Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe smoky aroma wafting through my backyard takes me back to those sun-soaked weekends filled with laughter and delicious food. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings that elevate any gathering, especially game days or backyard barbecues. These wings shine not just for their irresistible crispy skin, but also for the rich, homemade buffalo sauce that strikes the perfect balance of heat and tanginess. In addition to being a crowd-pleaser and making the kitchen smell heavenly, they’re relatively quick to prep, ensuring you can spend more time savoring the moment with friends and family. Join me as we dive into making these smoky gems that are bound to impress your taste buds. Ready to fire up the grill and make a batch? Why Are These Wings a Must-Try? Unforgettable Flavor: The blend of smoky and spicy makes these wings truly stand out, offering a rich taste that will leave your guests craving more. Crispy Perfection: Achieving that coveted crispy skin is simple with the right techniques, ensuring each bite is a satisfying crunch. Quick Prep Time: You can whip these up in no time, allowing you to focus on enjoying the game or your gathering. Versatile Serving Options: Pair them with homemade blue cheese dressing or go bold with quick pickled celery for a refreshing crunch. Crowd-Pleasing Dish: No matter the occasion, these wings are sure to impress, making them a perfect addition to your game day spread. Plus, if you’re a fan of great smoky flavors, be sure to explore my recipe for Smoked Gouda Broccoli as an irresistible side! Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings Ingredients • Everything you need to create these flavorful wings! For the Wings Chicken Wings – The essential base for this dish; feel free to swap in drumsticks if you prefer a different cut. Salt – Enhances the wings’ natural flavors; kosher salt is recommended for optimal taste. Pepper – Adds a hint of spice; adjust between black and cayenne according to your heat preference. Garlic Powder – Infuses a savory flavor; fresh minced garlic can provide a sharper kick. For the Buffalo Sauce Buffalo Sauce – The life of the party! A homemade version packs more depth, but store-bought works in a pinch. Butter – Makes the sauce rich and creamy; olive oil can be used for a lighter option. Paprika – Infuses a delightful smoky flavor; smoked paprika takes that up a notch for a deeper profile. These ingredients come together beautifully, creating Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings that are sure to be a hit at your next gathering! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings Step 1: Prepare Chicken Start by patting your chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness. Season them generously with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, coating evenly. Place the seasoned wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet and let them dry brine in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results—this technique draws out moisture and enhances that crispy skin you crave. Step 2: Make Buffalo Sauce While the wings brine, whip up the homemade buffalo sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt ½ cup of butter, then stir in 1 cup of hot sauce, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Mix well and allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes, adjusting the spice level to your preference. This sauce adds incredible flavor to your Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings. Step 3: Preheat Grill Prepare your grill by heating it to a high temperature of around 400°F (200°C). If using a charcoal grill, arrange coals to one side for indirect heat. For a gas grill, light only half the burners. Add wood chips to a smoker box or in a foil pouch with holes poked in it to produce that smoky aroma that complements the wings beautifully. Preheating is key to achieving that perfect smoky flavor. Step 4: Cook Wings Once your grill is hot and smoky, carefully place the wings on the cool side of the grill using tongs, leaving space between each piece. Close the lid and smoke the wings for about 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Keep an eye on them; the skin should look crispy and golden, indicating they’re soaking up all that delicious smoke. Step 5: Finish & Sauce After smoking, remove the wings and brush them generously with the homemade buffalo sauce. For a crispy finish, sear the sauced wings directly over the heat for an additional 2-3 minutes on each side, flipping them once. This step caramelizes the sauce, locking in flavor and giving the wings a delightful, crispy exterior that pairs perfectly with their juicy interior. Step 6: Serve Once your wings are perfectly cooked and sauced, transfer them to a large serving platter. Feel free to toss them in additional buffalo sauce if you like them extra saucy! Pair your Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings with sides like homemade blue cheese dressing, crispy celery sticks, or your favorite coleslaw for the ultimate game day feast. Expert Tips for Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings Dry Brine Importance: A good dry brine, ideally overnight, is essential for achieving that coveted crispy skin. Don’t skip this step! Grill Preheat: Ensure your grill is preheated thoroughly; this step is crucial for the wings to achieve maximum crispiness. Smoke Flavor Enhancement: To deepen the smoky flavor profile, consider using a combination of wood chips, like hickory or applewood, during cooking. Monitor Temperatures: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; wings should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for perfect results. Serve Fresh: For the ultimate experience, enjoy your Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings immediately after cooking—they’re best when fresh out of the grill! Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness. Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings Variations Feel free to get creative with your wings—these delicious variations will take your game day experience to the next level! Drumsticks: Substitute chicken wings for drumsticks for a different texture and flavor experience; they become equally crispy and juicy. Spicy Kick: Add 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper to your buffalo sauce if you like it hot. This will ramp up the heat and awaken your taste buds. Herb-Infused: Toss the wings with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme before cooking for an aromatic twist that adds depth to every bite. BBQ Sauce Alternative: Swap the buffalo sauce for your favorite barbecue sauce for a delightful sweet and tangy flavor profile. It’s a great way to switch things up! Crispy Oven-Baked: For a healthier option, bake the wings in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 40 minutes until crispy. You’ll still get that wonderful crunch without the grill. Smoky Chipotle: For a smokier flavor, mix in some chipotle chili powder into your buffalo sauce. This adds a barbecue-like smokiness and extra depth. Vegetarian Version: Try making smoky cauliflower wings by coating florets in the same buffalo sauce and roasting them in the oven. They’re a perfect plant-based alternative. With these variations, your Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings recipe can become an ever-evolving classic. If you’re looking for more smoky goodness, don’t miss my recipe for Smoked Gouda Broccoli that pairs beautifully with these wings! What to Serve with Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings Enhance your gathering with delightful sides that perfectly complement the smoky goodness of these crispy wings. Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing: Creamy and tangy, this dressing adds a cool contrast to the spicy wings, making each bite satisfying. Quick Pickled Celery: Crunchy and refreshing, these pickled stalks provide a crisp texture that cleanses the palate between bites of wings. Tangy Blue Cheese Coleslaw: A delightful pairing, the creamy slaw adds a hearty texture and zingy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the wings. Smoked Mac & Cheese: Rich, cheesy, and smoky, this indulgent side creates a comforting experience that pairs perfectly with the bold flavor of wings. Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges: Sweet and savory, these wedges offer a delicious contrast and a crispy finish that complements the wings well. Indulge in these mouth-watering pairings for a game day feast that will keep everyone coming back for more! How to Store and Freeze Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings Fridge: Store your leftover crispy smoked buffalo wings in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and flavorful. Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze cooked wings in a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. Be sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. Reheating: Reheat wings in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes to restore their crispy texture. You can also microwave them, but this may make them less crispy. Buffalo Sauce Storage: If you have extra buffalo sauce, store it in a separate airtight container in the fridge for up to 7-10 days for later use with your crispy smoked buffalo wings. Make Ahead Options Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy deliciousness without the last-minute rush! You can dry brine the wings and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours to ensure maximum crispiness. Additionally, prepare the buffalo sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, making the flavors even more robust. When you’re ready to cook, simply smoke the wings, then brush them with the sauce and sear for that crispy finish. This way, you’ll have all the smoky, spicy goodness with minimal effort when it’s time to serve! Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right chicken wings? Absolutely! When selecting chicken wings, look for ones that are plump and have a nice layer of fat, which helps achieve that desired crispy texture. Avoid wings with dark spots or excessive freezer burn. Fresh wings should have a pink hue and smell clean. You can also opt for organic or free-range chickens for better flavor. What’s the best way to store leftover wings? Very! To keep your leftover crispy smoked buffalo wings fresh, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to keep them longer, it’s best to freeze them. You can place them in a sealed freezer bag, ensuring to squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Can I freeze cooked wings and how? Absolutely! To freeze your crispy smoked buffalo wings, first, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about 1 hour. After they are frozen, transfer them to a sealed freezer bag and label it with the date. They will maintain quality for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in the oven to restore their crispiness. What if my wings aren’t crispy enough? Don’t worry! If your wings come out less crispy than expected, ensure that your grill was preheated properly and that you’re smoking the wings at a high enough temperature (around 400°F/200°C). You can also finish them by searing directly over the heat for a couple of minutes on each side. If you’re brining them, a longer dry brine—about 12 hours overnight—will help remove moisture and enhance crispiness. Are crispy smoked buffalo wings safe for pets? While your furry friends may be interested, it’s important to know that wings with bones are not advisable for dogs and cats, as they can cause choking or internal injuries. If you want to share the flavor, consider giving them just the unseasoned meat without bones and avoiding any spicy buffalo sauce. Can I make these wings gluten-free? Absolutely! Most ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels, especially for your hot sauce and any spices. Many hot sauces are gluten-free, but brands vary, so it’s good to double-check. Enjoying these crispy smoked buffalo wings can definitely be part of a gluten-free diet! Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings for Unforgettable Game Day Flavor Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings are the perfect crowd-pleaser, with irresistible crispy skin and a rich buffalo sauce that enhances your game day gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 1 hour hrCook Time 45 minutes minsBrining Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins Servings: 4 wingsCourse: ChickenCuisine: AmericanCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Wings2 pounds Chicken Wings Drumsticks can be used as an alternative.2 teaspoons Salt Kosher salt recommended.1 teaspoon Pepper Adjust between black and cayenne.1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic can be substituted.For the Buffalo Sauce1 cup Buffalo Sauce Homemade or store-bought.½ cup Butter Olive oil can be used for a lighter option.1 teaspoon Paprika Smoked paprika enhances flavor. Equipment GrillWire RackBaking sheetSaucepanMeat Thermometer Method Preparation StepsStart by patting your chicken wings dry and season them with kosher salt and pepper. Let them dry brine in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight.While the wings brine, melt butter in a saucepan and stir in hot sauce, garlic powder, and paprika. Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes.Preheat your grill to a high temperature of around 400°F (200°C) for indirect cooking.Place the wings on the cool side of the grill and smoke them for about 45 minutes, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).After smoking, brush the wings with buffalo sauce and sear them over direct heat for 2-3 minutes on each side.Serve the wings on a platter with additional buffalo sauce for tossing if desired. Nutrition Serving: 4wingsCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg NotesEnjoy your Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings fresh off the grill for the best flavor, and serve with sides like blue cheese dressing or celery sticks. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
