How To Smoke Traditional Carolina – Style Chicken Wings

Carolina-style chicken wings are a delicious and flavorful twist on the classic chicken wing recipe. With their tangy and slightly sweet flavor, these wings will surely be a hit at your next barbecue or game day gathering.

Whether you’re a seasoned griller or a novice in the kitchen, smoking traditional Carolina-style chicken wings is easier than you might think. We’ll walk you through everything from preparing the chicken wings to setting up the smoker and applying the mouthwatering marinade.

You’ll learn the best techniques for how to smoke traditional Carolina-style chicken wings, checking for doneness, and serving them up in true Carolina style. Get ready to impress your friends and family at your next backyard barbecue with these finger-licking good wings.

How To Smoke Traditional Carolina-Style Chicken Wings: 7 Easy Steps

Smoking traditional Carolina-style chicken wings is a delicious way to enjoy this regional specialty. Start by marinating the wings in vinegar, hot sauce, and spices to achieve authentic flavors. This will help tenderize the meat and infuse it with the tangy and spicy flavors of Carolina-style cuisine.

Once marinated, place the wings on a preheated smoker and cook them low and slow for several hours until they are cooked through and have developed a smoky flavour. For an added touch of authenticity, serve the wings with a side of vinegar-based sauce for dipping.

However, Smoking traditional Carolina-style chicken wings is a delicious way to infuse them with incredible flavor. Here are 7 easy steps on how to smoke traditional carolina-style chicken wings to help you smoke chicken wings.

Step 1: Preparing The Chicken Wings

To prepare the chicken wings in traditional Carolina style, rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Season the wings with a dry rub of salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.

Allow the wings to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to enhance the flavors. Meanwhile, preheat your smoker to 225°F using charcoal or hardwood pellets for that authentic smoky taste. Once the smoker is ready, place the seasoned chicken wings on the grate and let them smoke for approximately 2 hours, ensuring an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.

While the wings are smoking, prepare the Carolina-style sauce by combining vinegar, hot sauce, brown sugar, and spices. Heat the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until it reaches the desired consistency.

Step 2: Setting Up The Smoker

To set up your smoker for smoking traditional Carolina-style chicken wings, ensure your smoker is clean and in proper working condition. Fill the smoker’s water pan to maintain moisture during smoking.

Preheat the smoker to 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit, and add wood chips or chunks for that smoky flavor. Arrange the chicken wings on the racks, making sure they cook evenly. Close the lid and smoke the wings for 1-2 hours until reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 3: Preparing The Marinade

Preparing the marinade is an essential step in smoking traditional Carolina-style chicken wings. The marinade imparts the signature tangy and flavorful taste that these wings are known for.

To make the marinade, you will need a combination of vinegar, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, and a blend of spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix all of these ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.

Then, place your chicken wings in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Cover each wing evenly with the marinade and let them marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and infuse it with deliciousness before you smoke them to perfection.

Step 4: Applying The Marinade To The Chicken Wings

To infuse the authentic Carolina-style flavor into your chicken wings, it’s essential to apply a tangy and vinegar-based marinade. Start by patting dry the wings with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Combine white vinegar, hot sauce, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and other desired spices in a bowl, creating a tantalizing blend of flavors. Next, place the chicken wings in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish, ensuring they are well-coated with the marinade.

Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap, allowing the wings to marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This time allows the flavors to permeate the meat, resulting in juicy and flavorful wings. When you’re ready to smoke the wings, preheat your smoker to the optimal temperature and set it up for indirect cooking.

Step 5: Smoking The Chicken Wings

Smoking the chicken wings is crucial in achieving that authentic Carolina-style flavor. Preheat your smoker to a temperature of 225°F and place the seasoned chicken wings directly on the grate.

Enhance the wings’ taste by choosing wood chips or chunks like hickory or applewood for a smoky aroma. Allow the wings to smoke for approximately 2-3 hours until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Baste the wings with a vinegar-based sauce every 30 minutes to add extra tang and moisture. Once cooked to perfection, give the flavors time to meld by letting the wings rest.

Step 6: Checking The Temperature And Doneness Of The Chicken Wings

To ensure the perfect temperature and doneness of your Carolina-style chicken wings, it is crucial to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the wing, avoiding contact with bones.

The USDA guidelines recommend cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. If the wings haven’t reached this temperature yet, continue smoking them until they do.

However, be cautious not to overcook the wings as they can become dry and tough. Once the wings have reached the desired temperature, remove them from the smoker and allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Step 7: Serving And Enjoying Your Carolina-Style Chicken Wings

Once your smoked Carolina-style chicken wings are done cooking, allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. This short resting period is essential as it allows the flavors to settle and enhances the tenderness of the wings.

To serve, toss the wings in your preferred Carolina-style sauce, which typically includes a tangy blend of vinegar, hot sauce, and spices. This sauce imparts the distinct Carolina flavor that makes these wings so irresistible. For an extra burst of flavor, you can serve the wings with additional sauce on the side for dipping.

To complete the Carolina-style experience, pair the wings with classic sides like coleslaw or hush puppies. These sides perfectly complement the smoky and tangy flavors of the wings, creating a well-rounded Carolina-style meal.

What Kind Of Wood Should You Use For Smoking Chicken Wings The Carolina Style?

Wood is crucial for achieving that authentic flavor when it comes to smoking traditional Carolina-style chicken wings. Hickory and oak are the most commonly used woods for smoking in the Carolinas.

Hickory wood imparts a strong, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the tangy vinegar-based sauce typically used on these wings. On the other hand, Oak provides a milder and slightly sweeter smoke flavor that still complements the savory and tangy elements of Carolina-style wings.

Ultimately, the choice of wood will depend on preference and availability, but hickory or oak will help you achieve those mouthwatering flavors that make Carolina-style chicken wings so delicious.

How Long Will It Take To Smoke Chicken Wings The Carolina Style?

Smoking chicken wings in Carolina style is a delicious way to infuse them with flavor. The cooking time will depend on various factors, such as the size of the wings and the temperature of your smoker.

However, as a general guideline, you can expect it to take about 1.5 to 2 hours to smoke chicken wings Carolina-style. It’s important to monitor the internal temperature of the wings using a meat thermometer to ensure they reach a safe temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. Slow and low is key to achieving tender, flavorful, Carolina-style smoked chicken wings.

Conclusion

Smoking traditional Carolina-style chicken wings is a delicious and flavorful way to enjoy this classic dish. Marinating the wings in a vinegar-based sauce and slow-smoking them over indirect heat can achieve tender, juicy meat with a tangy and smoky flavor.

Remember to baste the wings with the marinade throughout the smoking process to enhance the taste further. Whether hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving finger-licking good wings, this Carolina-style recipe will satisfy your taste buds.

So fire up your smoker, grab your favorite dipping sauce, and indulge in mouthwatering chicken wings that will leave you wanting more. We hope now you understand how to smoke traditional carolina-style chicken wings.

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