Are you looking for a simple way to cook delicious chicken wings? Then you have to try my 0-400 chicken wings recipe.
The method is simple and the end result is crispy, perfectly cooked wings that will become a staple for you.
Follow my easy steps below and you’ll be turning out the BEST wings ever!
Table of contents
Why You’ll Love This 0-400 Chicken Wing Recipe
I LOVE making smoked chicken wings regardless of the season.
This smoked wing recipe provides a delicious smoky flavor and perfect texture with minimal preparation time and you only need common pantry ingredients.
These wings are perfect for a backyard barbecue, birthday party, game night, or simply for a gathering with friends and family, wings are a perfect choice for any occasion.
Can You Get Wings Crispy in the Smoker?
Yes, you certainly can get crispy wings in the smoker.
During the smoking process, moisture gradually evaporates, resulting in a dry skin texture that turns wonderfully crispy.
As a result, you can expect the exterior of your wings to have a satisfying crunch while the meat inside remains succulent and tender.
What You Need for 0-400 Chicken Wings
Chicken Wings
Baking Powder
Salt
BBQ sauce
Honey
Buffalo Sauce
Do You Flip Wings When Smoking?
It isn’t necessary to flip the chicken wings when smoking.
The smoking process is designed to cook food slowly and evenly by surrounding it with a consistent temperature and smoke.
However, some people prefer to flip their wings for aesthetic purposes or to ensure even browning.
Can You Reheat Smoked Chicken Wings?
You are able to reheat smoked chicken wings. To much sure they are juicy and moist you need to follow the right steps.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the smoked chicken wings on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
You can brush them with some of your favorite sauce or oil to stop them from drying out.
Place them in the oven for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are thoroughly heated.
How Long Do Wings Take to Smoke?
It takes around 60 minutes for the wings to smoke.
What Is the 0-400 Method for Wings?
The 0-400 method for wings is a popular technique for cooking chicken wings.
You place the wings on the cool grill, no need to preheat it, the low temperature slowly renders the fat and cooks the chicken.
This helps ensure the wings are thoroughly cooked and tender.
Then as the temperature reaches 400°F the skin begins to crisp up creating a deliciously crunchy exterior.
The Internal Temperature You Need to Reach for Chicken Wings
You want to ensure your chicken wings reach 175°F before you pull them from the smoker.
Always use a thermometer with a probe to check this.
What to Serve With 0-400 Chicken Wings
Here are some of my favorites sides to serve with chicken wings
Smoked Broccoli
How to Store Leftover Chicken Wings
Allow the wings to cool down before storing them. Then, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil.
Ensure the container is sealed tightly and refrigerate the wings promptly and use them within 3-4 days.
If you need to store them for a longer period, consider freezing them
What Temperature to Smoke at for 0-400 Chicken Wings
You still the grill or smoker to 400°F and place the wings straight in, you don’t need to preheat the grill.
What Does 0-400 Chicken Wings Mean?
While it may seem a little confusing, the concept is actually quite simple.
As the name suggests, it’s all about cooking from a cold grill, or 0°F, heating it up to 400°F.
The wings go in while the grill is stone-cold and then it’s turned on.
The idea of starting with a cold grill is simple. Pellet grills produce the most smoke at lower temperatures.
Usually around the 300°F mark. Starting cold means the wings will be on the grill in the bulk of the smoke production, as the temps rise.
How to Smoke Chicken Wings Using the 0-400 Method
Start with a cold grill, and let the temperature climb to 400°F, smoking as it goes.
Once the white smoke starts to generate, close the grill lid and leave the wings to cook.
You don’t need to temps to reach 400°F, but you definitely want it to hit 320-350°F.
Otherwise, you’ll end up with rubbery skin. While edible, it’s not a very pleasant experience.
Leave the wings to smoke while the temp builds.
Once they’ve reached the halfway mark – about 30 minutes – open the grill and turn the wings over.
Close the lid back up and leave them for another half hour or so.
Ten minutes after turning start checking the internal temperatures with a meat probe. You want the internal temps to be at least 165°F.
How Can I Get Extra Crispy Chicken Wing Skin?
Here are some tips and tricks to guarantee you’ll have crispy chicken skin every time.
Oil Up!
The single best tip for 0-400 chicken wings – oil your grill grates before placing the wings on!
The last thing you want is to lose all the gorgeous crunchy skin when it sticks to the grates.
Give the grill a light spray or brush with some cooking oil before placing the wings down.
Add Baking Powder to Your Chicken Wings
Another great way to get crispy skin is to coat them with a light layer of baking powder.
Pat the wings dry with a paper towel. Place them in a zip lock bag with baking powder and a dash of salt. Close the bag and toss to coat.
If you want to add seasonings or chicken rub, you can place them in the bag as well. You always want to add your dry rub before cooking your wings
The baking powder and salt help dry out the skin by removing the excess moisture.
The result will be beautifully crispy skin wings, with succulent juicy meat.
Seasoning the Chicken Wings for 0-400 Wings
You can choose to season before or after cooking your wings on the pellet grill. For a dry seasoning, add it to the baking powder and toss the wings in to coat.
Stick to a simple salt, pepper, and garlic powder blend. Or perhaps something a little spicier like pepper or chili flakes. Or if you prefer a wet seasoning, coat with a barbecue sauce once cooked.
Even better, have a variety of dipping sauces available to dip and enjoy.
What Wood Chips Should I Use for 0-400 Chicken Wings?
For something sweet and subtle, try the fruit or nut woods, flavors like apple, cherry, pecan, and walnut wood are perfect for chicken wings.
If you want something that packs a bit more punch, hickory or mesquite will deliver. This stronger bacon-type flavor is not for the faint-hearted. So experiment before starting out!
How Long Do I Leave the Chicken Wings to Smoke?
0-400 Chicken wings will take around an hour to smoke. But, it’s best to start checking the internal temps about ten minutes.
Wings are notoriously uneven in size, so begin checking some of the smaller ones. Use a meat probe or digital thermometer to keep an eye on the internal temperatures.
The internal temp should be 165°F at least, but temps of 185-190°F will still give you juicy tender wings.
How to Make 0-400 Smoked Chicken Wings
Step 1 – Prepare the Chicken Wings
Dry the wings thoroughly with a paper towel.
Place the baking powder, salt, and seasoning in a zip lock bag, with the chicken wings.
Close the bag and gently toss it to coat.
Step 2 – Prepare the Pellet Grill
Load up the hopper with wood chips.
Lightly spray or brush the grill grates with cooking oil.
Step 3 – Place the Wings on the Grill
Lay the wings on the pellet grill grate.
Allow a little space between so the smoke can circulate.
Step 4 – Fire up the Pellet Grill
Start up the pellet grill, setting the cook temp to 400°F.
Once the white smoke has begun to generate, close the lid.
Leave to smoke for 30 minutes.
Step 5 – Turn and Check Temps
After 30 minutes, flip the wings.
After ten minutes, begin checking the internal temps.
Let it cook for another 30 minutes until the internal meat temperature hits 165F. I like to keep
them on for a bit longer to about 185-195F. (Careful not to burn your wings if your smoker has
hot spots).
Place them in a tray to sauce them. I’ve added half with bbq sauce + honey, and half with
buffalo. Return to smoke for another 10 minutes to heat up.
Serve with ranch and garnish with green onions.
Looking for More Chicken Recipes?
Feta Stuffed Smoked Chicken Breast
0-400 Chicken Wings
Equipment
- 1 Pellet smoker
Ingredients
- 3.3 lbs chicken wings
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp BBQ sauce enough to coat chicken
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Buffalo sauce enough to coat chicken
- 3 tbsp ranch
- 2 stalks green onions
Instructions
- Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel.
- Toss wings in a bowl with salt and baking powder. This helps draw out moisture to make them crispy during cooking.
- Before hitting the smoker, spray the grill with a little spray oil to avoid chicken from sticking.
- Using the 0-400 method, place the chicken wings on your cold grill then crank it up to 400F.
- Let it smoke for 30 minutes, then flip the wings over.
- Let it cook for another 30 minutes until the internal meat temperature hits 165F. I like to keep them on for a bit longer to about 185-195F. (Careful not to burn your wings if your smoker has hot spots).
- Place them in a tray to sauce them. I’ve added half with bbq sauce + honey, and half with buffalo. Return to smoke for another 10 minutes to heat up.
- Serve with ranch and garnish with green onions.
Smoke On!
Charlie
Author: Charlie Reeves
Hi, I’m Charlie, I am head taste tester at Simply Meat Smoking! I love it grilling, smoking, and getting out in the yard with the kids! The family also love to test all my recipes (especially my EXTRA CRISPY pulled pork, smoky pork loin, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill)
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling adventures with you!
You can read more on our About Us page.
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