Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a secret weapon for game day, potlucks, or sat down. Just a Tuesday when you’re craving something seriously delicious but don’t want to spend the whole day eating. All day in the kitchen.Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Wings.– fall-off-the-bone tender, dripping with tangy BBQ sauce, and so ridiculously easy, it’s a must try. I feel like I’m cheating. What are the best multi-step wings on TV? Think of them as the ultimate “set it and forget it” party food that everyone, and I mean everyone. *everyone*, will devour. I swear, my kids ask for these more than pizza sometimes! I always make a double batch, because leftovers (if there are any) are good. ) are great on sandwiches or in salads.

What is slow cooker BBQ chicken wings?

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Wings are basically the easiest, most flavorful way to make perfectly cooked chicken wings. Think of it as a culinary shortcut to BBQ heaven. How do you cook a chicken wings in swiss sauce? I’ll share my go-to! ), and let the magic happen. What makes chicken tender? It’s essentially a lazy person’s BBQ, but trust me, nobody will ever know you didn’t spend hours on the grill. What is it like to slave over a They’re also great because they’re less messy than frying, and you don’t have to constantly monitor them. How do you bake them?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start?Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Wings.. First, the flavor is just out of this world. The slow cooking allows the BBQ sauce to really penetrate the chicken, creating a deep, rich, smoky flavor that’s simply irresistible. I’ve tried so many recipes and this way creates the perfect moisture in the chicken itself.

Second, the simplicity is a game-changer. Honestly, it’s a dump-and-go recipe. Throw the wings in, pour on the sauce, and walk away. What I love most about this is that it frees me up to focus on other things, like side dishes or, let’s be real, relaxing with a glass of wine before guests arrive. I can actually *enjoy* the party instead of being stuck in the kitchen.

Third, it’s so cost effective, especially if you’re buying wings in bulk. Buying a big package of wings and a bottle of BBQ sauce is way cheaper than ordering takeout wings for a crowd. Plus, you get way more for your money. I usually stock up when wings are on sale at my local grocery store.

Finally, the versatility is fantastic. You can serve these wings as an appetizer, a snack, or even as a main course with some sides. They’re perfect for game day, birthday parties, family gatherings, or just a casual weeknight dinner. I’ve even used the leftover shredded chicken to make BBQ chicken sandwiches! If you like this recipe, you might also like my slow cooker pulled pork – it’s a similar “set it and forget it” type of meal.

How do I make slow cooker chicken wings?

Quick Overview

How do I make wings? In a Slow Cooker, toss chicken wings with your favorite BBQ sauce and cook on low for 6-8 hours. If you can grill them for a few minutes, broil or grill for another hour. What is the beauty of this method? You can prep everything in the morning and have delicious wings! Is it time to get ready for dinner? What is the ultimate hands-off cooking experience?

Ingredients

What is the recipe for Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Wings?
* 2-3 pounds chicken wings, drumettes and wingettes separated (I prefer using fresh wings) Can you freeze fully thawed wings?
* 1 1/2 – 2 cups of your favorite BBQ sauce (I love using a combination of sweet and smoky BBQ). What are the best sauces for flavor?
* 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika (This adds a fantastic smoky depth to the wings. Don’t skip it!)
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick) * 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (This helps to tenderize the chicken.)
* Salt and pepper to taste

What are the steps to

Step 1: Season the Wings

In a large bowl, combine the chicken wings with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne pepper. Serve immediately. Salt, pepper, and black pepper. Toss well to ensure the wings are evenly coated with the spices. I like to let the spices sit for about 15 minutes at this point just so that they really meld with the ground.

Step 2: Add to Slow Cooker

How do I add apple cider vinegar to my Slow Cooker? This helps to create some steam and keeps the wings extra moist. What is the best way to cook chicken wings in a slow cooker? If you have too many wings to fit in one layer, you can layer them, but try to avoid overcrowding. What is the best way to cook when you have enough space?

Step 3: Pour on the BBQ Sauce

What’s your favorite way to drizzle BBQ sauce over chicken wings? I like to use a spoon to really get the sauce in all the nooks and crannies. What makes these wings so delicious?

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The wings are done when they’re fall-off-the-bone tender and easily shred with a fork. I always do a quick check around the 6-hour mark on low to make sure they aren’t getting *too* hot. What is a slow cooker?

Step 5: Broil or Grill (Optional)

This step is optional, but highly recommended! Once the wings are cooked through, carefully transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment. If you want to grill them over medium-high heat, broil them in the oven for 2-3 minutes per side. If not, then grill for a few minutes. Is it hard to cook a chicken breast? Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly. I actually like to hit them with a bit more BBQ sauce during this part to really amp up the flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove the wings from the oven or grill and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds, if desired. Serve with your favorite side and enjoy!

What should I serve it with?

These Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken WingsAre incredibly versatile and go well with a variety of sides.For a Game Day Feast:Serve with classic game day fare like coleslaw, potato salad, corn on the cob, and macaroni and cheese. What is your favorite ranch and blue cheese dressing?What is a casual BBQ?What are some good side dishes to serve with grilled veggies, watermelon slices, and a simple green salad? I also love serving them with baked beans and cornbread. It’s a true Southern-style feast!What is a quick and easy weeknight dinner?Serve with a side of steamed rice and stir-fry. How do you shred chicken and use it to make BBQ chicken sliders or tacos?For a Party Appetizer:Arrange the wings on a platter and serve with various dipping sauces, like ranch, blue cheese, and more. Honey mustard, and sriracha mayo. I also like to add carrot and celery sticks for crunch. My family always loves when I put out a big platter of these wings during football season. Is it a tradition?

How do I make slow cooker chicken wings?

Okay, so I’ve made these wings approximately a million times, and I have learned some things along the way. What is the way I want to share with you.Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker. Use aHow do I cook wings evenly? If you have too many wings, cook them in batches.What is the best BBQ sauce? The BBQ sauce is the star of the show, so choose one that you really love. I like to experiment with different brands and flavors to find my favorites. I’ve even made my own homemade BBQ sauce, which is a fun project if you’re feeling ambitious.

Don’t skip the broiling or grilling step: This is what gives the wings that delicious crispy, caramelized exterior. It’s a game-changer! I learned this one the hard way. The first few times I made them, I skipped this step, and they were good, but not *great*. Broiling or grilling takes them to the next level.

Adjust the cooking time as needed: Every slow cooker is different, so you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on your appliance. The wings are done when they’re fall-off-the-bone tender.

Add a little liquid smoke: For an extra smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the slow cooker. But be careful not to add too much, as it can be overpowering.

Experiment with different spices: Feel free to add other spices to the wings, such as chili powder, cumin, or oregano. Just make sure to adjust the amount to your liking. I sometimes add a pinch of brown sugar for extra sweetness.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have any leftover Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Wings (which is rare at my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving the wings out at room temperature for more than a couple of hours. Bacteria can grow quickly, especially in warm environments.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They’ll still be delicious! I often pack them in my kids’ lunchboxes.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the wings in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Instructions: To reheat the wings, you can microwave them, bake them in the oven, or grill them. Microwaving is the quickest option, but they might not be as crispy. Baking in the oven is a good option for reheating a large batch of wings. Grillling is best for restoring that crispy texture.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you glazed the wings before storing them, they might be a little sticky when you reheat them. If you prefer, you can reheat them plain and then add a fresh glaze. I usually just reheat them with the glaze on – it doesn’t bother my family at all!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken wings?

Yes, you can, but make sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the slow cooker. This will help them cook more evenly. I usually put them in the fridge the night before. I’ve tried cooking them from frozen before and they just release so much water that they end up kinda soggy.

Can I make this without a slow cooker?

While this recipe is specifically designed for a slow cooker, you could try baking the wings in the oven. Bake them at 375°F for about 45-60 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and the juices run clear. Make sure to flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking. But honestly, the slow cooker is what makes these wings so incredibly tender and flavorful!

What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?

The best kind of BBQ sauce is the one you like the most! I prefer a combination of sweet and smoky sauces, but you can use whatever flavor profile you enjoy. Experiment with different brands and flavors to find your favorites. Some people swear by a vinegar-based sauce, while others prefer a thick and sweet sauce.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Yes, you can! I sometimes add sliced onions and bell peppers to the slow cooker for extra flavor. They’ll get nice and tender as they cook with the wings. Just make sure to add them at the beginning of the cooking process so they have enough time to soften.

How can I make these spicier?

If you like your wings with a kick, you can add more cayenne pepper, a pinch of chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce. You could also use a spicy BBQ sauce. Just be careful not to add too much, as you don’t want to overpower the other flavors. I’ve even used a few chopped jalapeños before, and those wings had a *serious* kick.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my go-to recipe for Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Wings. This is the recipe I pull out when I want something delicious and easy, and I know it’s always a crowd-pleaser. I really hope you’ll give this a try! The flavor, the simplicity, the sheer joy of biting into a perfectly cooked, saucy chicken wing – it’s all just worth it. And seriously, the slow cooker makes it so incredibly easy. If you love these, you might also want to try my slow cooker Chili Recipe – it’s another one of my family’s favorites. Happy cooking, friends! And please, come back and let me know how yours turn out. I love hearing about your cooking adventures and any variations you try. Also, if you love this recipe, please rate it and share it with your friends!