Traeger Wings: Great Buffalo Wings Recipe

Buffalo wings are a timeless classic beloved by many, and mastering them can elevate your grilling game. This guide draws inspiration from Traeger's recipe to provide you with a unique take on crafting the perfect buffalo wings with a smoky twist.

Ingredients

• Chicken Wings

  • 4 pounds of chicken wings
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • Traeger Chicken Rub (to taste)
  • Kosher salt (to taste)

• Buffalo Sauce

  • 1/2 cup hot sauce (Traeger Original or Frank's RedHot recommended)
  • 1/4 cup spicy mustard
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter

• For Serving

  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping

Instructions

1. Preparation

   • Preheat your grill to 375℉ with the lid closed for 15 minutes.
   • Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels.
   • In a large bowl, mix the wings with cornstarch, Traeger Chicken Rub, and kosher salt until evenly coated.

2. Grilling

   • Place the wings directly on the grill grates. Close the lid and cook, turning halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F. For optimal texture, aim for 175-180°F, which should take about 35 minutes.

3. Buffalo Sauce

   • While the wings are cooking, prepare the buffalo sauce. In a small saucepan, combine hot sauce, mustard, and butter. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking until the butter is melted and the sauce is warmed through. Keep warm until ready to use.

4. Saucing the Wings

   • Transfer the cooked wings to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the wings and toss with tongs to coat thoroughly.

5. Final Cook

   • Return the sauced wings to the grill, close the lid, and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the sauce to set.

6. Serving

   • Serve the wings hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Tips for Perfection

• Heat Control: Adjust the level of spiciness in your buffalo sauce by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper if you prefer extra heat.
• Wood Choice: Using hickory wood pellets can enhance the smoky flavor, but feel free to experiment with different types of wood for varying flavor profiles.
• Crispy Skin: For extra crispy skin, ensure the wings are thoroughly dried before seasoning and cooking.

Thought-Provoking Insights

1. Exploring Wood Flavors: How does the choice of wood pellets influence the final taste of the buffalo wings?
2. Heat Levels: What are the best ways to modify the buffalo sauce recipe to cater to different spice tolerance levels?
3. Serving Variations: Besides ranch and blue cheese dressing, what other dipping sauces could complement buffalo wings well?

By following these steps and tips, you'll be able to create delicious buffalo wings that boast a perfect balance of tangy spice and smoky flavor, ensuring they're a hit at any gathering. Enjoy the process and the delectable results!