When cooking chicken wings on a Big Green Egg, you have the option to cook them either directly or indirectly.
Direct heat means that you’re cooking the wings directly over the hot coals or fire, while indirect heat means that you’re cooking them away from the direct heat source, with the lid closed.
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If you want crispy wings with a charred exterior and juicy interior, cook them over direct heat. This method will give you wings with a crispy skin and a smoky flavor.
If you want a slower, more even cooking method that will result in juicy, tender wings, cook them over indirect heat. This method allows the wings to cook slowly and evenly, without the risk of burning.
Ultimately, the choice between direct or indirect heat depends on your personal preference and the desired outcome for your chicken wings.
How To Smoke Chicken Wings On Big Green Egg Using Direct Heat
If you’re looking for a recipe to smoke chicken wings on your Big Green Egg, using direct heat is a great option. This method will give your wings a crispy exterior and a smoky flavor that’s hard to beat. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients:
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2-3 pounds of chicken wings
- Your favorite dry rub or marinade
- Wood chips or chunks for smoking (apple, cherry, hickory, or pecan are all great options)
Directions:
- Preheat your Big Green Egg to 350-400°F. Make sure you have enough charcoal to maintain this temperature for at least an hour.
- While your grill is heating up, prepare your chicken wings. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season them with salt and pepper, and apply your preferred dry rub or marinade. Be sure to coat the wings thoroughly on all sides.
- Once your grill has reached the desired temperature, add your wood chips or chunks to the fire. You can soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning up too quickly.
- Place the chicken wings directly on the grill grates, over the hot coals. Be sure to leave some space between the wings to allow for even cooking. Close the lid and let them smoke for about 30-45 minutes.
- After the first 15-20 minutes, use tongs to flip the wings over and rotate them for even cooking. Be careful not to puncture the skin, as this can cause the juices to escape and dry out the meat.
- Continue smoking the wings until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This should take about an hour in total, but be sure to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Once the wings are fully cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. You can garnish them with chopped parsley or green onions, or serve them with your favorite dipping sauce.
Enjoy your delicious smoked chicken wings straight off the Big Green Egg!
Also Read: Burgers On Big Green Egg Direct Or Indirect Method (Answered)
How To Smoke Chicken Wings Using Indirect Heat
If you’re looking for a recipe to smoke chicken wings on your Big Green Egg using indirect heat, this is a great method to ensure that the wings cook evenly and stay juicy. Keep the ingredients the same as the direct method. Here’s how to do it:
Directions:
- Preheat your Big Green Egg to 250-275°F, using the indirect heat method. To do this, place a plate setter or heat deflector on the grill grates, then put a drip pan on top of it. This will create a barrier between the fire and the food, allowing the wings to cook slowly and evenly.
- While your grill is heating up, prepare your chicken wings. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season them with salt and pepper, and apply your preferred dry rub or marinade. Be sure to coat the wings thoroughly on all sides.
- Once your grill has reached the desired temperature, add your wood chips or chunks to the fire. You can soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning up too quickly.
- Place the chicken wings on the grill grates, away from the direct heat source. Be sure to leave some space between the wings to allow for even cooking. Close the lid and let them smoke for about 2-3 hours.
- After the first hour, use tongs to flip the wings over and rotate them for even cooking. Be careful not to puncture the skin, as this can cause the juices to escape and dry out the meat.
- Continue smoking the wings until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This should take about 2-3 hours in total, but be sure to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Once the wings are fully cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. You can garnish them with chopped parsley or green onions, or serve them with your favorite dipping sauce.
Also Read: How To Make Rotisserie Chicken On Big Green Egg?
Big Green Egg Chicken Wings Temperature And Time Chart
Here’s a time and temperature chart for smoking chicken wings on a Big Green Egg using direct heat and indirect heat:
| Methods | Temperature | Cook Time | Internal Temp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Heat Method | 350-400°F | 30-45 minutes | 65°F |
| Indirect Heat Method | 250-275°F | 2-3 hours | 165°F |
It’s important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
Experiment with different wood chips or chunks to add a unique smoky flavor to your wings, and don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the process!
How Many Wings Fit On Large Big Green Egg
The number of chicken wings that can fit on a large Big Green Egg will depend on the size of the wings and how they are arranged on the grill grates.
As a general guideline, you can fit around 20-25 chicken wings on a large Big Green Egg using the indirect heat method. If you’re using the direct heat method, you may be able to fit more wings on the grill grates, but be sure to leave enough space between them to allow for even cooking.
It’s always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific grill model to ensure you are using it correctly and not overloading it with food.
Also Read: Can You Use Regular Charcoal In A Big Green Egg (Answered)
How Long To Smoke Chicken Wings On Big Green Egg
The amount of time it takes to smoke chicken wings on a Big Green Egg will depend on the cooking temperature and method used.
If you are smoking the chicken wings using the indirect heat method at a temperature of 250-275°F, it will typically take 2-3 hours for the wings to fully cook and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
On the other hand, if you are using the direct heat method at a temperature of 350-400°F, the wings will cook much faster and typically take 30-45 minutes to fully cook and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
It’s important to note that these are rough estimates and the actual cooking time may vary depending on the size of the wings, the cooking temperature, and other factors.
It’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure the wings have reached a safe internal temperature before serving.
Also Read: 7 Best Butter Chicken Sauce Jar To Give A Silky Smooth Rich Texture
Conclusion
Smoking chicken wings on a Big Green Egg is a delicious way to cook this popular appetizer. The time it takes to smoke chicken wings will vary depending on the cooking temperature and method used. If you are using the indirect heat method at a temperature of 250-275°F, it will take 2-3 hours to fully cook the wings, whereas using the direct heat method at a temperature of 350-400°F will take only 30-45 minutes.
Regardless of the method used, it’s important to ensure the chicken wings have reached an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are safe to eat. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check the internal temperature of the wings. Also, be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed based on the size of the wings and other factors. Experiment with different wood chips or chunks to add unique flavors to your wings and enjoy this tasty treat with friends and family!
