Maple-Glazed Smoked Chicken Wings with Blueberry BBQ Sauce
Tender smoked chicken wings tossed in a sweet and tangy blueberry-infused BBQ sauce with a hint of maple syrup. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 135 minutes blends pounds chicken wings, teaspoon kosher salt, teaspoon black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your smoker to 225°F. Pat dry 2 pounds of chicken wings, then season evenly with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Place wings in the smoker and cook for 2 hours until internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin is slightly crisp.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine 1 cup fresh blueberries, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 15 minutes until the blueberries burst and the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Use an immersion blender or transfer the blueberry mixture to a blender and puree until smooth. Return to saucepan and keep warm on low heat.
- Step 4: Once wings are smoked, toss them gently in 1 tablespoon olive oil to coat and then in the warm blueberry BBQ sauce until evenly glazed. Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Maple-Glazed Smoked Chicken Wings with Blueberry BBQ Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 135 minutes (15 min prep + 120 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Maple-Glazed Smoked Chicken Wings with Blueberry BBQ Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Glazed Smoked Chicken Wings with Blueberry BBQ Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Maple-Glazed Smoked Chicken Wings with Blueberry BBQ Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Maple-Glazed Smoked Chicken Wings with Blueberry BBQ Sauce?
American bbq & smoked like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
