By Rock’s Game Day Smoked Chicken Wings on the Traeger
If you’re looking for the ultimate game day snack or backyard BBQ appetizer, these Rock’s Game Day Smoked Chicken Wings are the way to go. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with a tangy citrus kick, they’re the kind of wings that disappear fast. Best part? They’re easy to pull off on your Traeger Timberline 1300.
In this post, we’ll cover:
- The quick marinade that gives these wings their bold flavor
- Step-by-step prep and smoking instructions
- Which wood pellets pair best with citrus flavors
- Pro tips to make your wings extra crispy
Let’s get started!
Why Make This Recipe?
Smoked chicken wings aren’t new, but adding the Rock’s Citrus Spice Blend gives them a bright, tangy twist that sets them apart. Whether it’s for tailgating, family night, or just because wings make every day better—this recipe checks all the boxes.
- Easy Prep: Simple marinade, quick trim, and you’re ready to cook.
- Flavor Packed: The citrus-forward seasoning balances perfectly with smoke.
- Crowd Favorite: Crispy wings are always the first to go at any BBQ table.
Ingredients
Meat
- 2 lbs chicken wings (whole, to be split into drums and flats)
Marinade
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Rock’s Citrus Spice Blend
- 1 tbsp water
Rub/Seasoning
- 1 tbsp Rock’s Citrus Spice Blend (for final dusting)
Best Wood Pellets for Citrus Smoked Wings
When it comes to wings, you want wood that complements the seasoning without overpowering it. My top picks:
- Applewood – Sweet, light smoke that pairs perfectly with citrus.
- Cherry – Slightly fruity and adds a nice reddish hue to the skin.
- Pecan – A smooth, nutty flavor that plays well with tangy marinades.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep – 15 Minutes
- Mix olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Rock’s Citrus Spice Blend, and water in a large zip-top bag.
- Cut wings into drums and flats by slicing through the joint. Discard tips.
- Pat wings dry with paper towels, then toss into the marinade bag. Seal with a little air left inside and shake to coat.
- Let wings marinate at least 15 minutes while you fire up the smoker.
Smoking – 35–45 Minutes
- Preheat your Traeger Timberline 1300 to 375°F.
- Arrange wings on a cooling rack (makes transport easy) or directly on the grill grate. Space them so they don’t touch.
- Dust wings liberally with an extra hit of Rock’s Citrus Spice Blend before closing the lid.
- Smoke for 35–45 minutes, checking around the 35-minute mark.
Searing – 10 Minutes
- Crank your Traeger up to 500°F once the wings hit golden brown.
- Sear each side for about 5 minutes until skin is crispy and bones start pulling back.
- Remove wings and let them rest for 5 minutes before digging in.
Key Steps Summary
- Cut wings into flats and drums
- Toss in quick citrus marinade
- Smoke at 375°F for 35–45 minutes
- Crank to 500°F for a crispy finish
- Rest, then serve hot
Pro Tips
- Pat Them Dry: Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin—always dry wings before seasoning.
- Use a Cooling Rack: Makes moving them on and off the grill simple and helps airflow for even cooking.
- Serve Fresh: Wings are best right off the smoker. Don’t tent them in foil—it’ll steam the skin.
Common Questions
Q: Can I marinate the wings longer?
Yes! A quick 15 minutes works, but leaving them overnight in the fridge will deepen the flavor.
Q: Do I need to flip the wings?
Not on a Traeger. The convection airflow does the work, but I like flipping once during the sear stage for an even crisp.
Q: Can I use this recipe in the oven?
You can—but you’ll miss the smoke. If you do, crank your broiler at the end to mimic that crispy finish.
Q: What dipping sauces go best with these wings?
Classic ranch or blue cheese works, but honestly, these are bold enough to stand on their own.
Final Thoughts
These Rock’s Citrus Smoked Chicken Wings are a game-day winner and one of my go-to recipes when I want something quick, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress. Crispy, smoky, tangy—they’ve got everything you want in a wing.
Ready to try it? Fire up your smoker, grab a cold beverage, and let’s make some wings!
Want more BBQ inspiration? Check out:
Game Day Smoked Wings
Equipment
- 1 Gallon Ziploc® Bag
Ingredients
- 1/4 Cup Olive Oil
- 1 TBSP Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 TBSP Water
- 1 TBSP Rock's Citrus Spice Blend
- 2 Lbs Chicken Wings (fresh wings to cut into flats & drumsticks)
Instructions
Prep Time
- First we start my adding all wet ingredients and Rock's Citrus Spice Blend into your Zip Loc bag to make our quick marinade.1/4 Cup Olive Oil, 1 TBSP Apple Cider Vinegar, 1 TBSP Rock's Citrus Spice Blend, 1 TBSP Water
- Next take your full chicken wings and prep them by cutting into "flats" and "drums"2 Lbs Chicken Wings
- To do this, take a large sharp knife (or clever) and place it in the joint between the drumstick and the flat. Press down firmly, and you will cut directly through the skin, tendons & bone.
- Repeat this same process to remove and discard the wings "tip"
- After cutting up each wing, pat the wings dry to remove any excess moisture from the skin, then place your drumsticks and flats into your marinade.
- With all the wings in the Zip Loc bag, leave some air in the bag but close it up. Then toss the wings around in the bag to incorporate the quick marinade around all the wings.
Smoking
- After your wings have marinaded for at least 15 minutes, start up your Traeger Timberline 1300 and set your temperature to 375° F.
- When up to temp, place each flat and drumstick directly on the grill grate (or cooling rack for easy transport) and smoke for 35-45 minutes. Feel free to add another dusting of your Rock's Citrus Spice Blend when putting the wings on.1 TBSP Rock's Citrus Spice Blend
- After 35-45 minutes check the progress and if the wings are beginning to turn a golden brown take your Traeger up to 500° F.
- When you reach 500° F, sear each side for another 5 minutes each.
- After searing, your wings should be a deep golden color with a slightly crisp skin. You will also likely see the bones beginning to pull out a bit. Remove the wings from your Traeger and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Lastly – and most importantly – crack open your beverage of choice, flip on your favorite game, and enjoy your wings with family and friends!
