Hey, folks – if you’re looking to up your tailgating game then I’ve got just the recipe for you – slowly smoked apricot-glazed chicken wings! Not only is it a surefire crowd-pleaser, but it’s also ridiculously easy to make and so darn good!

This sweet and spicy wing recipe from LFR collaborator, Professional Chef and Pitmaster, Aaron Riley, of Bearded Skull BBQ, is the perfect go-to when you’re watching the big game with the boys or just hanging out in the great outdoors. The BBQ rub gives it a savory sweetness, while the chili adds some heat and the sticky sauce brings it all together. Your taste buds won’t know what hit ’em!

Now, here’s the kicker: you can switch things up with different proteins. Chicken, pork, or seafood – take your pick. And if you’re feeling adventurous, add some fire-roasted habanero for an extra kick. But beware, it’s not for the faint of heart.

Making the sauce is easy-peasy. Just toss everything into a sauce pot and let it simmer for a few minutes. Then, strain it to get rid of any chunks and add some red chili flake for that picture-perfect appearance.

But hold up, don’t go overboard with the sesame oil – unless you want the sauce to overpower everything else. Trust me on this, start small and work your way up.

So there you have it, folks. An easy, versatile recipe that’s sure to impress your friends and family. And who knows, it might even become your signature dish. Now, get out there and start grilling those slowly smoked apricot-glazed chicken wings!

KEY INGREDIENTS USED IN THIS RECIPE:

Chicken Wings: The star of the show, crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside – the perfect protein for this sweet and spicy recipe.

Homemade or store-bought Sweet BBQ Rub: The secret ingredient that elevates the flavor profile of the wings and sets them apart from your average tailgating dish.

Apricot Preserves: The sweetness from the apricot preserves combined with the tanginess of the chili garlic sauce creates the perfect balance of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing.

Chili Garlic Sauce: The bold and zesty sauce that adds the right amount of heat and umami to this dish, making it a must-try for all spicy food lovers.

Chili Fire Oil: For the daredevils who want to take the heat to the next level, adding a drizzle of this fire oil will bring the heat while keeping the flavor intact.

Toasted Sesame Oil: This oil gives the sauce a slightly nutty flavor and acts as a flavor enhancer, making sure that every bite is packed with deliciousness.

Red Chili Flake: A final sprinkle of red chili flake not only adds some extra heat but also gives the dish a beautiful, colorful appearance – because let’s be honest, we eat with our eyes first.

WHAT SIDE DISHES COULD BE SERVED ALONGSIDE SMOKED APRICOT-GLAZED CHICKEN WINGS

When it comes to serving up some sweet and spicy apricot sesame chicken wings, the side dishes you choose can make or break the meal. Here are my top 5 picks that will take this dish to the next level:

1. Sweet Potato Fries: The sweetness of the fries compliments the wings perfectly, while the crispy texture balances the juiciness of the chicken.
2. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Nothing screams summer more than fresh corn on the cob, and grilling it to perfection adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with the wings.
3. Avocado and Tomato Salad: A light and refreshing salad that cools down the spiciness of the wings, while the creaminess of the avocado complements the heat.
4. Baked Mac and Cheese: If you’re looking to indulge, then this cheesy classic is the perfect comfort food that pairs well with the bold flavors of the wings.
5. Beer: Because, why not?

TOP 5 MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SMOKED CHICKEN WINGS?

I’ve answered many questions about smoking chicken wings. Here are the top five most frequently asked questions:

1. What type of wood should I use when smoking the wings? The choice of wood can make or break your smoked chicken wings. I prefer hickory, apple, or cherry wood as it gives a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the sweet glaze.
2. How long do I smoke the wings for? The ideal smoking time depends on the size of the wings, but generally, it takes around 2 to 2.5 hours at 225 degrees Fahrenheit. The key is to monitor the temperature and adjust accordingly.
3. Should I marinate the wings before smoking them? A quick marinade with the sweet BBQ rub and some olive oil can add some extra flavor.
4. What’s the best way to get a crispy skin on the wings? You can put the smoked wings on the grill or broil them in the oven for a few minutes to get a crispy skin.
5. Can I make the sweet glaze ahead of time? Yes, you can make the glaze ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just heat it up on the stove or in the microwave before using it on the wings.

Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and techniques to find what works best for you!

WHAT ARE THE BEST BEVERAGE PAIRINGS FOR SMOKED APRICOT-GLAZED CHICKEN WINGS

CRAFT BEER:

1. India Pale Ale (IPA) – The bitterness of the IPA complements the sweetness of the glaze. Try Stone Brewing’s “Ruination IPA”.
2. Amber Ale – The caramel malt flavors and slight sweetness of the amber ale pair perfectly with the smokiness of the wings. Try Alaskan Brewing Co.’s “Amber”.
3. Belgian Dubbel – The spicy and fruity notes of a Belgian Dubbel make a great pairing with the sweet and spicy flavors of the wings. Try Chimay Red’s “Première”.

COCKTAILS:

1. Bourbon Sour – The tartness of the lemon juice and the sweetness of the apricot glaze complement each other perfectly. Add a little kick of heat with some jalapeno.
2. Spicy Margarita – The heat from the margarita will complement the wings, while the sweetness from the apricot glaze will balance out the heat from the margarita.
3. Whiskey Old Fashioned – The smokiness of the whiskey pairs well with the smokiness of the wings. The sweetness of the apricot glaze makes this a perfect pairing.

WINE:

1. Riesling – The slight sweetness of the Riesling will help to balance out the heat from the wings. Try a German Riesling.
2. Pinot Noir – The light-bodied Pinot Noir will not overpower the wings, but it still has enough structure to stand up to the bold flavors. Try a Pinot from Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
3. Zinfandel – The fruity and spicy flavors of Zinfandel make it a perfect pairing for the sweet and spicy wings. Try a Zinfandel from Sonoma County.

Remember, the key is to experiment and find what works best for your personal taste. Cheers!

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