These Traeger smoked chicken wings are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. They soak up a delicious smokey flavor that will make you want more!
I love serving these wings at parties; everyone gets excited when they see them! Plus, they’re easy to make—just season, smoke, and enjoy the smiles!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: Fresh or frozen chicken wings work well. If fresh isn’t available, just thaw frozen wings in the fridge overnight. I enjoy using a mix of drumettes and flats for variety in texture.
Olive Oil: While I prefer olive oil for its flavor, you can use vegetable oil or avocado oil if needed. They both coat the wings nicely without altering the taste much.
Smoked Paprika: This ingredient adds a wonderful smoky flavor. If you’re out, regular paprika with a touch of liquid smoke can be a good substitute. You can even add some cumin for an extra layer of flavor.
Garlic & Onion Powder: Great for that savory taste! Fresh garlic and onion can be used instead, but you might want to adjust the amounts since they are stronger. 1 clove of garlic and a teaspoon of chopped onion would work.
Brown Sugar: This adds a hint of sweetness and helps with caramelization. Raw sugar or honey could be used in a pinch, just be careful while cooking, as they can burn faster.
Cayenne Pepper: It’s optional, but it really kicks up the heat! If you prefer milder wings, you can leave it out or replace it with a dash of black pepper.
Barbecue Sauce: If you like spicy or fruity sauces, go for those! You can even make your own by mixing some ketchup with hot sauce or honey.
How Do I Get the Wings Perfectly Cooked on the Traeger?
Cooking wings on a Traeger grill is simple, but getting them perfectly cooked takes a little attention. Here’s how to ensure they’re juicy and flavorful:
- Preheating: Always preheat the grill to 225°F before adding the wings. This helps them cook evenly and absorb the smoky flavor.
- Coating: Coating the wings in oil first prevents them from getting dry. Toss them well to ensure every piece is evenly coated.
- Seasoning: When seasoning, don’t rush! Make sure every wing is well-covered with your spice mix for full flavor.
- Turning: Turn the wings halfway through cooking. This allows for even smoking on all sides. I usually check them around 1 hour to see how they’re cooking.
- Saucing: If you’re adding barbecue sauce, brush it on in the last 10-15 minutes. This prevents it from burning and gives it time to set, making the wings nice and sticky.
How to Make Traeger Smoked Chicken Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Spice Mix:
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
For Glazing (Optional):
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes for prep, plus 1.5 to 2 hours for smoking the wings. So, plan for about 2 hours and 15 minutes from start to finish. It’s a perfect way to enjoy great flavors while relaxing outdoors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your Traeger grill to 225°F (107°C). This low and slow cooking will infuse your wings with that smoky flavor we all love.
2. Prepare the Chicken Wings:
In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil until they are all nicely coated. This helps the seasoning stick and ensures they get crispy.
3. Mix the Spice Blend:
In another bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you’re feeling spicy! This is where the flavor magic happens!
4. Season the Wings:
Now, sprinkle the wonderful spice mixture all over the chicken wings. Toss everything together so the wings are evenly coated with that flavorful blend.
5. Arrange on the Grill:
Place the seasoned wings on the grill grates in a single layer. Make sure they have a little space between them for even cooking.
6. Smoke the Wings:
Let the wings smoke for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Don’t forget to turn them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and absorb that smoky goodness!
7. Add the Barbecue Sauce (Optional):
If you like your wings saucy, brush them with your favorite barbecue sauce about 10 to 15 minutes before they’re done smoking. This will create a delicious glaze!
8. Rest and Serve:
Once the wings are nicely smoked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps them juicy.
9. Enjoy:
Serve your smoked chicken wings with extra barbecue sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. Gather your friends and family, and enjoy this delicious treat together!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the wings completely before using them. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water for a quicker method. Pat them dry with paper towels before tossing them in olive oil to ensure a good seasoning.
What If I Don’t Have Smoked Paprika?
No worries! If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can substitute it with regular paprika or a mix of paprika and a tiny bit of liquid smoke. Start with a smaller amount of liquid smoke, as it can be potent, and adjust to taste.
How Do I Store Leftover Smoked Chicken Wings?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just ensure they are sealed well to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, you can pop them back on the grill or heat them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I Increase the Spice Level?
For an extra kick, feel free to add more cayenne pepper to the spice mix or use a spicy barbecue sauce for glazing. You can also mix in some hot sauce into the oil before coating the wings for an additional layer of flavor!
