Keto Smoked Chicken wings

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken wings
• 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or any preferred dried herbs)
• Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley, lemon wedges

Instructions

1. Prep the Wings:
   • Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Dry wings absorb the smoke better, giving a rich smoky flavor.
   • In a large mixing bowl, toss the wings with olive oil until coated.
2. Season the Wings:
   • In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and thyme.
   • Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the wings, tossing to coat evenly.
3. Preheat the Smoker:
   • Preheat your smoker to 225°F (about 107°C). For wood chips, hickory, applewood, or pecan wood pair well with chicken wings.
4. Smoke the Wings:
   • Place the wings directly on the smoker rack, leaving a bit of space between each wing.
   • Smoke for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If you prefer a crispier skin, you can increase the temperature to 375°F in the last 10-15 minutes or finish the wings on a grill over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes per side.
5. Serve:
   • Remove the wings from the smoker and let them rest for a few minutes.
   • Garnish with chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon if desired, and serve warm.

Tips

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Dipping Sauce: Pair with a keto-friendly dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese.