Smoked Peach-Chipotle Wings

Who doesn’t love wings? I seem to serve them every game day, BBQ, or casual get-together. But let’s face it, traditional buffalo wings can get a little… well, boring. There’s nothing boring about these saucy sweet and spicy Smoked Peach-Chipotle Wings! Made on a Traeger pellet grill smoker, these wings are perfectly delicious, and they’re the life of the party!

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I love wings, and after living in Texas for 20+ years I fell in love with smoked wings. When we moved wayyyy north and didn’t have a BBQ restaurant on every corner, it was time to get our own backyard smoker so I could make all my favorite smoked meats, including smoked wings.

Chipotle and peach are a perfect flavor match, and the natural smoky flavor of the chipotle really comes through.

Hungry for some sweet and spicy and perfectly smoky wings? Grab some napkins and dig into these Smoked Peach-Chipotle Wings!

Ingredients

• Chicken wings – Split, tips removed. Pat them very dry with paper towels. Wet wings won’t crisp up properly.
• Salt – I use Kosher salt.
• Pepper – Freshly cracked black pepper tastes best, but pre-ground works.
• Peach jam – Any store-bought jam will do. Peach preserves with chunks of fruit add extra texture. Don’t use sugar-free jam—the natural sugars help caramelize the wings.
• Chipotle in adobo sauce – Use canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Start with one pepper and add more if you want extra heat. Chop the chipotles fine before adding.
• Adobo sauce – Reserved from the can. Adds smoky, tangy depth without adding more whole peppers and heat.
• Apple cider vinegar – Apple cider vinegar adds the right tang. White vinegar works in a pinch but doesn’t have the same fruity depth.

How to Make Smoked Chipotle-Peach Wings

Scroll down for the full recipe card with exact measurements and printable instructions.

Start by preheating your Traeger pellet smoker, or another pellet grill, to 180°F.

Arrange the chicken wings in a single layer on the smoker grate, leaving a little space between each wing for even cooking and smoke circulation. Smoke the wings for about 60 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F when checked with a digital meat thermometer.

Remove the wings from the smoker and set them aside. Increase the smoker temperature to 450°F.

Once the grill is fully heated, return the wings to the grate. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until the skin becomes crisp and lightly browned.

While the wings are crisping, combine the peach jam, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, and vinegar in a blender. Blend until the sauce is smooth and well combined.

Transfer the hot wings to a large bowl. Pour enough sauce over the wings to coat them evenly and toss until fully covered.

Transfer the wings to a serving platter. Serve immediately with the remaining chipotle-peach sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy!

Chef Jenn’s Tips

• For optimal smokiness, make sure to preheat your Traeger pellet grill smoker properly.
• Using a digital thermometer is crucial for getting the wings to the perfect internal temperature.
• If you’re sensitive to heat, adjust the amount of chipotle and adobo sauce to your liking.
• When making the sauce, feel free to adjust the ratio of peach jam to vinegar for desired sweetness and tanginess.
• Don’t skip the final crisping step at 450°F; it adds an essential crunch to your wings.

What Pellets Are Best for Smoked Peach-Chipotle Wings?

I love mixing and matching pellets to create my own blends. If I’m in a pinch for time, I’ll use a bland, but for a real flavor treat that’ll enhance the fruity sweetness of these wings, blend some hickory with apple or cherry wood pellets.

Make It A Meal

To make these wings a complete meal, consider adding a few complementary sides. A fresh summer salad with a citrus vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the wings, while a side of grilled asparagus or corn on the cob would add a touch of freshness to go with the chipotle-peach flavors.

Storage

Got leftovers? These wings store beautifully. Place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to freeze them, make sure to put them in a freezer-safe bag, pushing out as much air as possible. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat on your Traeger pellet grill at 350°F or in the oven until warmed through.