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Super Bowl Smoked Chicken Wings: The Ultimate Game Day Recipe

Writer: Rees WaltherRees Walther

Super Bowl Sunday is all about big plays, big flavor, and big appetites (because let's face it, football is just about making you hungry), and nothing hits the spot quite like a plate full of smoked chicken wings. Whether you're hosting a watch party or just treating yourself to some championship-level snacks, these wings will be the MVP of your spread.

Forget the deep fryer—Fast and Hot smoking is the secret to wings that are juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and packed with just the right amount of smoky flavor. Let’s break down how to make the perfect batch of Smoked Super Bowl Wings with step-by-step instructions and some pro tips.

Crispy Smoked Chicken Wings

Step 1: Prep Your Wings for Victory

Just like a great football team, great wings start with preparation.

🏈 Ingredients:

  • 3–4 lbs chicken wings (split into flats and drumettes)

  • 2 tbsp smoked paprika

  • 1 tbsp garlic powder

  • 1 tbsp onion powder

  • 1 tbsp black pepper

  • 1 tbsp kosher salt

  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

  • 1 tsp brown sugar (for a touch of caramelized goodness)

  • Your favorite barbecue rub (because we know you have one!)

🔥 Pro Tip:

For extra crispy skin, pat your wings completely dry with paper towels before seasoning. Some pitmasters take it a step further by leaving the seasoned wings uncovered in the fridge overnight, allowing the skin to dry out for maximum crunch.

If you choose to do this, make sure to:

  • Place paper towels underneath the wings to absorb excess moisture, OR

  • Set them on a baker’s rack inside a tray or tub to keep them elevated and away from any liquid buildup.

This simple step helps create perfectly crispy, smoky wings every time!


Step 2: Fire Up the Smoker

Game day wings deserve real smoke flavor, and that means using a wood smoker or pellet grill.

🔥 Smoker Setup:

  • Preheat your smoker to 400°F.

  • Use cherry wood or hickory for a bold, rich smokiness.

  • Arrange wings in a single layer on the grates, leaving space for airflow.

🏈 Pro Tip:

Before preheating your smoker, remove the grates and place your wings on them while they’re outside the smoker. This way, when your smoker is up to temperature, you can quickly transfer the fully loaded grates back in without keeping the lid open for too long. This prevents unnecessary heat loss, ensuring a consistent cooking temperature and better results for your smoked wings.


Step 3: The Fast and Hot Cook

  • Smoke the wings at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until they reach around 190°F internally (use a meat thermometer to check). The skin should pop when you probe it with your thermometer.

🔥 Pro Tip:

Crispy wings need higher heat, so crank it up! You can also finish them on a hot grill for a minute per side for that perfect char, or dunk them in some hot beef tallow for a minute to give them even extra crispiness.


Step 4: Sauce ‘Em Up (Or Don’t!)

Now comes the fun part—choosing your wing sauce. Are you team classic buffalo or team barbecue glaze? Maybe you like to keep it simple with a dry rub. Whatever your style, here are some championship-level options:

🏆 Classic Buffalo Sauce (Tangy & Spicy)

  • ½ cup Frank’s RedHot

  • 4 tbsp butter, melted

  • 1 tbsp honey (for balance)

  • Whisk together & toss wings while they’re hot!

🔥 Honey BBQ Glaze (Sweet & Smoky)

  • ½ cup your favorite barbecue sauce

  • 2 tbsp honey

  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

  • Heat & toss for a sticky, finger-lickin' finish.

⚡ Dry Rub Finish (Crispy & Bold)

  • Extra barbecue rub

  • A splash of extra virgin olive oil

  • Toss wings straight out of the smoker—simple & flavorful!

Step 5: Serve & Dominate Game Day

Let those bad boys cool down just a bit before plating them up and get ready for the best part—eating them! There is nothing worse than burning your tongue and losing the ability to taste all the amazing goodness you just spent an hour preparing. Pair them with:

  • Celery & carrot sticks (because tradition)

  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing (choose wisely)

  • An ice-cold beer or smoked cold brew coffee (because why not?)

Final Play: Pro Tips for Wing Glory

🏆 Make extra—people always eat more wings than they think.🔥


Game Day Champion Wings

Super Bowl Sunday is about big moments, big flavors, and bold choices—so make sure your wings are worthy of a championship title. With this smoked wing recipe, your guests will be cheering for your cooking as much as the game.

Now, grab some napkins, crack open a cold one, and get ready for some next-level smoked wings.

Who’s winning the Super Bowl? We don’t know. But we do know your wings will be undefeated.


🔥🏈 Enjoy the game, and may your team (or at least your food) be victorious! 🏈🔥

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