Chicken Wings - Hill Country Smoked - with Ranch Dressing
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 1 hourhour
Cook Time: 1 hourhour
Mariate: 2 hourshours
Total Time: 4 hourshours
Servings: 6
Calories: 586kcal
Many unique flavors are available. Prepare one or all, for game day, An assortment will insure everybody gets something to their liking. The near endless possibilities of chicken wings, elevating game day snacks to gourmet experiences. Even providing a few “naked” aka unflavored wings will not go amiss.
2cupshardwood chipssuch as hickory or applewood, soaked in water for 1 hour and drained
Dressing
⅔cupmayonnaise
⅓cupbuttermilk
1tablespoonpacked torn basil leaves
1tablespoonpacked parsley leaves
1teaspoonfinely chopped thyme
1teaspoonsugar
¼teaspoonapple cider vinegar
1pickled jalapeño with seedsminced
2small garlic clovesminced
2teaspoonsminced onion
Kosher salt
Pepper
Instructions
Smoke the wings
In a food processor, combine all of the ingredients except the chicken wings and hardwood chips and pulse until well blended.
If using a grill
Set up a grill for indirect cooking, then heat to 425° and oil the grate. Wrap the wood chips in a double layer of heavy duty foil and poke holes in the top. Place the packet directly on the flames of the grill. When the chips are smoking,
Add the chicken wings to the grill, cover and smoke the wings, turning occasionally, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of a wing registers 165°, about 40 minutes.
If using a oven
.Place the chicken wing on a rack and place in oven, If possible use convection baking at 350° F. Bake approximate 35 minutes or until the chicken reaches the doneness you like.
Meanwhile, make the dressing
In a food processor, combine the first 7 ingredients and puree until nearly smooth. Add the jalapeño, garlic and onion and pulse to mix; it will still be slightly chunky. Scrape into a bowl and season the dressing with salt and pepper.
Transfer the chicken wings to a platter, pour dressing over the chicken and serve with the ranch dressing.
Notes
Make Ahead The spice rub can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. The ranch dressing can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.If cooking in an oven, suggest using a rack so the chicken cooks on all sides evenly.