Popular BBQ

Smoky Red Chicken Wings: Flavor-Packed Adventure Starts Now

James Nicholas

Smoky red chicken wings ready to impress

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into a smoky, flavor-packed ride with these downright addictive Smoky Red Chicken Wings. This here’s for the BBQ die-hards and weekend warriors alike—gritty, bold, and built for that low-and-slow life. I’m Travis “Smoke Daddy” Wheeler, comin’ at ya from Franklin, Tennessee, and I’m gonna walk y’all through this recipe step-by-step, with some hard-earned pitmaster know-how thrown in. Ain’t no rushin’ this—this is smokin’ done right, the way it’s meant to be.

 

A tantalizing plate of Smoky Red Chicken Wings, glistening with a bold BBQ glaze, ready to take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey.

Ingredients for Smoky Red Chicken Wings

  • 2.5 pounds (1 kg) whole chicken wings
  • 4-6 tablespoons Hardcore Carnivore Red seasoning
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (optional, for sauced wings)

For the Brine

  • 24 oz (700 ml) beer (e.g., Lone Star)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 cup salt
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 5-6 allspice berries
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns

Step-by-Step Cooking Method for Smoky Red Chicken Wings

Alright, y’all, let’s get this fire goin’ proper with a brine that’ll make these wings sing. This beer-soaked beauty’s the backbone of juicy meat that’ll have your crew beggin’ for seconds.

  1. Prepare the Brine: Fire up a saucepan and dump in all them brine fixin’s over medium heat ‘til the salt and sugar dissolve like smoke in the wind. Let it cool off to room temp—don’t rush it, now.
  2. Brine the Wings: Toss them wings in a ziploc, pour that cooled brine over ‘em, seal it up tight, and park it in the fridge for 4 hours. For that deep-down flavor that sticks to your ribs, let ‘em soak overnight—trust me.
  3. Preheat the Smoker: Crank your smoker to 250°F (120°C). Now, we’re talkin’ hickory for that bold punch, oak for somethin’ smoother, or cherry wood for a sweet twist—your call, but make it count.
  4. Rinse and Dry: Fish them wings outta the brine, ditch the juice, rinse ‘em under cold water, pat ‘em dry with paper towels, and let ‘em sit on a rack. Dry skin’s the ticket to that crispy bite.
  5. Season: Lay into both sides of them wings with Hardcore Carnivore Red seasoning—don’t hold back, this stuff’s the heart of the flavor.
  6. Smoke: Set them wings in the smoker, bone side down, and let ‘em cruise low and slow—no messin’ with ‘em—‘til the thickest part hits 165°F (75°C). That’s your green light.

Finishing Options

  • Dry Rub Wings: Yank ‘em straight off the smoker and dig in—crisp, smoky, and ready to roll.
  • Sauced Wings: Slap on some BBQ sauce and give ‘em another 10-15 minutes in the smoke ‘til that sauce turns sticky and mean.

Why Smoking Enhances Smoky Red Chicken Wings

Smokin’ these smoky red chicken wings ain’t just a meal—it’s a damn craft. That low heat and wood smoke dig deep, hittin’ the meat with flavors a grill can’t touch. The Hardcore Carnivore Red lays down a savory wallop, and when you pair it with hickory, oak, or cherry wood, you’re buildin’ a smoke ring that’s pure BBQ gospel. It’s about keepin’ that moisture locked in tight while the science does its work.

Pro Tips for Perfect Wings

I’ve been around the smoker a time or two, and I’m lettin’ y’all in on the good stuff. Here’s how to nail these Smoky Red Chicken Wings every single time:

  • Wood Selection: Hickory’s your heavy hitter—think bacon vibes. Oak’s quieter if you’re easin’ into it, and cherry wood sneaks in a sweet edge. Play around ‘til it feels right.
  • Brining Time: Want wings that drip with juice? Overnight’s the move. That beer and spice combo needs time to sink in deep.
  • Temperature Control: Hold that smoker steady at 250°F. Any jumpin’ around’ll throw off your cook and leave the meat chewy—keep it locked.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 24g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Sodium: 780mg

Explore More BBQ Goodness

Dive deeper with our guide on best smoking techniques to own that smoker like a pro.

Learn BBQ history at The BBQ Museum.

Join the Flavor Adventure!

These smoky red chicken wings are the real deal for any BBQ soul out there. Tell me your story—did ya swap the wood or mess with that brine? Drop it in the comments below and let’s talk smoke!