Smoked Chicken Wings from Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ feature tender, smoky-infused chicken wings glazed with a tangy barbecue sauce, delivering a flavorful mix of smoky aroma and succulent, juicy meat with a crispy exterior.
Equipments
- Smoker
- Smoker wood chips or pellets
- Charcoal grill (optional)
- Grill tongs
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack
- Basting brush
- Meat thermometer
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 3 lbs (1.4 kg) chicken wings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- Wood chips or pellets (hickory or applewood recommended)
Using hickory or applewood chips is recommended for achieving the authentic smoky flavor in Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ smoked chicken wings. Make sure to evenly coat your 3 lbs of chicken wings with olive oil and a balanced mix of kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to enhance the taste. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure the wings are cooked to the perfect juicy and tender consistency. Your choice of a high-quality barbecue sauce will add the tangy glaze that complements the smoky aroma and crispy exterior. Smoked Chicken Wings from Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ copycat menu promises a delicious blend of smoky, tangy, and savory flavors that you can recreate at home.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat smoker to 225°F (107°C), adding hickory or applewood chips/pellets.
- Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels.
- Toss wings with olive oil in a mixing bowl.
- Combine salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper; mix well.
- Coat wings evenly with the spice blend.
- Place wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
- Insert rack with wings into the preheated smoker.
- Smoke wings for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Brush wings with barbecue sauce using a basting brush.
- Increase smoker temperature or transfer wings onto a hot charcoal grill to crisp the exterior (optional).
- Cook an additional 10-15 minutes, turning and basting as needed.
- Remove wings, loosely tent with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve warm.
Substitution
Smoked Chicken Wings from Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ copycat recipe requires patience to achieve the perfect balance of smoky flavor and juicy tenderness. You can substitute hickory or applewood chips with mesquite or cherry wood for a different smoky profile while still maintaining rich aroma. If you don't have a smoker, using a charcoal grill with indirect heat and soaked wood chips can replicate similar results effectively. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your wings reach an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) for optimal safety and juiciness. When applying barbecue sauce, brush it on during the last few minutes of cooking to avoid burning the sugars in the sauce.
Tips
Patting the chicken wings dry before seasoning is crucial to ensure the spice blend adheres well and the skin crisps during smoking. Using a meat thermometer guarantees the wings are cooked safely to an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) without drying out the meat. Smoking at a low temperature of 225degF (107degC) with hickory or applewood chips imparts authentic smoky flavor while keeping the wings tender and juicy. After smoking, you can crisp the wings on a hot grill or by increasing the smoker temperature, helping to achieve a desirable crispy exterior before serving.
Nutritions
Smoked Chicken Wings from Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ offer a good source of protein essential for muscle repair and growth, with moderate fat content mostly from the chicken skin and olive oil used in preparation. The spices, including smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits while adding depth to the flavor profile. Barbecue sauce contributes some sugars and calories but also enhances the taste without significant nutritional compromise when used in moderation. To optimize your meal's health benefits, consider pairing the wings with fresh vegetables or a whole-grain side to add fiber and essential vitamins.
Storage
Store your smoked chicken wings in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with aluminum foil to maintain their smoky flavor and moisture. Refrigerate the wings promptly and consume them within 3 to 4 days for optimal taste and safety. For longer storage, freeze the wings in a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can last up to 2 months while preserving juiciness and texture.
Variation or Alternatives
For a different smoky flavor, try using mesquite or cherry wood chips instead of hickory or applewood. You can substitute the barbecue sauce with a honey mustard glaze for a sweeter profile or a spicy buffalo sauce for added heat. If you prefer a quicker cooking method, roast the wings in a 400degF (204degC) oven for 35-40 minutes before finishing them on the grill for crispiness. Marinating wings overnight in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs enhances tenderness and adds a fresh zest to Your smoked chicken wings.
Allergies
Smoked Chicken Wings from Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ contain common allergens such as garlic and onion powder, which may trigger sensitivities in some individuals. The tangy barbecue sauce might include soy, gluten, or preservatives depending on its brand formulation, so it's important to check ingredient labels for your specific allergies. If you have allergies to spices or smoked foods, you should exercise caution when consuming these wings.
Why this recipe?
Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ smoked chicken wings are renowned for their perfectly balanced smoky flavor combined with a tender, juicy texture that keeps customers coming back. The wings are slow-smoked over hickory wood, infusing each bite with an authentic barbecue taste that is difficult to replicate elsewhere. The unique blend of spices and the meticulous smoking process create a rich taste profile, making it an ideal candidate for a copycat recipe. Trying to recreate Lucille's smoked chicken wings allows you to enjoy a restaurant-quality BBQ experience in the comfort of your own home.