What is a game changer? Forget firing up the grill – though I love a good barbecue, sometimes you just want something easy. Is fall off the bone tender? Where are these things?Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Wings.Seriously, they’re so simple, even on those chaotic weeknights when you feel like you are juggling a lot of things. How can I pull this off? Is it easier to order a takeout? What is it like to cook in a slow cooker? If you like Buffalo wings but want something sweeter and smokier, this recipe is for you. It’s quickly become a staple in my house, and I know it will in yours too.

What is slow cooker chicken wings?

Think of it as your favorite BBQ chicken, but made unbelievably easy. What’s the difference between taking chicken wings and tossing them in a flavorful dry rub (or skipping that step). ), and letting them slow cook in a luscious BBQ sauce until they’re practically melting. What is a Slow Cooker? These aren’t your crispy fried wings; these are tender, saucy, and packed with flavor. They’re perfect for parties, game days, or just a regular Tuesday night. The beauty is that they are really fuss-free.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start? There are so many reasons to love this recipe!

Flavor Explosion:The combination of smoky BBQ sauce and naturally savory chicken is just heavenly. What is the flavor of a slow cooker?
Ridiculously easyIs it really possible to dump everything in a trash can, turn it on and walk away? What is the best way to prepare breakfast before work?
How doChicken wings are generally an affordable option, and you probably already have most of the other options. What are some ingredients in your pantry? What is the best way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank?
Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, a main course, or even as snack. What are some good side dishes to serve with a tomato sauce? Plus, they’re kid-approved (my kids practically inhale them!).

What I love the most is that while other wing recipes require constant attention (frying, grilling, etc.) what I like the least? What are some of the best recipes for baking? If you’re a fan of anything BBQ (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?) you HAVE to try these. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

How do I make slow cooker chicken wings?

Quick Overview

How do I make Slow Cooker Chicken wings? What’s the best way to toss wings? ) into your slow cooker, smother them in your favorite BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade, I won’t eat any of it) and serve. ), and let them cook low and slow until they’re incredibly tender. Is it necessary to broil a chicken at the end of the cooking process? Caramelized finish What makes a good slow cooking chicken so juicy and flavorful?

Ingredients

For the BBQ Chicken Wings:

2-3 pounds chicken wings, drumettes and wingettes separated (fresh or frozen) – I usually grab a big one. What is the bag at the store?
1 12 – 2 cups BBQ sauce, your favorite brand or homemade – I love Sweet Baby Ray’s, but feel free to use any brand.
1 tablespoon smoked paprika – This adds a wonderful smoky depth. Don’t skip it!
What are some good ways to add garlic powder to a dish?
12 teaspoon onion powder – Complements the garlic beautifully.
1 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground is always best.
Optional: ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper – For a little heat. My husband loves them spicy!

How do I follow step

Step 1: Season the Wings (Optional)

In a large bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add the chicken wings and toss until evenly coated. This step is optional, but I find it adds a nice layer of flavor. If you’re short on time, just skip it and go straight to the next step!

Step 2: Load Up the Slow Cooker

Place the chicken wings in a single layer in your Slow Cooker. If you have a lot of wings, you might need to layer them, but try to keep it to a maximum of two layers. Pour the BBQ sauce over the wings, making sure they’re all nicely coated. I sometimes use a spoon to help distribute the sauce evenly.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the Slow Cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. When the wings are ready, they’re fall-off-the-bone tender. I always do a quick check with my fork to make sure they’re cooked through.

Step 4: Broil for Extra Stickiness (Optional but Recommended)

This step is totally optional, but it really takes the wings to the next level. Preheat your oven’s broiler. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Carefully remove the wings from the Slow Cooker and arrange them in a single layer on the baking sheet. How long should the BBQ sauce be cooked? How do you watch your plants closely so that they don’t burn!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

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

What is the best way to serve it?

These Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Wings.What are some of my favorite pairings?

What are some classic BBQ side dishes?Coleslaw, potato salad, corn on the cob, baked beans – you can’t go wrong with these classics. They compliment the smoky BBQ flavor perfectly.
Game Day Grub:What are some great appetizers for a football party? My friends always devour these.
Light and Fresh:What are some good salads to serve with a green salad, cucumber salad or sliced watermelon? The rich BBQ wings.
For the Kids:Fries, carrot sticks, celery sticks and a side of ranch dressing. My kids are happy campers with this combo.

What are the endless possibilities? I serve them with rice and steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Is it all about what you are in the mood for?

What are some tips for making slow cooker chicken wings?

Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker.If you have a lot of wings, cook them in batches.
Use good quality BBQ sauce: It really makes a difference. Experiment with different brands and flavors to find your favorite. I’m partial to Sweet Baby Ray’s, but there are tons of great options out there.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, or some brown sugar for sweetness. Get creative and make it your own!
If using frozen wings, make sure they are fully thawed: This helps with even cooking and prevents the sauce from becoming watery. If you’re in a pinch, you *can* cook them from frozen, but you’ll need to add extra cooking time.
Broiling is optional but HIGHLY recommended: It adds a beautiful caramelized finish and extra stickiness. Just be sure to watch them closely so they don’t burn!
For extra flavor, marinate the wings overnight: This is especially helpful if you’re skipping the dry rub. Just toss the wings in the BBQ sauce and let them sit in the fridge overnight. The flavor will be even more intense!

Storing and Reheating Tips

These Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Wings are great for leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat them:

Refrigerator: Store the wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure they’ve cooled down completely before storing.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the wings in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: You can reheat the wings in the oven, microwave, or air fryer.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the wings on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave: Microwave the wings on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
- Air Fryer: Air fry the wings at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

One thing I’ve learned is that reheating them in the oven or Air Fryer is the best way to retain their texture and flavor. Microwaving can sometimes make them a little soggy, but it’s still a quick and convenient option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different kind of sauce?

Absolutely! That’s the beauty of this recipe – it’s super customizable. You can use any kind of sauce you like, from honey garlic to teriyaki. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. I’ve even tried a spicy Korean BBQ sauce, and it was amazing!

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Yes, you can! I often add sliced onions and bell peppers to the slow cooker along with the wings. They absorb the BBQ flavor and become incredibly tender. You could also add some carrots or potatoes for a more complete meal.

What if my wings are still pink inside after cooking?

If your wings are still pink inside after the recommended cooking time, it means they’re not fully cooked. Continue cooking them in the slow cooker until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can! Use the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting on your Instant Pot. Cook the wings for 10-12 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Then, release any remaining pressure manually.

My BBQ sauce is too thick, what do I do?

If your BBQ sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little bit of water or chicken broth. Add it gradually until you reach the desired consistency. You could also add a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar for a little tang.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my go-to recipe for Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Wings! I truly hope you give this a try, because it’s seriously a winner. From the incredibly tender chicken to the sticky, flavorful BBQ sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching a game, or just looking for an easy and delicious weeknight meal, these wings are the perfect choice. And the best part? The slow cooker does all the work! If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other slow cooker recipes. I have a ton of easy and delicious meals that are perfect for busy families. And as always, I’d love to hear how yours turn out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Happy cooking!