Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the sun dips below the horizon and the scents of a backyard barbecue waft through the air, nothing excites guests quite like the anticipation of Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings. With their smoky essence and homemade buffalo sauce, these wings transform a casual gathering into a flavor-packed experience. Besides, what’s better than easy-to-make, irresistible appetizers that score big on both taste and texture? These wings promise a perfect blend of juicy meat and crispy skin, ensuring they’ll be devoured in no time. Whether you’re celebrating game day or simply relishing a weekend evening with friends, this recipe is your ticket to impressing hungry crowds. Ready to unlock the secret to grilling up these tasty treasures? Let’s dive in! Why Are These Wings So Irresistible? Crispy Texture: These Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings feature a deliciously crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with juicy meat inside. Homemade Sauce: The homemade buffalo sauce is a game-changer, delivering just the right amount of heat and tang that will leave your taste buds dancing. Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s game day or a casual get-together, these wings are guaranteed to be a hit with guests of all ages. Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, even beginner cooks can master this recipe. Just like the refreshing Smoked Salmon Cottage or hearty Smoked Gouda Broccoli, you’ll impress everyone without breaking a sweat. Versatile Flavors: Feel free to customize your wings by experimenting with different sauces or ingredients, just like you might with Crispy Chilli Beef. Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings Ingredients • Get ready for flavor-packed wings! For the Wings Chicken Wings – The star of the show, providing the perfect canvas for flavor. Salt – Essential for enhancing the natural flavors and seasoning the meat. Black Pepper – Adds a subtle kick and balances the seasoning. For the Buffalo Sauce Hot Sauce – The main ingredient for that classic buffalo flavor; select your preferred heat level! Butter – Enriches the sauce, giving it a silky texture that clings beautifully to the wings. Vinegar – Adds tanginess to balance the heat from the hot sauce. Garlic Powder – Provides depth; substitute with fresh garlic for a stronger flavor. Onion Powder – Contributes sweetness and harmonizes with the other spices. Optional Dipping Sauce Blue Cheese Dressing – A delightful cooling dip; it perfectly counters the warmth of the wings. These Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings not only promise a memorable taste experience but are sure to make you the star of your next gathering! Enjoy the journey of whipping up these delectable delights! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings Step 1: Prep the Wings Begin by drying brining your chicken wings. Pat them dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and black pepper. Place the wings on a rack over a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This crucial step will help to enhance the texture and increase crispiness, setting the stage for your Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings. Step 2: Make the Sauce While the wings are brining, prepare your homemade buffalo sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt ½ cup of butter over medium heat, then stir in your choice of hot sauce, vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s combined and slightly thickened. Set aside to cool, and you’ll have the ideal sauce ready for those Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings. Step 3: Preheat the Grill Get your smoker or grill ready by preheating it to 225°F (about 107°C). If using a charcoal grill, set up a two-zone fire for indirect cooking. Allow the grill to come to temperature for about 15-20 minutes, ensuring it’s adequately heated. This step is essential for maintaining that smoky flavor that makes your Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings irresistible. Step 4: Smoke the Wings Once the grill is preheated, add your wings to the smoker. Arrange them in a single layer, ensuring there’s space between each wing for proper airflow. Smoke the wings for roughly 45-60 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (73°C). The wings should have a beautiful, smoky color, one that will tantalize your guests’ taste buds. Step 5: Crisp the Skin To achieve that satisfying crunch, finish your wings over direct heat. Increase the grill’s temperature to about 400°F (204°C) and place the smoked wings directly over the flames. Grill for an additional 5-10 minutes, turning occasionally. Look for a golden-brown, crisp exterior, signaling that your Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings are ready for saucing. Step 6: Sauce the Wings Once the wings are perfectly crispy, remove them from the grill and place them in a large bowl. While they’re still hot, pour your homemade buffalo sauce over the wings. Toss them gently but thoroughly to coat each wing evenly in the luscious sauce, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Your Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings are taking shape! Step 7: Serve Present your wings hot, straight from the kitchen! For a delightful experience, serve them with optional sides like crispy celery and carrot sticks, and a generous bowl of blue cheese dressing for dipping. Gather your friends and family around, as these flavorful, saucy wings are sure to impress and disappear quickly! Make Ahead Options Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can dry brine the chicken wings up to 24 hours in advance, enhancing their crispiness while ensuring they are flavorful and ready to go. Additionally, the homemade buffalo sauce can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; just keep it in an airtight container to maintain its quality. When you’re ready to cook, simply bring the wings to room temperature, smoke them as instructed, and finish with a quick grill for crispy skin. These prep-ahead steps will leave you with delicious wings that taste just as fresh as if they were made on the spot! What to Serve with Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings As you set the stage for your culinary masterpiece, consider these delightful pairings that elevate your meal to unforgettable heights. Creamy Coleslaw: A cool, crunchy side that wonderfully offsets the spicy heat of the wings, creating a refreshing balance on every plate. Garlic Breadsticks: Warm and buttery, these soft sticks offer a comforting texture that complements the wings while soaking up any extra sauce delightfully. Crispy Vegetable Sticks: A colorful assortment of carrots, celery, and bell peppers adds crunch and freshness, making for a perfect dipping companion for blue cheese dressing. Loaded Nachos: Layered with melted cheese, jalapeños, and guacamole, these nachos create a fun and festive sharing experience, perfect for any gathering. Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness paired with crispy edges brings an irresistible contrast to the spicy flavors of the buffalo wings. Beer or Cider: A cold, refreshing lager or a crisp apple cider can cut through the heat and enhance the overall flavor of your meal, making every bite of your Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings even more enjoyable. Whichever combination you choose, your culinary celebration is bound to impress and satisfy the appetites of your guests! Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings Variations Feel free to explore these delicious twists that will elevate your wing experience! Honey Buffalo: Stir in a tablespoon of honey into the buffalo sauce for a sweet and spicy flavor blend. The hint of sweetness beautifully counters the heat! Chipotle Heat: Swap classic hot sauce with chipotle sauce for a smoky twist. It adds a depth of flavor that’s sure to impress adventurous eaters. Asian-Inspired: Brush the wings with a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and sriracha before smoking. It introduces a delightful umami flavor that contrasts perfectly with the smokiness. Lemon Pepper: Add lemon zest and cracked black pepper to your dry rub for a zesty finish. This variation brings a fresh brightness that dances on the palate. BBQ Glaze: After the wings are smoked, glaze them with your favorite barbecue sauce before the final crisp. It creates a delightful balance of sticky and smoky flavors. Garlic Parmesan: Toss the wings in melted garlic butter and grated parmesan for an Italian-inspired treat. This version is rich and savory, making them irresistible! Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme in your brine for an aromatic twist before smoking. It adds an earthy note that’s fantastic alongside the wings’ natural smokiness. Buffalo Cauliflower Wings: For a vegetarian option, use cauliflower florets coated in the same seasoned buffalo sauce and follow similar smoking instructions. They make for a hearty but lighter alternative! These variations can make your gathering even more exciting, just like serving a side of refreshing Bang Bang Bowls or a creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli. Dive in and let your creativity shine! How to Store and Freeze Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings Fridge: Store any leftover Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain their tasty flavor and texture. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be kept for up to 3 months without sacrificing too much quality. Reheating: To reheat, place frozen wings on a baking sheet and cook in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through and crispy. Buffalo Sauce Storage: If you have extra buffalo sauce, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7-10 days for easy access to flavoring your next batch of wings! Expert Tips for Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings Dry Brining Essential: Make sure to dry brine the chicken wings overnight. This helps draw out moisture, ensuring that your wings turn out crispy and delicious. Monitor Temperature: Use a reliable meat thermometer to check that the wings reach at least 165°F for proper cooking and safety while ensuring juiciness in your Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings. Perfectly Smoke the Wings: Keep the smoker at a consistent temperature of 225°F to develop that irresistible smoky flavor. Fluctuating temperatures can result in unevenly cooked wings. Crisp Right: When finishing the wings over direct heat, stay nearby and check frequently. They can go from perfectly crispy to burnt in a matter of minutes! Customize Your Sauce: Don’t hesitate to modify your buffalo sauce! Mixing in honey or your favorite spices can create a unique twist to your Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings, appealing to various palates. Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings Recipe FAQs What type of chicken wings should I use? Absolutely! For the best Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings, I recommend using split chicken wings – they include both the drumette and the wingette. They provide excellent flavor and texture. Look for ones that are plump and without dark spots, which may indicate they are past their prime. How can I store leftover wings? Very simply! Store any leftover Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain their crispy texture, it’s best to avoid stacking the wings too tightly. Can I freeze these wings? Yes, you can! To freeze your Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings, first lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until solid (about 2 hours). Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe zip-top bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for about 20-25 minutes. What if my wings aren’t crispy enough? If you find your wings are not as crispy as you’d like, don’t worry! For extra crunch, try finishing them over direct heat on the grill at a higher temperature (around 400°F or 204°C) for about 5-10 minutes, turning frequently. This should help achieve the desired crispy exterior. Is buffalo sauce safe for pets? Absolutely not! Buffalo sauce typically contains ingredients that can be harmful to pets, such as spices and vinegar. Ensure to keep the sauce and any leftover wings far out of reach from your furry friends. If your pet accidentally consumes a small amount, it’s good to watch for any adverse reactions and consult your vet if you have concerns. How can I modify the recipe for dietary restrictions? If you’re adapting the Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings for dietary considerations, you can definitely substitute elements! For a gluten-free option, ensure your hot sauce and any additional ingredients are certified gluten-free. You can also use skinless wings for a leaner version or experiment with alternative sauces, such as a mild BBQ sauce or a dairy-free ranch, for those who may need to avoid certain spices or dairy. Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings That Will Wow Your Taste Buds Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings are easy-to-make appetizers that will impress your guests with their smoky flavor and homemade buffalo sauce. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 4 hours hrsCook Time 1 hour hrCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 5 hours hrs 5 minutes mins Servings: 4 wingsCourse: ChickenCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Wings2 pounds Chicken Wings1 tablespoon Salt1 teaspoon Black PepperFor the Buffalo Sauce½ cup Hot Sauce½ cup Butter2 tablespoons Vinegar1 teaspoon Garlic Powder1 teaspoon Onion PowderOptional Dipping Sauce1 cup Blue Cheese Dressing to serve Equipment Grill or SmokerBaking sheetmedium saucepanMeat ThermometerMixing bowl Method Prep the WingsPat the chicken wings dry with paper towels, season with salt and black pepper, place on a rack over a baking sheet, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.This step enhances texture and increases crispiness.Make the SauceMelt ½ cup of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir in hot sauce, vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder.Simmer for about 5 minutes until combined and slightly thickened, then set aside to cool.Preheat the GrillPreheat grill or smoker to 225°F (107°C) for at least 15-20 minutes for proper temperature.Smoke the WingsAdd wings to the smoker in a single layer and smoke for 45-60 minutes until reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (73°C).Crisp the SkinIncrease grill temperature to 400°F (204°C) and grill wings over flames for 5-10 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and crispy.Sauce the WingsPlace wings in a large bowl, pour buffalo sauce over hot wings, and toss to coat evenly.ServeServe hot with optional sides like celery sticks and blue cheese dressing. Nutrition Serving: 1wingCalories: 250kcalProtein: 20gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg NotesStore leftover wings in an airtight container for up to 3 days; freeze for longer storage. Reheat in oven for best results. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
