Wingstop Hickory Smoked BBQ Recipe

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For those cozy nights in or when you’re tasked with bringing that “wow” factor to a party, mastering the Wingstop Hickory Smoked BBQ flavor at home can turn any ordinary meal into a festive feast.

How to make Wingstop Hickory Smoked BBQ

Wingstop Hickory Smoked BBQ is one of their signature wing flavors. It features a sweet, smoky barbecue taste with a hint of hickory wood flavor. The sauce is thicker and slightly sticky, coating the wings with a rich, tangy-sweet glaze. It’s not spicy, making it a great choice for those who prefer a milder, smoky-sweet BBQ flavor over heat.

Ingredients:

For the Wings:

• 2 lbs of chicken wings, tips removed and split at the joint
• 1 tablespoon baking powder (helps to crisp the skin)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Oil for frying or baking (if not using an air fryer)

For the Hickory Smoked BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon molasses (for depth)
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (for that hickory flavor)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• A splash of liquid smoke (to enhance the smoky flavor; adjust to taste)
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick

Instructions:

Preparing the Wings:

1. Dry the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Removing moisture helps achieve a crispy texture.
2. Season: Mix the baking powder, salt, and pepper, and toss the wings in the mixture until they’re evenly coated.
3. Cook: You have several options here. If frying, heat oil to 375°F (190°C) and fry in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 10 minutes. For baking, preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C), place wings on a rack over a baking sheet, and bake for 45 minutes, flipping halfway through. Alternatively, use an air fryer at 400°F (204°C) for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.

Making the Hickory Smoked BBQ Sauce:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan over medium heat, mix together all the BBQ sauce ingredients. Bring to a simmer while stirring frequently.
2. Simmer: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning and liquid smoke according to your taste.

Finalizing the Wings:

1. Toss: Once the wings are cooked and still hot, toss them in a large bowl with your homemade Hickory Smoked BBQ sauce until they’re generously coated.
2. Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Wings:

• Baking Powder: Ensure you’re using aluminum-free baking powder to avoid any metallic taste.
• Crispy Skin: If baking or air-frying, make sure the wings are not overcrowded to allow proper air circulation, which helps achieve a crispy skin.
• Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer. For a thinner consistency, add a tablespoon of water or apple cider vinegar.
• Liquid Smoke: Use sparingly as it can be very potent. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
• Resting: Letting fried wings rest for a couple of minutes on a rack before tossing them with the sauce can help retain their crispiness.

What to serve with

When serving Wingstop Hickory Smoked BBQ wings, pairing them with the right sides and accompaniments can enhance the eating experience, balancing the rich, smoky flavors with complementary tastes and textures. Here are some ideal options to consider:

1. Celery and Carrot Sticks: These classic wing accompaniments offer a crisp, refreshing contrast to the smoky, savory flavor of the wings. Not only do they provide a palate cleanser between bites, but they also add a healthy, colorful touch to your plate.

2. Blue Cheese or Ranch Dressing: A creamy dip like blue cheese or ranch is perfect for balancing out the bold flavors of Wingstop Hickory Smoked BBQ. The tanginess of the dressing pairs nicely with the smokey barbecue sauce, providing a creamy texture that complements the wings.

3. Seasoned Fries: A side of fries is almost mandatory with wings. For an extra layer of flavor, opt for seasoned fries or garlic Parmesan fries. Crispy fries are an excellent vehicle for any leftover dipping sauce!

4. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled, corn on the cob is a summer classic that pairs wonderfully with BBQ wings. Brush some butter and sprinkle a bit of salt, or give it a more gourmet touch with lime, cilantro, and Parmesan for an elote-inspired version.

5. Coleslaw: The crunch and tang of coleslaw complement smoky and meaty flavors beautifully. A vinegar-based slaw can add a nice acidity, cutting through the richness of the BBQ wings.

6. Sweet Potato Fries: For a sweeter side, opt for sweet potato fries. Their natural sweetness is a great match for the smoky BBQ flavor, and they’re a healthier alternative to traditional fries.

7. Cornbread: Another excellent side dish that echoes the Southern roots of BBQ is a slice of soft, buttery cornbread. It’s perfect for soaking up extra sauce and adds a sweet, comforting element to your meal.

8. Onion Rings: For those who enjoy a little extra crunch, onion rings are a hearty option that stands up well to the bold flavors of Hickory Smoked BBQ wings.

9. Pickle Spears: Don’t forget some tangy pickle spears. Their crisp texture and sharp flavor provide a refreshing balance to the savory wings.

10. Iced Tea or Lemonade: To drink, you can’t go wrong with a glass of iced tea or lemonade. Both beverages are refreshing and serve as the perfect palate cleansers after a mouthful of smoky and savory flavors.

11. Beer: For adult gatherings, a light lager or a slightly sweet beer such as an amber ale can complement the bold flavors of the barbecue sauce very well.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a batch of homemade Wingstop Hickory Smoked BBQ wings allows you to tap into the world of culinary creativity, especially when it comes to substituting ingredients.

Chicken Wings:

Original: 2 lbs of chicken wings

Substitutes: For a vegetarian option, try cauliflower florets or seitan wings. If you’re looking for different meat, turkey wings or drumettes can work, though cooking times may vary.

Baking Powder (for crispy skin):

Original: 1 tablespoon baking powder

Substitutes: If you’re out of baking powder, you can use a solution of baking soda and cream of tartar (use a 1:2 ratio). For a keto or grain-free version, choose an aluminum-free and grain-free baking powder.

For the Hickory Smoked BBQ Sauce:

• Ketchup: For a healthier option, use a low-sugar or sugar-free ketchup. In a pinch, tomato sauce mixed with vinegar and sweetener can also mimic ketchup.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: White vinegar, lemon juice, or lime juice can serve as alternatives, though the flavor profile will slightly change.
• Brown Sugar: Honey, molasses, maple syrup, or coconut sugar are excellent substitutes. For a sugar-free version, use erythritol or a sugar-free brown sugar substitute.
• Honey and Molasses: If you don’t have honey, maple syrup is a great substitute. For molasses, dark corn syrup or additional brown sugar can work. Agave nectar is another alternative.
• Smoked Paprika: If you don’t have smoked paprika, use regular paprika mixed with a tiny bit of liquid smoke or a pinch of ground cumin for smokiness.
• Liquid Smoke: Smoked paprika can increase smokiness without liquid smoke. Alternatively, a few drops of mesquite or hickory BBQ sauce can impart a similar flavor.
• Chili Powder or Cayenne Pepper: Adjust the heat with crushed red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or skip entirely for less spice.

Final Thoughts

Savoring your homemade Wingstop Hickory Smoked BBQ wings, you’ll get to enjoy the fruits of your labor: juicy, tender wings with a delightful smoky, tangy, and sweet glaze.

More Wingstop Recipes:

• Copycat Wingstop Sweet Chili Glaze Recipe
• Copycat Wingstop Lakers Legendary Garlic Recipe
• Copycat Wingstop Atomic Wings Recipe