Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings

These aren’t your average buffalo wings! We are talking about smoky, mouthwatering Crispy Smoked Buffalo Wings that are smothered in a homemade buffalo sauce with just the right amount of heat. These wings are what every backyard barbecue or game day needs!

Let’s be honest – buffalo wings are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. And while I definitely enjoy ordering wings at a restaurant from time to time, I know that those wings just don’t have the same depth of flavor as my homemade smoked buffalo wings! They deliver a smoky flavor that you can’t get from frying. The grilling process gives the wings a perfect char, adding an extra layer of depth to every bite. 

Plus, that homemade buffalo sauce clings to the crispy skin in the most irresistible way, balancing heat with a hint of tanginess. What really sets this buffalo chicken wings recipe apart is the combination of texture and flavor—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, with a bold, spicy kick that keeps you reaching for more. They’re not just wings; they’re an experience.

Don’t forget to have a batch of homemade blue cheese dressing, quick pickled celery, or even a bowl of tangy blue cheese coleslaw ready to serve!

Ingredients for Smoked Buffalo Wings

Chicken Seasoning

• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder

Combining these flavors creates a great base layer on the chicken without overshadowing the star, which is the homemade buffalo sauce (ingredients pictured above).

If you want to nerd out on the details, read for the full breakdown of this Creamy buffalo sauce recipe. Don’t worry! A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

How to Smoke Buffalo Wings

Prep the Wings

1. Prepare the wings. Pat the wings dry with a paper towel and place them in a large bowl. Mix the seasoning ingredients together in a small bowl, and sprinkle over the wings, stirring to evenly distribute the seasoning.

2. (optional) Dry brine the chicken in the fridge. Lay out the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet with a wire rack. Place the tray in the fridge for at least 2 hours, up to overnight. Remove them from the fridge just before heating up the grill.

Make the Sauce

1. Make the buffalo sauce. Add all ingredients except for the butter into a saucepot. Warm on the stove at medium-low heat and whisk to incorporate the ingredients, bringing it to a low simmer.
   
   Turn the burner to the lowest setting, and add a few cubes of butter to the sauce. Whisk to melt the butter, and slowly add more and more cubes until everything has been mixed in. Shut off the burner and whisk for another minute. Taste and season to adjust.
   
   Store the sauce in the fridge once it cools if not using right away. Warm it up on low in a saucepan before use if it thickens too much. The sauce will stay fresh for about 7-10 days.

Smoke the Wings

1. Heat up the grill. Preheat the grill for indirect cooking, aiming for about 350-375°F with the lid closed. Place the coals on one side, leaving you a cool side to place the wings on. If using a round grill such as a kettle grill, place the coals in a pile in the center, leaving the outside ring as the cool spot.
2. Place the wings away from the heat on the grill to cook them indirectly. Close the lid and allow them to cook for about 30 minutes undisturbed. Check on the wings and rotate them as needed, making sure they cook evenly. Continue to cook this way for another 15-20 minutes or so until the wings reach 165°F.

Sear the Wings for a Crisp

3. Move the wings over the coals directly to crisp them. Cook and flip the wings until they are about 180-185°F and crispy on the outside. Remove them and add to a bowl.
   
   You could smoke the wings all the way to the finish line, but crisping them up over the coals makes a HUGE difference!

4. Sauce and serve. Pour just enough of the sauce to coat the wings generously, and give them a toss in the bowl. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Top Tips

• Dry the wings! To prevent soggy skin, definitely be sure to pat those wings dry! This will help to create crispy wings. 
• Season well! Don’t skimp on the seasoning. The mix of salt, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder will take these wings from good to unforgettable!
• Dry brine if you have the time. This will give the wings lots of time to allow the season to seep into the wings and allow them to dry, which will make them that much more crispy!
• For an additional level of flavor, you can opt to smoke the wings before crisping them up on the grill!
• Add cold butter to the warm sauce. The buttery buffalo sauce is mounted with cold butter for emulsification, a technique known as a beurre monte, which translates to “mounted butter”. Once the sauce is warm, not boiling, go ahead and add the butter. This ensures the butter emulsifies properly, creating a smooth, glossy sauce that clings to the wings!
  
  Typically, most homemade buffalo sauces will separate the butter emulsification, causing oily spots that prevent the sauce from glazing the wings. Read here to learn more details about the creamy buffalo sauce recipe.

Serving Suggestions

You can opt to keep it classic and serve your smoke buffalo chicken wings with some cold carrot sticks, quick pickled celery, and a side of blue cheese dressing! A cool, creamy dip is perfect to counter the heat of the wings. 

For an appetizer feast, pair these wings with some other heavy hitters like smoked loaded potato skins, smoked jalapeño poppers, and sausage popper boats!

To create a hearty meal out of these smoked chicken wings, serve them with your favorite comforting side dishes like smoked mac & cheese, grilled sweet potato wedges, and a refreshing creamy coleslaw to brighten things up!

Frequently Asked Questions

More Grill Recipes to Try

• Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
• Cajun Grilled Chicken Wings
• Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs
• Korean BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
• Spicy Grilled Adobo Shrimp

Thank You For Trying Our Recipe!

We’re here to bring people together with bold flavors, using spice and flames to ignite the food and friendships.

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