North Carolina Smoked Chicken Wings with Carolina Gold

Introduction

There are few things as mouthwatering as perfectly smoked chicken wings kissed with flame and sealed with that famous tangy Carolina Gold sauce. This recipe brings the bold flavor of a North Carolina smokehouse to your backyard, using the unparalleled heat and versatility of the Arteflame grill. Smoking and reverse-searing your wings over open hardwood gives you dense, smoky flavor and juicy meat. No pots, pans, or oven needed—just wood, fire, and flavor.

Ingredients

• 4 lbs chicken wings, split and tips removed
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 cup Carolina Gold BBQ sauce (mustard-based)
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 2 chunks hickory or apple wood (for extra smoke flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the soaked napkins in the center of the Arteflame grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins and light them.
4. Wait about 20 minutes until the center grill grate reaches over 1,000°F and the surrounding flat top is hot and evenly heated.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Wings

1. While the grill is heating, seasoning the wings with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
2. Let them rest at room temperature for 15–20 minutes to absorb the flavor evenly.

Step 3: Smoke the Wings on the Flat Cooktop

1. Place the wings on the outer edge of the flat top griddle, where the temperature is lower for indirect cooking and smoke.
2. Add hickory or apple wood chunks to the fire to enhance the smoke flavor.
3. Cover the wings loosely with a metal bowl if desired to concentrate smoke (optional).
4. Smoke for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step 4: Reverse Sear to Perfection

1. When the wings reach 145°F internal temperature, move them to the center grill grate for 60–90 seconds per side to sear and crisp up the skin.
2. After both sides are seared and the wings reach 160°F, remove them from the grill to rest. They will carry over to reach the final temp of 175°F.

Step 5: Toss in Carolina Gold Sauce

1. Brush or toss the hot wings with Carolina Gold BBQ sauce mixed with 2 tbsp melted butter for a luscious coating.
2. Let rest for 5 minutes to allow sauce to set and flavor to intensify.

Tips

• Remove the wings from the grill at 160°F internal temperature—they’ll rise to 175°F while resting.
• Use real wood, not charcoal for that authentic smokehouse flavor.
• Keep wings moving on the flat top to avoid overcooking and to develop even sear.
• Butter adds excellent flavor and helps the sauce stick beautifully.
• Cook veggies or sides on the flat top simultaneously to maximize heat zones on the Arteflame grill.

Variations

1. Spicy Carolina Style: Add cayenne pepper and hot sauce to the Carolina Gold sauce for a fiery kick.
2. Honey Mustard Glaze: Mix equal parts Carolina Gold sauce and honey for a sweeter, stickier finish.
3. Asian Fusion Wings: Toss wings in gochujang and mustard for a Korean-inspired twist.
4. Smoky Bourbon Sauce: Add 1 oz of bourbon and brown sugar to the mustard sauce for a deep, complex flavor.
5. Citrus Carolina Wings: Add fresh orange zest and a splash of apple cider vinegar to brighten and zing the classic sauce.

Best Pairings

• Pickled vegetables for a fresh crunch
• Grilled corn with butter and chili powder
• Sweet iced tea or craft beer like a hoppy pale ale
• Toasted cornbread cooked right on the flat top
• Grilled peach halves with brown sugar for dessert

Conclusion

These Carolina-style smoked chicken wings are packed with smoky flavor, crispy skin, and drenched in tangy Carolina Gold sauce—perfect for game day or backyard gatherings. The Arteflame grill makes grilling a breeze and elevates your wings with steakhouse-quality sear and natural wood smoke.