The Queen of the Grill Is a True Wingaholic

Paula Stachyra, a BBQ influencer who goes by Queen of the Grill, loves chicken wings more than most. She loves them so much she challenged herself to write a fantastic new book called Wing Crush: 100 Epic Recipes for Your Grill or Smoker, which features a ton of inspired recipes for chicken wings. Her wings can be made via smoker, grill, or even an oven in a pinch.

Toronto, Canada-based Stachyra also co-hosts the All Up In My Grills podcast with co-host Lauren Nagel. The podcast showcases conversations between two BBQ-loving women who live in different countries, making it one of the most unique BBQ podcasts around.

We recently interviewed Stachyra about her backstory, the new book, how she views the BBQ social media, and more. This conversation has been lightly edited for clarity.

Paula Stachyra, author of Wing Crush, has amassed a large following on Instagram and TikTok.

The Smoke Sheet (TSS): What is your BBQ origin story?
Paula Stachyra (PS): It all started on a hot summer day, when I was around 8 years old, during a family camping trip. As I watched my father light a fire to grill some food, I was immediately drawn to it. There’s just something about being outdoors, open fire grilling, and the taste and smell of food. I was drawn in more and more after each family gathering. Grilling was always a key factor, and wings were part of that. My mom always made the best-tasting chicken wings with only a handful of ingredients. Most of the time, everyone was gathered around the grill connecting over food and creating fond memories. As I got older, I eventually took over the family grilling duties most of the time, which is how I learned to grill on propane and charcoal.

TSS: Where did you get more serious about live-fire cooking?
PS: I became serious about grilling about six years ago when I got my first charcoal grill, a Weber Kettle. That fueled my passion for grilling. The first thing I grilled to break it in, you guessed it, was chicken wings.

TSS: What inspired you to write your new book, Wing Crush?
PS: It’s no secret that I have a love affair with chicken wings. I may or may not be a wingaholic. They’re on a weekly rotation, sometimes twice a week. I enjoy exploring flavors and coming up with creative and innovative recipes. About a year ago, I started posting chicken wing recipes every Wednesday calling it Wing Crush Wednesday, WCW for short, on my Instagram page. Where every week, I have a new crush. I thought it would be a fun thing to do and post some out-of-the-box recipes and motivate others to do so as well. I never thought it would be what it is today. Fast forward to today, and WCW has become something people look forward to, associate me with, tag me in their creations, recreate my recipes, and are excited to see what creation I come up with next.

Wing Crush features tons of recipes for chicken wings, many of which will surprise you.

TSS: Are there recipes in Wing Crush that are a little out-of-left-field that you can tell us about?
PS: There are a handful of recipes that are out-of-left-field, such as Oreo and Bacon, Strawberry Cheesecake, Butter Popcorn, and Ramen Crusted, to name a few. … A few years ago, I did a bacon-wrapped Oreo recipe and thought that this would be fun to re-create for wings. It starts with seasoning the wings with your favorite rub, dipped in smooth peanut butter (this is the binder), coated in crushed golden Oreos, and topped with bacon crumbs once the wings are fully cooked and plated.

TSS: As a popular social media influencer (@queenofthegrill), what do you think of the BBQ social media landscape today?
PS: I believe it's an amazing space of incredible people and supporters. There's so much talent, and I am grateful to be a part of it and have met so many people along the way that I get to call friends. Some I've yet to meet in person but are a huge part of my life. Everyone is so helpful and always willing to offer advice. It's definitely changed since I first started in 2018. There are more influencers and trends to keep up with.

TSS: You post more frequently on Instagram than on TikTok but have a good following on both. Do you expect BBQ to grow as popular on TikTok as it has on Instagram?
PS: I believe BBQ is already popular on TikTok. Most BBQ influencers are on both platforms and based on what I see, they are doing really well. People are intrigued by grilling, how-to's, tips, tricks, and techniques. 

One of the coolest recipes in Wing Crush is for Chicken Parmesan Wings. (Photo by Paula Stachyra)

TSS: Who are some of your favorite people to follow in the BBQ social landscape?
PS: I am inspired by so many incredible people, including Lauren Nagel (@bonappeteach), Chris Sussman (@the_bbq_buddha), and Christie Vanover (@girlscangrill), to name a few.

TSS: If you could only eat one of your wing recipes in the book for the rest of your life but none of the others, which would you choose and why?
PS: Sandy's Smokehouse because the recipe has Cajun flavors, which is one of my favorites, and it was named after my late great grilling sidekick dog Sandy.

TSS: You have a great podcast that releases episodes every few months called All Up In My Grills. How did that get started, and are there any plans to release episodes more frequently?
PS: I met Lauren (@bonappeteach) on Instagram a few years ago, we became best friends, and she came up with the idea to do a podcast together. I thought it was an incredible idea. We always have fun recording together. We absolutely want to release episodes more frequently, but, It's been challenging recently due to our busy schedules.

Another Wing Crush recipe that’s perfect for a party is Spicy Chili Garlic Wings. (Photo by Paula Stachyra)

TSS: What’s your favorite episode of All Up In My Grills?
PS: My favorite episode is Season 1, Episode 2. We talk about bagels and authenticity in the Social Media space. (Listen here.)

TSS: Are there any in-person events you’ll be doing in 2022?
PS: I will be live on The Social TV show in Toronto on August 4th, showcasing 4 chicken wing recipes from my book Wing Crush. I will also be doing a beef rib and chicken wing workshop at the Halal Rib Festival in Toronto at Downsview Park on August 27th.

Sean Ludwig (NYC BBQ) and Ryan Cooper (BBQ Tourist)
Co-Founders, The Smoke Sheet

—Sauce King NYC, a virtual event from Food Karma Projects, is back for its third year. Using judges, Sauce King NYC determines the best barbecue sauces, hot sauces, marinades, and more from around the country. The competition is now accepting shelf-stable sauce and condiment submissions through August 20th for the 2022 competition. Enter your best sauce in the competition today!—

—Weber has been taking some heat this week. (Photo by Wai Chan)—

HOT OFF THE PRESS

Weber, one of the largest grill makers in the U.S., announced Monday that it had replaced CEO Chris Scherzinger with an interim CEO and would be making strategic business changes to adapt to lower sales, inflation, and supply chain concerns. Scherzinger had been CEO since April 2018 and led the company as it went public in mid-2021. Illinois-based Weber said it is also considering cutting its workforce and reducing other expenses. READ MORE.

On a similar note, Utah-based Traeger revealed it planned to lay off staffers and reduce other costs in order to respond to a more challenging market. The company said it would also “stop operation of Traeger Provisions, which sells meal kits, and is putting plans to manufacture its products in Mexico on hold,” according to the Salt Lake Tribune. READ MORE.

Daniel Vaughn reports in Texas Monthly that several restaurants and food trucks in Minnesota are “excelling at brisket, ribs, and more, all inspired by Texas’s most famous joints.” Vaughn notes that joints including Boomin BBQ and  Animales Barbeque Co. in Minneapolis, as well as Scotty's Whole Hog BBQ in Northfield, are creating creative smoked meats and sides. One highlight is Boomin BBQ’s smoked Juicy Lucy, which uses housemade American cheese stuffed inside two patties of locally sourced ground beef and then smoked. READ MORE.

If you are looking to buy a custom backyard barbecue pit, Kevin Kelly of Kevin’s BBQ Joints has compiled an extensive list of pit builders with options at different price points. READ MORE.
 

ADDITIONAL READS

The Houston Chronicle’s J.C. Reid writes about the rise and fall of the political barbecue.

McKenzie’s Barbeque & Burgers was named the 2022 Restaurateur of the Year for the Montgomery County Chapter of the Texas Restaurant Association.

Rodney Scott shares three red flags to look out for when dining at a barbecue restaurant.

These are the best wines to pair with barbecue, according to Pat Martin.

Renowned BBQ pitmaster Big Moe Cason shares his talents with the world on a new National Geographic series entitled World of Flavor with Big Moe Cason.

Kansas City native Emily Farris writes about the famous barbecue rub she uses on everything in this article for Epicurious.

—Chef Michael Symon shares 10 commandments of barbecue in a new video.—

WATCH

Michael Symon's 10 Commandments of BBQ — BBQ USA

It's the most competitive game in food — BBQ! In the new show BBQ USA, chef and restaurateur Michael Symon heads to the biggest BBQ competitions across America to showcase the talented pitmasters, die-hard devotees, and, of course, the most mouthwatering 'que around. Follow Michael's 10 commandments of barbecue for perfectly smoky and super-flavorful smoked meats. WATCH HERE.

LISTEN

Sunny Moody of Moodswing BBQ and Richard Fergola of Fergolicious BBQ — Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast

In this episode of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, host Lyndal Scranton welcomes Sunny Moody of Moodswing BBQ, a world steak champion and popular contestant on the latest season of the Food Network’s BBQ Brawl. Sunny talks about her experience on the show, discusses how there may be more television in her future, and shares some information on how to grill a perfect Tomahawk Ribeye. Then Richard Fergola of Fergolicious BBQ joins the show to talk about his busy schedule of competitions, classes, and events. LISTEN HERE.

READ

The Lost Fire Cookbook: Patagonian Open-Flame Cooking — German Lucarelli and Nano Crespo

Explore the full range of Patagonian open-flame cooking with these mouthwatering recipes that utilize regional authenticity and modern flair. The Lost Fire Cookbook is a celebration of Argentina’s famous barbecued meats. Learn how to bring smoky, hearty, authentic Patagonian barbecue to your own kitchen and embrace a new culinary experience with this collection of meat-centric recipes from celebrated chef and restaurateur Germán Lucarelli. Inside you’ll find over 75 bold recipes that take advantage of wood-fired flavor. This cookbook captures the spirit of this cuisine and provides a look into the diverse approaches and influences that shaped Argentine tradition. Explore Patagonia’s specialties and the rustic flavors that live-fire cooking has to offer. ORDER HERE.

—This is the perfect balance of sweet and savory Southern-style skillet cornbread. (Photo by Lauren Nagel)—

Smoked Corn Bread

By Bon Appeteach

Side dishes are an absolute necessity when it comes to serving up BBQ. If you’ve been looking for the perfect cast iron cornbread recipe for the grill, then you’re in the right place. This pellet grill smoked cornbread is the perfect decadent and easy side dish you can make on any smoker and serve as a side dish with all your favorite BBQ dishes.

Learn more about Southside Market Barbeque.

—A lot of big barbecue events are happening in 2022. Eat up!—

August 4-7, 2022: Windy City Smokeout — Chicago, Illinois
Get ready for beer, BBQ, and country, because the Windy City Smokeout BBQ & Country Music Festival is returning to Chicago soon. The Windy City Smokeout is one of the largest barbecue festivals in the U.S., with this year’s edition bringing a stunningly good lineup together of veterans and newcomers. Read our 2019 Windy City Smokeout recap to learn about the experience. MORE INFO HERE.

September 2-4, 2022: Pinehurst Barbecue Festival — Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina
The Pinehurst Barbecue Festival, presented by Pinehurst Resort, US Foods and The Pilot, is a “Celebration of Taste and Tradition” featuring award-winning pitmasters from across North Carolina in one of the most picturesque settings in the entire state. The three-day event, staged in and around the historic Village of Pinehurst, offers a unique culinary sampling experience of various barbecue meats and traditional sides. MORE INFO HERE.

September 10, 2022: Pig Island NYC — Staten Island, New York
Pig Island NYC will celebrate its 13th year on September 10, 2022, at Snug Harbor on Staten Island. Join in for all-inclusive food and drink, from all-star pitmasters and chefs who will be serving up delicious porky goodness, as well as local breweries, distilleries, and cideries. Top chefs will compete for the best dishes and event-goers reap the benefits. Expect a ton of amazing eats and a great place to picnic with friends and family for the day. BUY TICKETS HERE.

September 10, 2022: Troubadour Festival — Tyler, Texas
Troubadour Festival is a multi-location Texas BBQ & Music experiential festival that pays homage to the traveling songwriter and the worldwide popularity of the Texas barbecue scene. The September 10 edition of the fest takes place in Downtown Tyler, Texas, for the first Troubadour Festival happening in East Texas. Tyler's inaugural Troubadour Festival will bring together more than 40 of the most celebrated barbecue joints from across Texas, and you’ll be able to scarf all that down while listening to some of the premier names in country music. MORE INFO HERE.

Sept 28 - Oct 2, 2022: American Royal World Series of Barbecue — Kansas City, Kansas
The American Royal World Series of barbecue is the largest BBQ competition in the country. On top of a massive KCBS competition with roughly 500 teams from around the country, this signature Kansas City event includes public-facing activities, including live music, delicious BBQ and local food, a full lineup of kids activities, and a vendor fair authentic to Kansas City and BBQ enthusiasts. Read our 2021 recap of the event to learn more about the experience. MORE INFO HERE.

October 14-15, 2022 — The Jack — Lynchburg, Tennessee
It's rare that whiskey-making takes a backseat to much of anything in Lynchburg, Tennessee. But “The Jack,” one of the top KCBS competitions annually, is an exception. For one weekend in October, barbecue competitors from around the world converge to wield their grilling and smoking expertise. On top of the competition, other events are held to provide a lively and fun atmosphere for families and friends. MORE INFO HERE.

November 11-13, 2022: KCBS World Invitational — Gadsden, Alabama
The Kansas City Barbeque Society’s biggest event for the rest of the year is the fourth annual KCBS World Invitational Barbeque Competition. The event will bring together top champion pitmasters to compete for the title of “KCBS World Champion.” This event will feature three full days of contests and events. There will be both an open contest and a Master Series contest. Plus, backyard teams will be eligible to compete in the open against Master Series teams without impacting their Backyard status. MORE INFO HERE.

November 18-20, 2022: Jacksonville BBQ Fest — Jacksonville, Florida
During the past few years, Florida has become an even bigger attraction for barbecue restaurants and events. The Jacksonville BBQ Fest, held at TIAA Bank Field (where the Jaguars play), is one event that brings barbecue fans together to get a taste of great local and national barbecue bites. On top of the top-notch food, there’s also live music and great drinks to enjoy. To get a taste of this event, be sure to read Ed Reilly’s recap of the Denver BBQ Festival, which is hosted by the same organizers. MORE INFO HERE.

November 19, 2022: Holy Smokes BBQ Festival — Charleston, South Carolina
Aaron Siegel and Taylor Garrigan of Home Team BBQ, Anthony DiBernardo of Swig & Swine, and Robert Moss, the Contributing BBQ Editor for Southern Living, have invited the leaders of the barbecue community from around the country to come together in Charleston on November 19th, 2022 at Riverfront Park. With live music playing on stage against the backdrop of the Cooper River, guests will have a unique opportunity to sample a range of barbecue styles from the group of renowned pitmasters. Expect to taste slow-smoked whole hog, pork and beef ribs, Texas-style brisket, smoked sausage, BBQ tacos, and much, much more. MORE INFO HERE.

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