Kansas-Style Smoked Chicken Wings on the Arteflame

Introduction

Get ready to enjoy some mouthwatering Kansas-style smoked chicken wings! These wings are coated in bold spices, smoked to perfection, and finished with a rich, caramelized barbecue glaze. Using the Arteflame grill, we’ll achieve an incredible smoky flavor with a steakhouse-quality sear that locks in juices for juicy, tender wings. Let’s fire up the grill and bring out the best flavors with this amazing recipe!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1/2 cup Kansas-style barbecue sauce
• Wood chunks for smoke flavor

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of your Arteflame grill.
2. Stack firewood over the oiled napkins and light them.
3. Allow the grill to heat up for about 20 minutes until the flat cooktop and center grill grate are hot.

Step 2: Prepare the chicken wings

1. Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel to ensure even seasoning.
2. In a bowl, toss the wings with melted butter to enhance flavor and crispiness.
3. Mix the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper, then evenly coat the wings with the spice mix.

Step 3: Smoke the wings

1. Place a few wood chunks onto the fire to create smoke.
2. Position the wings on the outer part of the Arteflame flat cooktop, away from direct heat for slow smoking.
3. Let the wings cook for about 30 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even smoking.

Step 4: Sear the wings for crispy skin

1. Once the wings have absorbed enough smoke, move them to the center grill grate where the temperature reaches 1,000F.
2. Sear the wings for about 1-2 minutes per side to create a beautifully crisp and golden skin.

Step 5: Glaze and finish

1. Move the wings back to the flat cooktop and brush both sides with Kansas-style barbecue sauce.
2. Let them cook for another 5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the sauce caramelizes and becomes slightly sticky.
3. Remove the wings from the grill when the internal temperature reaches 170F (they will continue cooking after removal).

Tips

• Let the wings rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
• Use fruitwood like apple or cherry for a sweeter, more delicate smoke flavor.
• If your barbecue sauce is too thick, warm it on the griddle for easy brushing.
• Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your wings are properly cooked.
• Adjust the heat zones on the flat cooktop by moving wings closer or farther from the center.

Variations

• Spicy Buffalo Wings: Replace barbecue sauce with a mix of hot sauce and melted butter for a fiery kick.
• Garlic Parmesan Wings: Toss the wings in garlic butter and finish with grated Parmesan after cooking.
• Honey Sriracha Wings: Glaze the wings with a mixture of honey and sriracha for a sweet and spicy flavor.
• Teriyaki Wings: Use a teriyaki glaze with sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired twist.
• Lemon Pepper Wings: Skip the barbecue sauce and coat the wings with fresh lemon juice and cracked black pepper before serving.

Conclusion

These Kansas-style smoked chicken wings are a must-try for any grilling enthusiast. With bold spice, smoky flavor, and a caramelized barbecue glaze, they will impress at any gathering. Cooking on the Arteflame grill ensures juicy, perfectly seared wings every time. Fire up your grill and enjoy the best wings you’ve ever made!

Best pairings

• Crispy grilled potato wedges
• Grilled corn on the cob with butter
• Classic coleslaw
• Chilled Kansas-style beer
• Smoky bourbon barbecue beans