BBQ Chicken Wings with Sweet Heat Glaze
Main Dish

BBQ Chicken Wings with Sweet Heat Glaze

Juicy, flavorful chicken wings coated in a sticky sweet-heat glaze that is perfect for cookouts, weeknight dinners, and barbecue spreads.

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Smoked Catering and Events

These BBQ chicken wings are seasoned simply, cooked until tender and juicy, then finished with a glossy sweet-and-spicy glaze that delivers the perfect balance of smoky, savory, sweet, and heat. They are great for backyard barbecues, family dinners, and casual catering menus.

Prep20 min
Cook45 min
Total65 min
Servings6
Yield3lbs chicken thighs
DifficultyEasy
CategoryMain Dish
CuisineAmerican BBQ

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 3 lbs Separated chicken wings
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder

For the Sweet Heat Glaze

  • 3/4 cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

Equipment

Paper towels, small bowl, small saucepan, basting brush, smoker or grill, instant-read thermometer

Chef Notes

Chicken wings hold up especially well on the smoker and stay juicy even with a longer cook. For a deeper color and slightly tackier finish, brush with an extra layer of glaze just before removing from the heat.

Instructions

Season the Chicken

1

Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels.

2

Rub the chicken with olive oil, then season evenly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Cook the Chicken

3

Preheat the smoker or grill to 275 degrees Fahrenheit.

4

Place the chicken on the grate and cook for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature begins to approach doneness.

Make the Glaze

5

In a small saucepan or bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, honey, hot sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes.

6

Warm the glaze slightly if needed so it brushes easily.

Finish and Glaze

7

Baste the chicken wings with the glaze during the final 10 minutes of cooking.

8

Continue cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 175 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit for tender, juicy dark meat.

9

Remove from the smoker or grill and rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit or covered on the grill until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with smoked baked beans, creamy mac and cheese, potato salad, slaw, grilled corn, or dinner rolls. These also work well for plated dinners or casual buffet service.

Pairs Well With

Smoked Baked Beans with Bacon

Smoked Baked Beans with Bacon

Side Dish 140 min

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