Chicken wings are a staple in many households, loved for their crispy texture, juicy meat, and ability to take on various flavors. While deep-fried wings are the go-to option for many, smoked wings take things to a whole new level, adding a rich depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with bold sauces.
One of the best flavor combinations? Hot honey garlic. This sauce strikes the perfect balance between heat, sweetness, and savory goodness. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, a game day party, or just craving some mouthwatering wings, Hot Honey Garlic Smoked Wings are guaranteed to be a hit.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything from selecting the best wings to smoking them to perfection and coating them in a sticky, flavorful sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.
I. Ingredients
The key to making the perfect smoked wings is using quality ingredients and balancing the flavors correctly. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (helps seasoning adhere and promotes crispiness)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (adds a subtle smoky depth)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
For the Hot Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ½ cup honey (the base of the sweetness)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (adds depth and pungency)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (creates a smooth, rich sauce)
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot, sriracha, or your favorite brand)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (adds tanginess and balances the sweetness)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley
- Sesame seeds
- Ranch or blue cheese dip on the side
II. Instructions
Smoking chicken wings takes time, but the results are well worth it. The process ensures that the meat absorbs the smoky flavor while staying juicy and tender.
Step 1: Prepare the Smoker
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
- Choose a mild wood like hickory, apple, or cherry wood for a well-balanced smoky flavor.
- If using a grill, set up indirect heat to mimic the smoking effect.
Step 2: Season the Wings
- Pat the wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture (this helps them crisp up).
- Toss the wings with olive oil to help the seasoning stick.
- In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the wings and toss until evenly coated.
Step 3: Smoke the Wings
- Arrange the wings in a single layer on the smoker grate.
- Smoke at 225°F for about 90 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- The wings should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 4: Crisp Up the Skin
- Increase the heat of the smoker to 375°F (190°C) for the last 15 minutes.
- This step ensures a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
- If using a grill, transfer the wings to direct heat for a few minutes.
Step 5: Prepare the Hot Honey Garlic Sauce
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 6: Toss the Wings in the Sauce
- Place the smoked wings in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the hot honey garlic sauce over them and toss until evenly coated.
- Let the wings sit for a minute to absorb the sauce.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with parsley or sesame seeds.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dip and extra sauce for dipping.
III. Tips & Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to experiment! Here are some ideas to customize your wings:
1. Adjust the Spice Level
- For extra heat, add more hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
- If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the hot sauce and add more butter.
2. Try Different Wood Chips
- Hickory: Strong and bold flavor.
- Applewood: Mild and slightly sweet.
- Cherry: Adds a touch of fruitiness.
3. Make It Extra Crispy
- After smoking, air-fry or broil the wings for a few minutes.
- Adding baking powder to the seasoning mix can also help with crispiness.
4. Use a Different Sauce
- Instead of hot honey garlic, try a Korean-inspired Gochujang glaze or a Buffalo-style sauce.
5. Marinate the Wings Overnight
- For even more flavor, marinate the wings in a mixture of hot sauce, garlic, and vinegar before smoking.
IV. Why You’ll Love These Wings
1. Unique Flavor
The combination of smoke, heat, and sweetness makes these wings stand out from traditional fried wings.
2. Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s game day, a BBQ, or a casual dinner, these wings will impress your guests.
3. Healthier Alternative to Fried Wings
Since they are smoked instead of deep-fried, they contain less oil and fewer calories.
4. Easy to Customize
You can adjust the spice level, experiment with wood flavors, and try different sauces to make these wings your own.
V. Conclusion
Hot Honey Garlic Smoked Wings are the perfect blend of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors. They’re easy to prepare, loaded with deliciousness, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With the right technique and ingredients, you can achieve perfectly smoked wings every time.
Next time you’re in the mood for wings, skip the fryer and fire up your smoker instead. Serve these alongside cold drinks and dipping sauces, and watch them disappear fast!
