Smoked Dirty Chicken Wings Tossed in Spicy BBQ Sauce

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

Juicy chicken wings slow-smoked and then tossed in a spicy barbecue sauce for a smoky, tangy kick. This bbq & smoked-inspired chicken ready in about 140 minutes blends chicken wings, tablespoons kosher salt, tablespoon 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 350 calories and feeds 8, 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: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves 8 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, season 40 chicken wings with 2 tablespoons kosher salt, 1 tablespoon black pepper, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder, tossing to coat evenly.
  2. Step 2: Preheat smoker to 225°F and add 3 cups apple wood chips for flavor. Arrange the seasoned wings on the smoker grate and smoke for 2 hours until the skin is firm and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: Remove the wings from the smoker and immediately toss them in 1 cup spicy barbecue sauce until fully coated and sticky.
  4. Step 4: Serve the wings hot with 2 cups carrot sticks, 2 cups celery sticks, and 1 cup ranch dressing on the side for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Dirty Chicken Wings Tossed in Spicy BBQ Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (20 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 Dirty Chicken Wings Tossed in Spicy 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 Smoked Dirty Chicken Wings Tossed in Spicy 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 Smoked Dirty Chicken Wings Tossed in Spicy BBQ Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Dirty Chicken Wings Tossed in Spicy BBQ Sauce?

BBQ & Smoked chicken 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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