"C-Side" Smoked Chicken Wings w/ Big Red Soda & Guava Glaze

Related Chicken Wing Recipes:

Brazilian Chicken Wings

Buttermilk Fried Wings

Air Fryer Jerk Wings

Get yo fingers sticky with these smoked chicken wings drenched in a sweet halleluja Big Red soda and guava glaze!

These wings represent flavor fusion to the fullest, combining the irresistible smokiness of the grill with the tangy sweetness of red soda and the tropical essence of guava.

Get ready to indulge in these bad boys for your next cookout. These are that appetizer that stand out above the rest.

Join me in celebrating Juneteenth with more than 30 other Black culinary creators. Juneteenth marks our country’s second independence day, signifying the final emancipation of those enslaved in the US announced in 1865. This year, we are celebrating “Freedom Day” by offering a delightful selection of mains, sides, desserts, and refreshing drinks that are perfect for backyard barbecues and summer gatherings with friends and family.

Join us in honoring the legacy of progress and freedom by cooking and sharing these recipes. Additionally, you can easily follow each participant by using the hashtag #JuneteenthCookout2023 on Instagram.

You can find a list of all recipes from the 2023 Juneteenth Virtual Potluck on the Eat the Culture website.

Inspiration for This Rib Tips Recipe

Growing up in Texas one of the things I really appreciated about the Juneteenth experience is the presence of real live black cowboys who play an active integral role not only in Juneteenth but as a sub-culture in our society. They are story tellers, performers, and straight-up cowboys who preserve the culture and traditions.

A part of that culture is black foodways specifically creative recipes that demonstrate resiliency, ingenuity, and simplicity all simultaneously.

I tried to bring this spirit together in this smoked chicken wings recipe. The smoking represents the manner of cooking cowboys utilized. Big red soda is almost synonymous with any Southern Juneteenth celebration and especially in Texas.

I combined it with guava jelly and ketchup to make a red glaze symbolic of the blood-shed by our enslaved ancestors. This symbolism is a common "red thread" if you will in Juneteenth celebrations.

Check out a few of the other dope Black cowboy inspired recipes from this year’s Juneteenth Virtual Potluck:

Black Cowboy Recipes

• Big Delicious Life - Bacon Jalapeno Deviled Eggs
• Food Fidelity - Smoked Chicago-Style Rib Tips
• Seasoned To Taste - Spicy Sausage and Baked Bean Casserole
• Collards Are The Old Kale - White Beans w/Tomato Chow Chow
• Sims Home Kitchen - Strawberry Margarita
• Chenée Today - Peach Cobbler Pound Cake

Beats and Eats (music to pair smoking wings)

Savor the soulful sounds of Leon Bridges' enchanting song, "C-Side," while relishing the smoky delight of these perfectly grilled chicken wings. The smooth and captivating melodies of Leon Bridges perfectly complement the rich flavors of the smoked chicken wings. Let those soulful rhythms transport you while you nosh on the tender, juicy wings enhanced by the melodic backdrop of "C-Side.

Ingredients For This Smoked Chicken Wings Recipe

For the Brine

• Water
• Bay leaf
• Pink Curing salt - this is not the same as pink Himalayan salt. You want the Prague powder #1
• Honey
• Maple syrup,
• Black peppercorns
• Fresh thyme

For the Wings

• Chicken Wings
• Kosher Salt
• Black Pepper
• Smoked Paprika
• Brown Sugar
• Cayenne Pepper
• Garlic Powder
• Allspice

For the Glaze

• Big Red Soda
• Guava Jelly
• Ketchup
• Brown Sugar
• Kosher Salt
• Black Pepper
• Smoked Paprika
• Allspice
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Hot Sauce
• Tamarind Paste

How To Smoke Chicken Wings (step by step)

Brine the Wings

Mix water, Bay leaf, curing salt, honey, maple syrup, peppercorns, and fresh thyme all together in a large bowl. Make sure salt has fully dissolved.

Place the wings in a large ziplock bag or storage container with lid. Add the brine and let sit overnight in the refrigerator.

Remove the wings from the brine and rinse well in your sink.

Air Dry Wings

Place drained and rinsed wings onto a wire rack lined baking sheet. Spread the wings out so there is ample space between them.

Place the pan of wings in your refrigerator and air dry for 3-5 hours.

Season the Wings

Remove the wings from the fridge and allow to come to room temperature.

Mix the dry seasonings together in a small bowl or ramekin. Season the chicken generously with the dry rub mix.

Make The Glaze

Heat a medium sauce pan on medium high heat. Add the big red soda, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer until it is reduced by about 50-75%. It should be near syrup consistency.

Add the remaining glaze ingredients. Mix well and let simmer 20-30 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. Taste and adjust seasoning/flavor as needed.

Smoke the Wings

Pre-heat your smoker to 225 - 250 degrees, preferably the lower end. Smoke wings at 225 degrees for 2 hours. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, begin brushing the glaze on the wings every 15 minutes or so.

What To Serve With Smoked BBQ Wings

I enjoy chicken wings as an appetizer for a few different sides plus a few main dish items.

For Side Dish Options

• Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy and cheesy, this classic side dish is the ultimate comfort food that perfectly complements the smoky flavor of the chicken wings.
• Cornbread: Sweet and savory, cornbread adds a delightful texture and taste to your meal, making it an ideal sidekick to the smoky wings.
• Baked Beans: The rich and smoky flavors of baked beans harmonize beautifully with the smokiness of the chicken wings, creating a satisfying combination of textures and tastes.
• Potato Salad: Creamy and tangy, potato salad provides a refreshing contrast to the smoky wings, adding a cool and satisfying element to your plate.
• Grilled Vegetables: Lightly charred and seasoned with herbs, grilled vegetables offer a fresh and nutritious accompaniment to the flavorful chicken wings.
• Green Salad: A crisp and vibrant green salad balances out the richness of the smoked wings
• Fried Blackeyed Peas: Nutritious and flavorful, a quinoa and vegetable medley adds a satisfying element to your meal, complementing the smoky chicken wings.
• Dipping Sauces: You can go with your standard ranch dressing for a dipping sauce or go outside the box a bit and dip into this Senegalese Rof sauce that I made. Rof is similar to a parsley-based chimichurri sauce but spicy thanks to the presence of scotch bonnet or habanero chili peppers.

For Main Dish Options

• Beef Suya Skewers: The smoky flavors of both the chicken wings and pulled pork create a mouthwatering combination, making it a hearty and satisfying main course.
• Grilled Steak: A perfectly grilled steak, seasoned to perfection, pairs beautifully with the smoky chicken wings, offering a contrast in flavors and textures.
• Barbecue Ribs: Tender and succulent barbecue ribs, with their rich and smoky flavors, make for an indulgent main dish that perfectly complements the smoked wings.
• Smoked Trout: For seafood lovers, grilled salmon offers a delicious main course option that pairs well with the smoky flavors of the chicken wings.
• Beef Brisket: The melt-in-your-mouth texture and robust flavors of beef brisket make it an excellent choice to accompany the smoky chicken wings.
• Mofongo Relleno: A platter of assorted grilled vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms, provides a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian option to serve alongside the chicken wings.
• Hot Shrimp Sandwich: Mini sliders filled with tender and flavorful BBQ pulled chicken are a fantastic choice to enjoy alongside the smoky wings, offering a variety of flavors in bite-sized portions.

Cooking Tips and Considerations When Smoking Chicken Wings

• Brine the wings: Brining the chicken wings before smoking helps to enhance their flavor and juiciness. Prepare a brine solution with salt, sugar, and other desired seasonings, and let the wings soak in the brine for a few hours before smoking.
• Use the right wood chips: Choose wood chips that pair well with chicken, such as apple wood, hickory, or cherry. Soak the wood chips in water for about 30 minutes before adding them to the smoker.
• Maintain consistent temperature: Keep the smoker temperature between 225-250°F for slow and even cooking. This allows the wings to absorb the smoky flavors while ensuring they cook thoroughly and remain tender.
• Indirect heat: Arrange the wings on the smoker's grates away from direct heat. This prevents them from getting too charred or burnt and allows the smoke to circulate evenly around the wings.
• Baste with sauce/glaze: Towards the end of the smoking process, brush the wings with your favorite barbecue or glaze sauce. This adds a flavorful glaze and helps to caramelize the wings, giving them a delicious sticky finish.
• Check internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the wing without touching the bone.
• Rest before serving: Once the wings are cooked, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures moist and flavorful wings.

Additional Tips for making the best wings

• Use the glaze as a wings sauce in place of a buffalo sauce or bbq sauce. It's got way more flavor and is a lot more interesting
• Stick with the red theme in this recipe and opt for cherry wood as your wood of choice for smoke.
• Soak your wood chunks or chips in water before using in the smoker.
• I'm not on for dipping wings in blue cheese dressing or ranch. No shade to anyone who does, it's just not my thing. I dipped these in Senegalese Rof which is like a spicy chimichurri.
• If using frozen wings allow them to thaw fully before cooking
• If you don't have time to air dry then pat wings dry with a paper towel.

Frequently Asked Questions About Making Crispy Smoked Chicken Wings

How long should I smoke the chicken wings?

The smoking time for chicken wings can vary depending on the temperature and size of the wings. Generally, it takes around 1.5 to 2 hours at 225-250°F (107-121°C) for the wings to reach the desired level of crispiness and tenderness.

Can I use frozen chicken wings for smoking?

It is best to thaw the chicken wings completely before smoking. Thawing allows for more even cooking and better smoke penetration. You can thaw the wings in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

How can I achieve a crispy skin on the smoked chicken wings?

To achieve a crispy skin, you can increase the temperature of the smoker to around 375-400°F (190-204°C) during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. This high heat will help crisp up the skin while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Can I sauce the wings before smoking?

It is best to wait until the end of the smoking process to apply sauce to the wings. This prevents the sauce from burning or becoming too sticky. Brush the wings with your favorite sauce during the last 10-15 minutes of smoking for a flavorful glaze.

How do I store leftover smoked chicken wings?

Allow the smoked wings to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or resealable bags. Place them in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days. To reheat, you can either microwave them or place them in a preheated oven until heated through.

Special Equipment Needed

This recipe obviously calls for a grill or smoker that allows you to smoke the wings at low temperature indirectly (away from the heat source). I use a Kamado Joe and occasionally a Traeger Pellet Smoker.

For other smoker recipes try these:

Smoked Cauliflower

Grilled Pork Steak

Smoked Rib Tips

Smoked Chicken Thighs

Make This Smoked Hot Wings Recipe

These smoked bbq chicken wings with Big Red and guava glaze are a true flavor explosion that will rock your world! The smoky and juicy wings are perfectly complemented by the tangy-sweet glaze and will leave you craving for more. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these wings are sure to impress.

Party wings charcoal grill electric smoker pellet smoker

If you make this smoked chicken wing recipe or any other from the site, please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.

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