Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings (Printable version)
Smoky, crispy wings with tangy buffalo coating
# List of ingredients:
→ Chicken
01 - 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into drums and flats
02 - 1 tbsp baking powder (aluminum-free)
03 - 1 tsp kosher salt
04 - 1 tsp black pepper
05 - 1 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
→ Buffalo Sauce
07 - 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Franks RedHot)
08 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
09 - 1 tbsp honey
10 - 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
11 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
→ To Serve
12 - Celery sticks
13 - Blue cheese or ranch dressing
# Directions:
01 - Preheat your smoker or grill to 250°F with indirect heat. Add wood chips or chunks, preferably hickory or applewood, for smoke flavor.
02 - Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss wings with baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
03 - Arrange the wings in a single layer on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
04 - Place the wings in the smoker. Smoke for 45 minutes at 250°F.
05 - Increase the heat to 425°F and continue to cook for another 30 minutes, or until the wings are crispy and golden brown, flipping once halfway through.
06 - In a small saucepan over low heat, combine hot sauce, melted butter, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Whisk until smooth and warmed through.
07 - Transfer the smoked wings to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the wings and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The baking powder trick creates restaurant-quality crispiness without deep frying
- That smoky depth transforms ordinary buffalo sauce into something extraordinary
02 -
- Pat the wings completely dry before seasoning—any moisture will steam the skin instead of crisping it
- The two-stage temperature method is crucial: low heat cooks through, high heat creates crunch
03 -
- Separate drums and flats before cooking—they cook at different rates and this ensures everything finishes perfectly
- Line your baking sheet with foil under the wire rack for cleanup that takes literally seconds