Summer is here and all I can think about today is chicken wings. Party wings are my favorite. The flavors are usually a variety to accommodate the family's appetite.
One thing I've noticed over the years is that pickle-brined wings are delicious. Even if you don't like pickle juice you may fall in love with this wing recipe. I would suggest to brine no more than 30 minutes. You may adjust the time based on your love for pickles.
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 1 cup pickle juice (minimum, but make sure they are covered)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (See Bbase options)
- Sprinkle of your favorite seasoning (See our Favorites)
Favorite Seasoning:
- Bartlow's Sweet Red Dirt
- Sweet Rub O 'Mine
- Boars Night Out White Lightning
- Sucklebuster's Hog Waller
- Tuffy's Sweet BBQ Rub
- MeatChurch Voodo.
Base Options:
- Tiger Sauce
- Frank's Hot Sauce
- Duct Fat (Spray)
Homemade seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
(PP = Personal Preference)
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pickle juice and chicken wings. Make sure the wings are fully submerged in the brine. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. (PP: overnight tends to be too much). This will help tenderize and infuse the wings with pickle flavor.
2. Preheat your smoker to 250°F (107°C). If you don't have a smoker, you can use a charcoal or gas grill set up for indirect heat.
3. Remove the chicken wings from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels. Discard the brine.
4. In a small bowl, combine the vegetable oil or other base options, your favorite seasoning or mix the homemade option well to create your dry rub.
5. Sprinkle the dry rub over the chicken wings, making sure to coat them evenly on all sides.
6. Place the chicken wings on the smoker rack or grill grates. Close the lid and let them smoke for approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The wings should have a nice smoky flavor and a crispy skin.
7. Remove the smoked chicken wings from the smoker or grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute.
7.5. Personal Touch. At this point, you can add some of your favorite sauce
8. Serve the pickle-brined, smoked chicken wings as they are or with your favorite BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. They make a fantastic appetizer or main dish for a party!
Enjoy your pickle brined, smoked party chicken wings!
Alternative Seasoning
Cover the wings in Boars Night Out White Lightning and lightly cover with Parmesan cheese. This will give you a close Garlic Parmesan option to your wings without having to make a separate recipe.