Traeger Smoked Chicken Wings

These Traeger Smoked Chicken Wings are seasoned to perfection using a dry rub. This spread can be made with any smoker or pellet grill for BBQs, summer cookouts, or any occasion!

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What Type of Wings to Use

I love to use party wings that are already split as opposed to whole chicken wings. Party wings will cook at a more even temperature. Feel free to use whole chicken wings if you like.

How to Season the Meat

I use my Homemade BBQ Rub and Seasoning for these. It’s a combination of the following:

• Brown Sugar or Sweetener
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Smoked Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

You may also enjoy my Homemade Ranch Seasoning and Homemade Blackening Seasoning for these.

Do You Have to Marinate them?

Marinating is completely optional. When it comes to chicken, I prefer to marinate. Here are a few reasons why:

• Flavor: A good marinade will penetrate into the meat, which results in amazing flavor on the inside and outside.
• A plus when grilling at high heat (since we are cooking these wings low and slow this doesn’t apply): Excessive heat can result in the creation of harmful substances while cooking. A marinade with an acidic base can help reduce the formation of these chemicals.
• Dry Chicken: Marinades will tenderize the chicken by breaking down the tissues of the meat, which helps keep it from drying out

I have opted to not use a liquid marinade. If you wish to marinate, soy sauce is my favorite for chicken wings. Drizzle enough to fully coat the wings and refrigerate for an hour to overnight.

How to Make Chicken Wings on a Traeger Pellet Grill Smoker

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Pat the chicken wings dry. Sprinkle the dry rub throughout.
2. Coat the grill grates on the smoker in olive oil using a cooking brush or towels to prevent sticking.
3. Place the wings on the smoker.
4. Smoke.

Smoker Temperature

I recommend 250 degrees.

Cook Time/How Long to Cook

You will need to let them smoke for about 2 hours.

How to Get them Crispy

After the wings have gotten the amazing smoky flavors (takes a couple of hours), turn the heat on the smoker to 350 degrees. Smoke for an additional 15-30 minutes, flipping until crisp.

Cooking Frozen Chicken Wings

Frozen wings should be cooked on medium heat, around 350 and for 30-40 minutes at least until thawed. Cook time will vary. Use a meat thermometer and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. You will also need to wait and season the wings once they have thawed some on the grill.

Sauce for Dipping or Drizzling

For cookouts, I prefer my wings without any sauce. They don’t need them because there’s so much flavor, but here are some ideas!

• Homemade BBQ Sauce
• Homemade Ranch
• Honey and BBQ Sauce (1/4 cup BBQ sauce and 2 tablespoons of honey)
• Buffalo Sauce, check out my Air Fryer Buffalo Wings

Leftover Wings

You can store leftovers in the fridge, tightly covered for 3-4 days.

How to Reheat

I like to use the air fryer, grill, or oven. I’m not a fan of using the microwave for these (there’s a change in flavor), but you can. For the grill, air fryer and oven, I reheat on 350 degrees until warm.

Freezer Tips

Cooked wings can be frozen for later, tightly sealed and covered, up to a few months.

Pair These Wings With These Recipes

Southern Macaroni Salad
Southern Coleslaw Recipe
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Southern Baked Beans
Air Fryer Hush Puppies
Southern Potato Salad
Easy Spaghetti Salad
Creamy Cucumber Salad
Lobster Mac and Cheese
Honey Hot Wings

More Traeger and Smoker Chicken and Turkey Recipes

Traeger Beer Can Chicken
Smoked Chicken Tenders
Traeger Smoked Cornish Hens
Traeger Smoked Chicken Breast
Traeger Smoked Turkey
Smoked Turkey Necks
Traeger Smoked Whole Chicken

More Traeger and Smoker Recipes

Traeger Smoked Ribs
Traeger Smoked Brisket
Traeger Smoked Bacon
Smoked Mac and Cheese
Traeger Smoked Salmon
Smoked Salsa
Traeger Smoked Ham
Smoked Lobster Tail