Wing Stop

Hickory Smoked BBQ Recipe

Master the art of hickory smoked BBQ with this authentic recipe that delivers that signature smoky flavor you crave. Learn how to create that perfect char, tender texture, and mouthwatering sauce with simple techniques for restaurant-quality results at home. Quick and easy prep, incredible flavor reward.

Prep

30 mins

Cook

3 hours

Serve

Kcal

380

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 kg chicken wings</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200 ml hickory barbecue sauce</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons brown sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tablespoon smoked paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon garlic powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon onion powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon liquid smoke (hickory flavored)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons vegetable oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">½ teaspoon black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons honey</li></ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This helps ensure the wings get crispy and the seasoning sticks better. Place them in a large mixing bowl.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> In a separate bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create your dry rub.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Drizzle the vegetable oil over the wings and toss to coat evenly. This will help the dry rub stick and aid in crisping up the skin during cooking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Sprinkle the dry rub mixture over the wings and massage it in with your hands, ensuring each wing is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor penetration.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Preheat your oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the wings on the rack, making sure they're not touching each other.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Bake the wings for 25 minutes, then flip them over and bake for another 20-25 minutes until they're golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 75°C.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> While the wings are baking, prepare your hickory BBQ sauce. In a saucepan, combine the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, liquid smoke, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> When the wings are done, transfer them to a large clean bowl. Pour about half of the warm hickory BBQ sauce over the wings and toss gently to coat. Reserve the remaining sauce for dipping.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4> For extra flavor, return the sauced wings to the wire rack and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize slightly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4> Serve the wings hot with the remaining sauce on the side. For the authentic Wing Stop experience, serve with celery sticks and your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing.</li></ol>

FAQ for

Hickory Smoked BBQ Recipe

What ingredients are used in hickory smoked chicken wings?

The key ingredients include chicken wings, hickory barbecue sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, liquid smoke, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, and honey.

How to cook crispy hickory smoked chicken wings at home?

Learn how to cook crispy hickory smoked chicken wings by marinating them in a dry rub, baking until golden and crispy, then coating with a homemade hickory BBQ sauce. The secret is patting the wings dry first and using a wire rack while baking to ensure maximum crispiness.

What's the ideal marinating time for the most flavourful chicken wings?

For maximum flavour penetration, marinate the chicken wings in the dry rub for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight. This longer marination allows the spices to fully infuse the meat, resulting in more flavourful wings.

Can I make these hickory wings in an air fryer instead of the oven?

Yes! Air fry the seasoned wings at 180°C for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. Add the sauce after cooking and air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes to caramelize. The air fryer produces exceptionally crispy wings.

What's the best way to achieve that authentic smoky flavour without a smoker?

The combination of liquid smoke, smoked paprika and hickory barbecue sauce creates an authentic smoky flavour without needing a smoker. The caramelization of the sauce in the final baking step also enhances the smoky depth.

The calorie count is an approximation and can vary based on exact measurements and specific ingredients used. Always consult nutritional information if strict adherence to calorie counts is required. This recipe is inspired by the flavours of this restaurant's dishes and has been independently developed for home cooking. It is not an exact match to the proprietary recipe used by the restaurant. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the restaurant.

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  "recipeCategory": "Main Course",
  "recipeCuisine": "American",
  "nutrition": {
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    "proteinContent": "32 g",
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    "1 teaspoon garlic powder",
    "1 teaspoon onion powder",
    "½ teaspoon cayenne pepper",
    "1 teaspoon liquid smoke (hickory flavored)",
    "2 tablespoons vegetable oil",
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    "1 teaspoon salt",
    "½ teaspoon black pepper",
    "2 tablespoons honey"
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      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Prepare wings",
      "text": "Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This helps ensure the wings get crispy and the seasoning sticks better. Place them in a large mixing bowl."
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Make dry rub",
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      "text": "Drizzle the vegetable oil over the wings and toss to coat evenly. This will help the dry rub stick and aid in crisping up the skin during cooking."
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      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Apply rub and marinate",
      "text": "Sprinkle the dry rub mixture over the wings and massage it in with your hands, ensuring each wing is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor penetration."
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      "@type": "HowToStep",
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      "text": "Preheat your oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the wings on the rack, making sure they're not touching each other."
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      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Bake wings",
      "text": "Bake the wings for 25 minutes, then flip them over and bake for another 20-25 minutes until they're golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 75°C."
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    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Make BBQ sauce",
      "text": "While the wings are baking, prepare your hickory BBQ sauce. In a saucepan, combine the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, liquid smoke, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld together."
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      "@type": "HowToStep",
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      "author": "Miguel Rodriguez",
      "datePublished": "2024-04-12",
      "reviewBody": "These wings are incredible! The hickory flavor is spot on and the sauce has the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. They're even better than the original Wing Stop ones.",
      "name": "Better than the Original",
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    {
      "@type": "Review",
      "author": "Sarah Kim",
      "datePublished": "2024-04-05",
      "reviewBody": "Made these for game day and they were a massive hit! Everyone was asking for the recipe. The overnight marinating really makes a difference in the flavor.",
      "name": "Game Day Winner",
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    {
      "@type": "Review",
      "author": "Ahmed Hassan",
      "datePublished": "2024-04-10",
      "reviewBody": "The liquid smoke in this recipe is genius! It gives that authentic smoky flavor without needing a smoker. The caramelization step at the end is worth the extra time.",
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      "author": "Olivia Martinez",
      "datePublished": "2024-04-15",
      "reviewBody": "I've tried many wing recipes and this is by far the best. The skin gets so crispy in the oven and the sauce has amazing depth of flavor. My family requests these weekly now!",
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Wing Stop

Hickory Smoked BBQ Recipe

Prep

Cook

Serve

Kcal

Ingredients

Directions

What ingredients are used in hickory smoked chicken wings?

How to cook crispy hickory smoked chicken wings at home?

What's the ideal marinating time for the most flavourful chicken wings?

Can I make these hickory wings in an air fryer instead of the oven?

What's the best way to achieve that authentic smoky flavour without a smoker?