Smoked Chicken Wings with Spicy Korean Gochujang Sauce
Juicy smoked chicken wings coated in a bold and spicy gochujang sauce, delivering a perfect balance of smoky heat and tang. This korean-inspired grilling ready in about 135 minutes blends tablespoon kosher salt, teaspoon black pepper, teaspoon smoked paprika 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, tips removed, wings separated chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat smoker to 225°F. Season 2 pounds chicken wings with 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, rubbing evenly.
- Step 2: Place wings on smoker rack and smoke for 2 hours until skin is firm and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 3: While wings smoke, whisk together 3 tablespoons gochujang, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, and 2 minced garlic cloves in a bowl until smooth and glossy.
- Step 4: After wings finish smoking, toss them in the gochujang sauce until fully coated.
- Step 5: Optional: Arrange wings on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the sauce edges, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Step 6: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon sesame seeds and 2 tablespoons sliced green onions over wings before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoked Chicken Wings with Spicy Korean Gochujang 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 Smoked Chicken Wings with Spicy Korean Gochujang 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 Smoked Chicken Wings with Spicy Korean Gochujang 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 Smoked Chicken Wings with Spicy Korean Gochujang 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 Smoked Chicken Wings with Spicy Korean Gochujang Sauce?
Korean 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.
