Slow-Smoked Southern BBQ Chicken Wings
Tender chicken wings smoked low and slow, finished with a tangy barbecue glaze perfect for game day or casual gatherings. This southern american-inspired grilling ready in about 160 minutes pairs split at the joint chicken wings, smoked paprika, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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 lbs, split at the joint chicken wings
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp optional chili flakes
- 1 cup, hickory or applewood wood chips for smoking
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Toss 2 lbs chicken wings in this dry rub until evenly coated. Let rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Step 2: Prepare your smoker or grill for indirect heat at 225°F and add 1 cup wood chips (hickory or applewood) for smoke.
- Step 3: Place the wings on the smoker rack and smoke for 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin is firm.
- Step 4: While wings smoke, combine 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1/4 tsp chili flakes in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until thickened and glossy.
- Step 5: Remove wings from smoker and brush generously with the barbecue glaze. Place wings back on the smoker or grill over direct heat for 5-7 minutes per side to caramelize the glaze, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Step 6: Serve wings hot garnished with extra sauce if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Smoked Southern BBQ Chicken Wings take to make?
Total time is about 160 minutes (30 min prep + 130 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Slow-Smoked Southern BBQ Chicken Wings?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep smoked paprika from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Smoked Southern BBQ Chicken Wings?
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 Slow-Smoked Southern BBQ Chicken Wings 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 Slow-Smoked Southern BBQ Chicken Wings?
Southern American grilling 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.
