0-400 Chicken Wings
Zero to 400 is a method that can be used to get a smoky profile in your chicken wings as well as a nice crispy skin using your pellet smoker. All pellet smokers only produce smoke at lower temperatures, generally under 300F. So starting with a cold grill, you get a lot of smoke as the temperature slowly climbs up to 400F. After 30 minutes from the start, give the wings a flip and let them run for another 30 minutes. At that point the wings have been on for an hour and should be done. The internal temperature should be way over 165F be the end of the hour, but to be safe you should always check to ensure they're safe to consume.
The other important step to get crispy skin is to use baking powder. Dusting the wings with baking powder before seasoning and placing on the grill will help dry out the skin allowing it to crisp up during that 400F cycle in the smoker.
The first time I made wings this way everyone who tried them said they were the best wings I've ever made for them! That's enough for me to always use this technique. You can ever apply this method to full chicken pieces to impart that smoky flavor and crispy skin. Just be sure to check the internal temperature as the pieces obviously will have a lot more meat than your standard chicken wing.
If you're looking for a way to have smoky crispy wings from your pellet grill, then the 0-400 method is for you!
- 5 pounds Chicken Wings
- 2 tablespoons Baking Powder
- 6 tablespoons BBQ Rub (More or less to taste)
Lay out the chicken wings on some paper towels, and pat dry.
Place the wings into a large container and add the baking powder. Mix thoroughly.
Add in the BBQ rub, and mix thoroughly.
Place the wings on the cold (off) smoker. Turn the smoker on and set the temperature to 400F.
After 30 minutes flip the wings. IF you have some hot spots in the smoker, now's a good time to move the wings around to ensure even cooking.
After an additional 30 minutes the wings should be done. For safety reasons, check you internal temperature to be sure. The wings should be at least at 165F to be safely consumed. Chances are they are above that, around 190, but that's ok and what we are expecting.
Place the finished wings in a large, clean container, add the BBQ sauce and mix thoroughly.
Enjoy!