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Flavorful Smoked Chicken Wings Recipe with Easy Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce

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Smoked chicken wings bathed in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy Carolina Gold BBQ sauce. This low-and-slow smoked recipe delivers tender, juicy wings with a smoky aroma and sticky glaze perfect for gatherings or game day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds fresh chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • ½ cup yellow mustard (e.g., Gulden’s)
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Hickory or apple wood chips for smoking

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels and separate into flats and drumettes if not already done (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a large bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Toss the wings in the dry rub until evenly coated. Let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
  3. Preheat the smoker to 225°F (107°C). Add hickory or apple wood chips to the smoker box or directly to the coals. Wait for steady smoke before placing wings inside (20-30 minutes).
  4. Arrange wings in a single layer on smoker grates with space between pieces. Smoke for 1.5 to 2 hours, turning occasionally. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. While wings smoke, whisk together yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and pepper to make the Carolina Gold BBQ sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Brush wings generously with the BBQ sauce and return to smoker or grill for an additional 10 minutes to let the sauce set and caramelize.
  7. Remove wings from smoker and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with extra Carolina Gold BBQ sauce on the side.

Notes

If wings dry out during smoking, spritz lightly with apple juice or water every 30 minutes to maintain moisture. Use a reliable digital thermometer for best results. Brush sauce near the end to avoid burning sugars. Soak wood chips for 30 minutes before use for better smoke.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked chicken wings, Carolina Gold BBQ sauce, smoked wings recipe, BBQ chicken wings, game day wings, Southern BBQ, smoked poultry

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