My crispy skin smoked chicken wings are perfect for weekend cookouts, watching the game, or a quick weeknight dinner.
I love pairing my chicken wings with my favorite hot sauce, and an ice-cold beer!
When I am feeling lazy I have them with some crusty fresh bread.
Or if I have time, I have them with my EPIC smoked mac and cheese and corn on the cob!
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Table of contents
What to Look for When Buying Your Chicken Wings
Look for big fleshy wings, this will ensure the meat is juicy and moist. The fat will help protect the meat during smoking and prevent the skin from drying out.
How Long Does it Take to Cook Chicken Wings in The Pit Boss? (Simple Time Frame)
It takes 2 hours to cook chicken wings in a pellet smoker at 225°F. However, the cooking times will vary, depending on the size of the wings and the grill temperature.
With the grill at 225°F, you want to cook the wings for 2 hours or until the wings have an internal temperature of 165°F
What You Need for Smoked Chicken Wings
Chicken wings
BBQ Seasoning
Olive Oil
Salt
Black Pepper
Baking Powder
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Smoked Pit Boss Chicken Wings Recipe
If you want a delicious yet simple chicken wing recipe you are in the right place. Using my pellet grill makes it so much easier, no need to monitor the temperature or continually add more fuel, just super succulent and juicy wings!
The wings are expertly smoked to perfection, resulting in a delicious smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the crispy skin. The low and slow cooking method ensures tender and juicy meat in every bite.
The crispy texture of the wings, combined with the rich flavors, makes this recipe a crowd-pleaser for game day, parties, or any occasion that calls for irresistible wings.
Should You Cut the Wing Tips Before Cooking?
I recommend you cut off the wing tips. Cutting off the wing tips can help promote more even cooking and prevent them from becoming overly charred or burnt. Additionally, removing the tips can make it easier to handle and eat the wings.
How to Brine Chicken Wings
Brining chicken wings is a great way to enhance their flavor and moisture. Here’s a simple method to brine chicken wings:
- Prepare the brine: In a large container, combine water, salt, sugar, and any additional desired flavorings like herbs, spices, or citrus zest. Stir until the salt and sugar dissolve.
- Add the wings: Submerge the chicken wings in the brine, ensuring they are fully covered. You can weigh them down with a plate or use a zip-top bag filled with brine to keep them submerged.
- Brine in the refrigerator: Place the container with the wings and brine in the refrigerator and let them brine for at least 1 hour, but preferably 2 to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
- Rinse and pat dry: After brining, remove the wings from the brine and rinse them under cold water to remove any excess salt. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- Proceed with your recipe: You can now proceed with your preferred cooking method, such as grilling, baking, or frying the wings.
Remember to adjust the brine recipe according to the quantity of wings you are brining. Brining time can also be adjusted based on personal preference and the level of flavor desired. Enjoy your deliciously brined chicken wings!
How to Smoke Chicken Wings on a Pit Boss
Below are my seven simple steps for juicy chicken wings every time.
Step 1: Pre-heat The Grill
Preheat the grill to medium heat (around 350-375F) for 6-8 minutes.
Top up with your desired flavor of wood pellets, ensuring there’s enough for the full cook.
During the cooking, running out partway will give inconsistent temperatures and rubbery wings.
Step 2: Prepare The Chicken
Blot the wings with paper towels to remove excess moisture on the skin.
Note: You can brine your chicken wings for that little extra moisture. I don’t in this exact recipe but I have put the steps how to do it above.
Brush olive oil over the entire skin, this will help tenderize the chicken.
Step 3: Season The Wings
Mix the baking powder and seasoning for the chicken rub in a bowl or sealed bag.
The baking powder gives a wonderfully crispy skin. You can also use the baking powder on turkey skin to get it crisp!
But make sure it’s baking powder as the soda will leave an unpleasant metallic taste.
Throw in the dry chicken wings and coat with seasoning. Also, ensure that a thick layer covers all the surfaces. You should do this before cooking.
Step 4: Place In The Grill
Spread the wings out on the grill plate.
The secret to a consistent cook is to have enough space between the wings for the smoke to circulate, both for an even smoky flavor and a more efficient cook time.
Step 5: What Temperature Should You Smoke Wings At?
You want to smoke wings at a temperature between 225°F-250°F. Take care when opening and closing the grill lid, not to let too much heat escape.
Step 6: How to Know When The Wings Are Ready?
When the internal temperature of the chicken wings reaches 165°F-175°F, the wings will be ready to eat
However, It can be tricky to tell when chicken wings are cooked! Especially when they are covered in a rub and sauce!
The best and safest way to check is to use a meat temperature probe rather than a specific time. Make sure you probe away from the bone, as this will give a differing result to the flesh.
Step 7: Serve It Up
Remove from the wings grill when the internal temperature reaches the 165°F
Take care to check each one, as the size is often inconsistent, and cooking times vary.
What Sides Are Good With Chicken Wings?
Chicken wings are great on their own as an appetizer or apart of a main meal.
Here are some of my favorite sides for chicken wings
Should You Spritz Chicken Wings?
Yes you can spritz chicken wings.
See the delicious liquids you can use to spray your chicken wings here.
Need a Wing Alternative
Looking for an alternative to chicken wings? Sometimes the price of wings is outrageous
See some substitutes for chicken wings here
What Wood Flavor Pellets To Use for Chicken Wings?
Our favorite wood pellets for chicken wings is cherry wood or apple wood. There is a huge variety of wood pellets available these days, from individual wood flavors to mixed blends.
The sweeter, fruitier flavors combine well with the delicate flavors of the chicken. Apple, maple, and cherry will give the flavor of smoke without overpowering the chicken’s natural goodness.
The stronger bolder flavors are much better suited to red meat, but if you like that stronger flavor go for it!
Looking for More Chicken Wings Recipes?
Side Dishes for Smoked Chicken
Secret Sauce Baked Beans
Click here for more smoked chicken sides.
How To Make Crispy Smoked Pit Boss Chicken Wings Recipe
Crispy Smoked Pit Boss Chicken Wings Recipe
Equipment
- Grill
Ingredients
- Chicken wings – source from a butcher for the biggest, juiciest wings.
- BBQ Seasoning – chicken and poultry rub is perfect.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Dash of Salt and Black Pepper to season
- Baking Powder (NOT baking soda!)
Instructions
- Preheat grill a medium heat (around 350-375F) for 6-8 minutes. Top up with your desired flavor wood pellets, ensuring there's enough for the full cook.
- Blot the defrosted wings with paper towels to remove excess moisture on the skin. Brush olive oil over the entire skin.
- Mix the baking powder and seasoning in a bowl or clip seal bag because the baking powder gives a crispy skin. Throw in the dry chicken wings and coat with seasoning. Also, ensure that a thick layer covers all the surfaces.
- Spread the wings out on the grill plate. To get a consistent cook, make sure there is enough space between the wings for the smoke.
- Close the grill cover and cook at a steady temperature range of anywhere to between 225-250F. The lower the temperature, the more smoke you'll produce. So set it at a temperature you're comfortable with and whatever your time limit permits.
- The cooking times will vary, depending on the size of the wings and the grill temperature. When running the grill at 225°F, it'll take 2 hours to an hour to cook. At the higher temperature of 350°F, you're looking at around 45 minutes. Flip the wings halfway through the cook for an even crisp.
- When the internal temperature reaches 165°F-175°F, the wings will be ready to eat.
- Remove from the grill when the internal temperature reaches the right range. Take care to check each one, as the size is inconsistent, and cooking times vary.
I absolutely love smoked crispy chicken wings!
They are one of my favorite dishes to cook because of the amazing flavor and the easy preparation.
I highly recommend giving this recipe a try if you are looking for an amazing and healthy dish to cook up.
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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My wings turned out perfect. Thanks 👍
thank mate! hope you enjoyed em!
I can not wait to try this chicken wing recipe over Father’s Day. Thanks for the recipe
Stoked your gunna try my wing recipe Tom!! Let me know how it goes mate!! 🙂
Charlie how much rub to baking powder would you use. Thanks
Hiya Thomas! For super-crispy skin I use one part baking powder with three to four parts rub. Let me know how you go 🙂
Yuuuunm these wings came out soooo good! The kids are asking me to do em again!
Charlie, In the previous comment you stated 1 part baking powder to 3-4 parts salt !? …Don’t you mean 3-4 parts RUB?
Thanks in advance…
Hiya Gina!!
ohhhh thanks for letting me know, yep I meant rub 🙂
Let me know how you go!