One of those perfect Game Day or party snacks are wings. Chicken wings to be exact, and these Grilled Honey Garlic Chicken Wings get seasoned then in the smoker they go. Basted with a spicy honey garlic sauce, these are finger licking good and will be the hit of the party!
Thinking of what you still need for the big game day this weekend? Super Bowl party snacks are endless, but a good go to are chicken wings.
These are not deep fried, nope. These are made on a BBQ grill or in a smoker, BUT, you could also bake these, see my recipe Notes for more info.
Lay chicken wings on rimmed baking sheets lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Season both sides of the wings with salt mixture. A quick seasoning blend is made first, and if you like it a little hotter, than add some berbere seasoning like I do. It’s amazing!
That reminds me I need to share with you my berbere seasoning blend, but that’s another post. You can find the North African spice blend in most markets, at Penzy’s, or online.
Place the baking sheet with wings directly on the grill grate and cook for 50-60 minutes, or until a dark golden brown.
Meanwhile in a saucepan over medium heat, sauté the garlic in the butter for several minutes. Add remaining basting sauce ingredients and bring to a boil. Lower heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes. Turn off heat and cover.
Now some might think a half a cup of Tabasco is way too much but I tell you it’s not. I made it with half that and it was not even hot, a mild heat. Up to you.
When the wings are done (DO NOT turn off grill/smoker or oven) baste the wings with the sauce, turn and repeat.
Place back in grill/smoker or oven and cover lid. Cook another 15 minutes to reduce and get all super sticky sweet.
Remove and place on a platter, top with chopped chives (optional) and serve along side Ranch or Bleu Cheese dressing. Enjoy!

Smoked Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 3 lbs chicken wings (about 24 wings)
Seasoning Salt
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp celery salt
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Basting Sauce
- 6 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup Tabasco (or favorite hot sauce)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 6 garlic cloves (minced)
Garnish
- 3 tbsp chives (chopped for garnish)
- Ranch or Bleu Cheese dressing for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat grill/smoker or oven to 350°F (See Note1). In a small bowl whisk together the seasoning salt and set aside.
- Lay chicken wings on rimmed baking sheets lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Season both sides of the wings with salt mixture.
- Place the baking sheet with wings directly on the grill grate and cook for 50-60 minutes, or until a dark golden brown.
- Meanwhile in a saucepan over medium heat, sauté the garlic in the butter for several minutes. Add remaining basting sauce ingredients and bring to a boil. Lower heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes. Turn off heat and cover.
- When wings are done (DO NOT turn off grill/smoker or oven) baste the wings with the sauce, turn and repeat. Place back in grill/smoker or oven and cover lid. Cook another 15 minutes.
- Remove and place on a platter, top with chopped chives (optional) and serve along side Ranch or Bleu Cheese dressing.
Notes
- If smoking, set up wood chips as directed. I use a hickory, maple and cherry wood blend that Traeger makes for this recipe, but use whatever you prefer. ALSO IF BAKING: preheat oven to 350°F and also add 1/4 tsp liquid smoke to the basting sauce (only if baking). This should give the slight smokey flavor achieved in a smoker. I do not recommend to add this if you are smoking these.
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
Yummy 5⭐️
Thanks so much Chris!
I could eat an embarrassing amount of these wings, Kevin. lol! They look fabulous!
Finger lickin’ goodness Marissa! 😉
I could always go for some wings. Matter of fact, hubby and I had last night! Would love to try these! And that basting butter sounds divine! Definitely perfect for game day. Pinned 🙂
Plus, if it’s too cold outside you can bake these. 🙂
These look great for the game. I love wings, but so many places sell them deep fried rather than baked. Plus love the spice combo!
Thanks Matt. While a good deep fry is great, smoked, grilled or baked is fine with me too. 🙂