Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 4 lbs chicken wings
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

  1. Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps properly.
  2. Toss wings in olive oil, then coat generously with the mixed brown sugar rub.
  3. Allow wings to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes to allow the salt to penetrate the meat.
  4. Preheat the pellet grill or smoker to 225°F (107°C).
  5. Arrange wings on a wire cooling rack and smoke for 60–75 minutes until the meat pulls back slightly from the bone.
  6. Increase the grill temperature to 375°F (190°C).
  7. Whisk together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Worcestershire sauce to create the glaze.
  8. Brush a thin layer of glaze onto each wing and return to the grill for 10–15 minutes, basting as needed, until the crust is caramelized and shattering.