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Grilled and Smoked BBQ Chicken Wings with Homemade Sauce

A close-up of several sticky, caramelized BBQ Chicken Wings piled on a white plate, glistening under natural light.
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Follow these steps to make flavorful BBQ chicken wings using both grilling and smoking methods, finished with a sweet and smoky homemade sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder (for crisping)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 cup water

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken wings completely dry using paper towels. In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This dry rub helps achieve crispy skin.
  2. Prepare your smoker or grill for indirect heat, aiming for a temperature around 250°F (120°C). If using a grill only, set up two heat zones.
  3. Place the seasoned wings directly on the grill grates over indirect heat or in the smoker. Smoke or cook for 1.5 hours, flipping the wings halfway through.
  4. While the wings cook, prepare the sauce. Combine brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and water in a saucepan.
  5. Bring the sauce mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
  6. After 1.5 hours of smoking/cooking, increase the heat on your grill or smoker to medium-high (about 400°F or 200°C).
  7. Brush the wings generously with the homemade BBQ sauce.
  8. Grill the sauced wings for another 10 to 15 minutes, turning frequently, until the sauce caramelizes and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Watch carefully to prevent burning the sugar in the sauce.
  9. Remove the wings from the heat and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For extra crispy wings without smoking, bake them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 45 minutes, then toss in sauce and broil for 2-3 minutes per side.
  • If you prefer air fryer wings, cook them at 380°F (195°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, then toss in sauce and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
  • You can substitute your favorite bottled BBQ sauce if you skip making the homemade version.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookifyme.com/best-bbq-chicken-wings-recipe-homemade-sauce/