Description

These Buffalo Chimichurri Chicken Wings combine spicy buffalo sauce, smoky BBQ flavors, and a vibrant chimichurri herb topping for a deliciously bold appetizer perfect for game day or any gathering. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, they are smoked, grilled, and tossed in a flavorful homemade sauce to create the ultimate wing experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Wings

5 pounds whole chicken wings
1 tbsp SPG (Salt, Pepper, Garlic seasoning)
2 tbsp BBQ rub
3 tbsp corn starch
¼ cup buffalo sauce

Buffalo Sauce

¼ cup buffalo sauce (separated from above)
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp honey
½ tsp smoked paprika

Chimichurri Sauce

½ cup fresh parsley, hand chopped
½ cup fresh cilantro, hand chopped
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
½ cup olive oil
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
Juice from 1 lemon
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
½ tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions

Prepare Wings: Take whole chicken wings and cut them at each knuckle to separate the drums from the flats. This allows for more even cooking and better sauce coating.
Coat Wings with Buffalo Sauce: Place the wings in a large bowl, drizzle in ¼ cup of buffalo sauce, and mix well to coat as a binder for the seasonings.
Season Wings: Sprinkle the wings evenly with 1 tbsp SPG and 2 tbsp BBQ rub, then add 3 tbsp corn starch and thoroughly mix to help the wings crisp up while cooking.
Smoke the Wings: Place the wings on a smoker preheated to 350°F. Smoke them for 1 hour, flipping halfway through for even cooking and smoky flavor infusion.
Make Chimichurri Sauce: Hand chop parsley, cilantro, and garlic finely. In a bowl, combine these with olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly and set aside at room temperature for serving.
Cook Buffalo Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the remaining buffalo sauce, butter, honey, and smoked paprika. Cook, stirring constantly until fully combined and smooth. Remove from heat and let cool.
Grill Wings to Finish: Preheat the grill to high heat and grill the smoked wings until they reach an internal temperature of 185°F, creating a crispy exterior.
Toss Wings in Sauce and Chimichurri: Place the finished wings in a large bowl, drizzle with the prepared buffalo sauce, and top with chimichurri. Mix well until all wings are fully coated.
Serve: Serve the wings warm and enjoy a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and fresh herb flavors.

Notes

Cutting wings at the knuckles ensures even cooking and better sauce coverage.
Smoking at 350°F adds a smoky depth that enhances the buffalo flavor.
Using corn starch helps create a crispy skin when grilling.
Chimichurri sauce adds freshness and brightness that complements the heat of the buffalo sauce.
Ensure wings reach 185°F internal temperature for safe and juicy results.
Can be made ahead: prepare wings and sauces separately, then toss and serve when ready.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Smoking and Grilling
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Buffalo wings, chimichurri sauce, chicken wings, smoked chicken wings, grilled wings, game day snacks, spicy appetizers, BBQ wings