weet and spicy smoked chicken wings made with Elite BBQ Smokers rubs and sauces

Sweet vs. Spicy Smoked Chicken Wings

Can’t decide between sweet BBQ wings and spicy wings? Make both. These Sweet vs. Spicy Smoked Chicken Wings use competition BBQ techniques to build layers of flavor, create tender chicken with bite-through skin, and finish with two completely different flavor profiles.

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Sweet vs. Spicy Smoked Chicken Wings

Jason Hardee – Elite BBQ Smokers
Servings

10

Prep Time

30 minutes

Cook Time

1 hours 30 minutes

Category

Appetizer / Tailgating

Can't decide between sweet BBQ wings and spicy wings? Make both. These Sweet vs. Spicy Smoked Chicken Wings use competition BBQ techniques to build layers of flavor, create tender chicken with bite-through skin, and finish with two completely different flavor profiles.
weet and spicy smoked chicken wings made with Elite BBQ Smokers rubs and sauces

Ingredients

  • 40 chicken wing flats and drumettes

Sweet Wings – approximately 20 wings

  • Elite BBQ Smokers Chicken Rub
  • Elite BBQ Smokers Sweet Rib Rub
  • Elite BBQ Smokers Sweet BBQ Sauce
  • Elite BBQ Smokers Pitmaster's Championship BBQ Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Spicy Wings – approximately 20 wings

  • Elite BBQ Smokers Beef Rub
  • Elite BBQ Smokers Smoky Heat Rub
  • Elite BBQ Smokers Smoky BBQ Sauce
  • Elite BBQ Smokers Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Directions

    Preheat the smoker.

    1. Preheat your smoker to 325°F. Divide the chicken wings evenly into two batches for the Sweet and Spicy recipes.

    Season the Sweet Wings.

    1. Season the first batch with a layer of Elite BBQ Smokers Chicken Rub, followed by Sweet Rib Rub. Make sure the wings are evenly seasoned on all sides.

    Season the Spicy Wings.

    1. Season the second batch with Elite BBQ Smokers Smoky Heat Rub and Beef Rub, building layers of seasoning rather than relying on one rub to do everything.

    Smoke the wings.

    1. Place the wings on the smoker at 325°F and cook until the skin develops the color you're looking for. Don't wrap because the clock says it's time. Let the meat tell you what to do. Wrap when you have the color you want.

    Pan and cover.

    1. Transfer each batch to its own aluminum pan. Add approximately 1 tablespoon of butter per 20 wings and cover tightly with aluminum foil.

    Finish until tender.

    1. Reduce the smoker to 300°F and continue cooking the covered wings until they're tender and the skin has the bite you're looking for.

    Drain and sauce.

    1. Remove the foil and carefully drain the accumulated juices.
    2. For the Sweet Wings, layer Pitmaster's Championship BBQ Sauce and Sweet BBQ Sauce.
    3. For the Spicy Wings, layer Smoky BBQ Sauce and Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce.

    Set the sauce.

    1. Return the wings to the smoker uncovered for approximately 5–10 minutes, just long enough to set the sauce.

    Rest and serve.

    1. Remove the wings from the smoker and let them rest for approximately 5 minutes before serving.