a savory, spicy bite that pairs well with beer and good company.

Interesting Facts About Smoked Chicken Wings

• Smoked chicken wings are often cooked using wood chips such as hickory, mesquite, or applewood, each offering a unique flavor to the wings.
• While hot wings are most associated with American cuisine, the concept of hot and spicy wings has crossed borders, with variations appearing in countries like Korea, where spicy fried wings are popular.
• Many barbecue enthusiasts believe that the key to perfect smoked wings lies in the balance between the dry rub, smoking time, and sauce. Over-smoking can lead to bitterness, so it's crucial to get the timing just right.
• Smoked wings are often enjoyed with a side of creamy dip like ranch or blue cheese, although some regions prefer them without any dip at all, allowing the smoky, spicy flavors to shine.
• While many wing enthusiasts prefer traditional smoking methods using a smoker, some have adapted the recipe for pellet grills and even stovetop smokers for a more convenient experience.

FAQ about Smoked Chicken Hot Wings Recipe

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