How to Smoke Chicken Wings on Big Green Egg

Are you ready to take your BBQ game to the next level?

In this article, we’ll show you how to smoke chicken wings on a Big Green Egg.

You’ll learn the best way to select and season wings, how to prepare your Egg for smoking, and the key steps for achieving tender, smoky perfection.

With our clear and detailed instructions, you’ll be flipping and basting like a pro.

Get ready to impress your friends and family with delicious, smoked chicken wings that will have them coming back for more.

Selecting the Best Chicken Wings

When selecting the best chicken wings, it’s important to look for ones that are fresh and have a good balance of meat and skin. Freshness is key because it ensures that the chicken wings are safe to eat and have the best flavor. Look for wings that are plump and have a pinkish color. Avoid wings that have a strong smell or are slimy to the touch, as these are signs of spoilage.

In terms of the meat to skin ratio, the ideal chicken wing should have a good amount of meat on the bone, while still having crispy and flavorful skin. This balance is important because it ensures that you get a juicy and tender bite with every mouthful.

When it comes to cooking techniques, there are various options to choose from. You can grill the wings for a smoky flavor and charred exterior, or you can fry them for a crispy and golden finish. Another popular cooking technique is baking, which results in a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.

Lastly, flavor variations are a fun way to experiment and add excitement to your chicken wings. You can marinate the wings in a variety of sauces, such as buffalo, teriyaki, or barbecue, to give them a tangy and savory taste. You can also try different spice rubs or seasonings to add a kick of flavor.

Overall, selecting the best chicken wings involves considering freshness, meat to skin ratio, cooking techniques, and flavor variations. By paying attention to these factors, you can ensure that the wings you choose are delicious and satisfying.

Preparing the Big Green Egg for Smoking

To get the Big Green Egg ready for smoking, you’ll need to ensure it’s properly cleaned and preheated. Cleaning the Big Green Egg is essential to remove any residue or leftover food from previous cooking sessions. Start by removing the cooking grid and ash pan. Use a grill brush to scrape off any stuck-on debris. Wipe down the inside walls of the egg with a damp cloth. Next, preheat the Big Green Egg to the desired smoking temperature, usually around 225°F. This will ensure a consistent and even heat throughout the cooking process.

Now, let’s talk about adding smoking wood chips to enhance the flavor of your chicken wings. The type of wood chips you choose will depend on your personal preference. Popular options include hickory, apple, and mesquite. Soak the wood chips in water for about 30 minutes before adding them to the Big Green Egg. This will help them produce a smoky flavor rather than burning too quickly. Once the wood chips are soaked, drain any excess water and place them in the charcoal fire.

To summarize, cleaning the Big Green Egg and preheating it are crucial steps in preparing for smoking. Adding soaked smoking wood chips will give your chicken wings a delicious smoky flavor. Now that your Big Green Egg is ready, it’s time to start smoking those wings!

Steps to Prepare Big Green Egg for Smoking
Remove cooking grid and ash pan
Clean the inside walls of the egg
Preheat the Big Green Egg to desired temperature

Steps to Add Smoking Wood Chips
Choose desired wood chips
Soak the wood chips in water for 30 minutes
Drain excess water and place chips in the charcoal fire

Seasoning the Chicken Wings

Once you’ve cleaned and preheated the grill, it’s time to season the chicken wings. This step is crucial in ensuring that your wings are packed with flavor and deliciousness. Here’s how to do it:

1. Choose flavorful marinades: Marinating the chicken wings is a great way to infuse them with delicious flavors. You can opt for a variety of marinades, such as teriyaki, buffalo, honey mustard, or lemon pepper. The key is to let the wings marinate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

2. Consider different cooking methods: While smoking the chicken wings on the Big Green Egg is the main focus here, there are other cooking methods that can enhance the flavors. You can grill the wings directly over the fire for a smoky and charred taste, or you can use indirect heat to slow cook them for a tender and juicy result. Another option is to parboil the wings before smoking them to ensure they are fully cooked and then finish them off on the grill for that smoky flavor.

3. Don’t forget the seasoning: In addition to the marinade, it’s important to season the wings with a blend of spices. A simple combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika can go a long way in adding depth to the flavor profile. Sprinkle the seasoning generously on both sides of the wings, ensuring that each piece is well coated.

Preheating the Big Green Egg

Before you start grilling, make sure you’ve preheated the Big Green Egg. Preheating the grill is an essential step to ensure that your chicken wings cook evenly and have that perfect smoky flavor. Proper preheating techniques will help you maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.

To preheat the Big Green Egg, follow these steps:

1. Remove the cooking grid and place the convEGGtor, a heat deflector, in the grill. This will create an indirect cooking environment that allows the wings to cook slowly and retain moisture.

2. Fill the firebox with lump charcoal, leaving enough space for airflow. You can use the table below as a guide for the amount of charcoal needed based on the desired cooking temperature:

Cooking Temperature	Charcoal Amount
Low (225°F)	1/2 firebox
Medium (275°F)	3/4 firebox
High (325°F)	Full firebox

3. Light the charcoal using natural fire starters or an electric starter.

4. Close the lid and adjust the airflow vents to achieve the desired cooking temperature. The top vent controls the overall temperature, while the bottom vent regulates the airflow.

Smoking the Chicken Wings

While smoking, make sure to monitor and adjust the temperature of the grill to achieve that perfect smoky flavor.

To smoke chicken wings on your Big Green Egg, follow these steps:

1. Marinating the chicken wings: Before you start smoking, marinate the chicken wings to enhance their flavor. You can use your favorite marinade or try a combination of spices, herbs, and sauces. Allow the wings to marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.

2. Preparing the Big Green Egg: Start by preheating your Big Green Egg to a temperature of 225°F to 250°F. This low and slow cooking method will ensure tender and juicy wings. Make sure to clean the cooking grates and fill the firebox with charcoal.

3. Adding wood chips: To infuse the chicken wings with a delicious smoky flavor, add soaked wood chips to the charcoal. Popular choices for smoking chicken wings include applewood, hickory, and mesquite. The wood chips will release aromatic smoke as they burn, enhancing the overall taste of the wings.

Once your Big Green Egg is preheated and the wood chips are added, place the marinated chicken wings on the cooking grates. Close the lid and let the wings smoke for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Remember to periodically check and adjust the temperature to maintain a consistent smoking environment.

Enjoy your perfectly smoked chicken wings!

Monitoring the Temperature

Make sure to regularly check and adjust the temperature while smoking to ensure that the wings are cooking at the desired level of heat. Temperature control is crucial when it comes to smoking chicken wings on the Big Green Egg. By closely monitoring the temperature, you can achieve perfectly smoked wings that are juicy and full of flavor.

To help you keep track of the temperature, here is a handy table that outlines the recommended temperature ranges for smoking chicken wings on the Big Green Egg:

Temperature Range	Smoking Techniques
225-250°F	Low and Slow
250-275°F	Balanced Flavor
275-300°F	Crispy Skin
300-325°F	Quick and Hot

By adjusting the dampers on your Big Green Egg, you can control the airflow and maintain the desired temperature. Start by setting the dampers to the recommended position for your target temperature, and then make small adjustments as needed. Remember, it’s better to make gradual changes rather than drastic ones.

Throughout the smoking process, use a reliable thermometer to check the internal temperature of the wings. They are safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures that the wings are fully cooked and safe to enjoy.

Flipping and Basting the Wings

To achieve maximum flavor and juiciness, you should regularly flip and baste the wings while they’re cooking on the grill. This flipping technique ensures that both sides of the wings are evenly cooked and allows for the basting sauce to be applied at different stages of the grilling process. Here’s how you can master the art of flipping and basting your chicken wings:

1. Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will create a nice sear on the outside of the wings while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

2. Once the grill is hot, place the wings on the grates and let them cook for about 5 minutes on each side. This initial cooking time will give the wings a good char and help seal in the flavors.

3. After the initial cook time, carefully flip the wings using a pair of tongs. Make sure to handle them gently to avoid any tearing or losing precious juices. Then, brush the basting sauce over the cooked side of the wings using a silicone brush. This will infuse the wings with additional flavor and moisture.

4. Continue to flip and baste the wings every 5 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This process will ensure that the wings are cooked through and have a beautiful caramelized exterior.

By following this flipping technique and using a flavorful basting sauce, you’ll be able to enjoy perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy chicken wings every time you grill them.

Happy grilling!

Serving and Enjoying the Smoked Chicken Wings

Once the wings are cooked to perfection, you can serve them with a variety of dipping sauces for a delicious and satisfying meal. The smoked chicken wings are already bursting with flavor from the big green egg, but adding a sauce elevates them to a whole new level. There are so many sauce options to choose from, depending on your taste preferences. You can go for the classic buffalo sauce for a spicy kick or try a tangy barbecue sauce for a smoky and sweet flavor. If you prefer something creamy, a blue cheese or ranch dressing works perfectly. For a unique twist, you can even try a honey mustard or teriyaki sauce. The possibilities are endless!

When it comes to pairing the smoked chicken wings with sides, you have plenty of options as well. You can serve them with some crispy french fries or sweet potato fries for a satisfying crunch. Coleslaw is also a popular choice, as it provides a refreshing and creamy contrast to the smoky wings. If you’re looking for something healthier, a side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the wings. And of course, you can never go wrong with some celery and carrot sticks on the side for a refreshing and crunchy bite.

With the perfect combination of sauce options and sides, you’ll be able to create a memorable and mouthwatering meal with your smoked chicken wings. Enjoy!

Conclusion

So there you have it! You now know how to smoke chicken wings on your Big Green Egg.

By selecting the best wings, preparing your smoker, seasoning the chicken, and monitoring the temperature, you’ll be able to enjoy perfectly smoked wings every time.

Don’t forget to flip and baste the wings for added flavor, and once they’re done, serve them up and enjoy the delicious results of your smoking skills.

Get ready to impress your friends and family with your newfound expertise in smoking chicken wings!