Smoked Honey Garlic Chicken Wings

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Smoked Honey Garlic Chicken Wings are a mouthwatering treat that combines smoky flavors with a sweet and spicy glaze. Perfect for any barbecue or game day, these wings are sure to impress with their tender meat and deliciously sticky sauce. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for an irresistible appetizer or main course.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Wings:

  • 3 lbs chicken wings (about 24 wings)

For the Seasoning Salt:

  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp celery salt
  • 1/2 tsp white pepper
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

For the Basting Sauce:

  • 6 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 cup Tabasco (or favorite hot sauce)
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced

For Garnish:

  • 3 tbsp chives, chopped
  • Ranch or Bleu Cheese dressing for dipping

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Wings:
    • Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). If you don’t have a smoker, you can use a grill set up for indirect cooking.
    • Dry the chicken wings thoroughly with paper towels.
  2. Season the Wings:
    • In a small bowl, combine the salt, celery salt, white pepper, and smoked paprika thoroughly.
    • Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the chicken wings, ensuring they are well coated.
  3. Smoke the Wings:
    • Place the seasoned chicken wings on the smoker rack.
    • Smoke the wings for about 2 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy.
  4. Prepare the Basting Sauce:
    • Over medium heat, melt the butter in a small saucepan.
    • Add the hot sauce, honey, and minced garlic. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, then take off the heat.
  5. Baste the Wings:
    • Once the wings are done smoking, transfer them to a large bowl.
    • Generously apply the basting sauce to the wings, ensuring they are fully covered.
  6. Finish the Wings:
    • Increase the smoker or grill temperature to 400°F (204°C).
    • Place the coated wings back on the smoker or grill and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized and the wings are sticky.
  7. Garnish and Serve:
    • Remove the wings from the smoker or grill and let them cool slightly.
    • Garnish with chopped chives and serve with ranch or bleu cheese dressing for dipping.

Conclusion

Smoked Honey Garlic Chicken Wings are a fantastic combination of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors. These wings are perfect for any gathering and are sure to be a hit with family and friends. The rich basting sauce and the final caramelization step create a deliciously sticky and flavorful coating that makes these wings truly irresistible. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra layer of flavor!