Maple-Glazed Smoked Chicken Wings with Blueberry BBQ Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 120 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

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.

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