Chicken wings are a staple at any gathering, whether it’s a family dinner, game day party, or casual get-together with friends. There’s something universally appealing about biting into a tender, flavorful wing, and this Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Wings recipe delivers just that with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing the wings to soak up a deliciously sweet and tangy barbecue sauce while becoming fall-off-the-bone tender. I remember the first time I made these for a summer cookout; they were an instant hit and disappeared within minutes. This recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy great wings without the hassle of frying or constant monitoring.
Ingredients
2 lbs chicken wings, tips removed, drumettes and flats separated
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 cup barbecue sauce, additional for serving
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Optional: Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparing the Chicken Wings
Pat the Wings Dry:
Start by patting the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it ensures that the seasoning adheres properly to the wings and helps in achieving better caramelization. Moisture can prevent the wings from browning properly, so take your time to pat them thoroughly.
Season the Wings:
Evenly season the wings with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. These spices will give the wings a robust flavor that pairs perfectly with the barbecue sauce. Toss the wings in a large bowl to ensure all pieces are well coated with the seasoning.
Cooking the Wings in the Slow Cooker
Arrange the Wings in the Slow Cooker:
Place the seasoned chicken wings in the slow cooker. Try to arrange them in an even layer to ensure they cook uniformly. Depending on the size of your slow cooker, you might need to stack them, but they will still cook well as the sauce will seep through the layers.
Prepare the Barbecue Sauce Mixture:
In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of barbecue sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Whisk until well combined. This mixture will provide the wings with a sticky, flavorful coating as they cook.
Coat the Wings with Sauce:
Gently pour the barbecue sauce mixture over the chicken wings in the slow cooker. Use a spoon or spatula to ensure the wings are thoroughly coated with the sauce. This ensures that each wing absorbs the maximum flavor from the sauce as it cooks.
Slow Cook the Wings:
Set the slow cooker to low and cook the wings for approximately 6 hours. If you’re short on time, you can set it to high and cook for 3 hours. However, cooking on low is recommended as it allows the wings to become incredibly tender and absorb more flavor.
Optional: Crisping the Wings
Broil for Crispiness (Optional):
If you prefer your wings with a bit of crispiness, you can finish them off under the broiler. Preheat your broiler to high. Transfer the cooked wings from the slow cooker to a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
Broil the wings for 2-3 minutes on each side, watching them closely to avoid burning. This step is optional but highly recommended for a delightful crispy texture that contrasts nicely with the tender meat.
Serving the Wings
Serve and Garnish:
Serve the wings hot, directly from the slow cooker or after broiling. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness, if desired. The green parsley not only adds visual appeal but also a hint of fresh flavor.
Optional Additional Sauce:
Provide additional barbecue sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling over the wings. This is especially great for those who love their wings extra saucy.
Variations and Substitutions
Different Sauces: You can experiment with different types of barbecue sauces, such as spicy, sweet, or smoky, depending on your preference. Homemade barbecue sauce can also be a fantastic option if you have a favorite recipe.
Sweeteners: Instead of honey, you can use maple syrup, brown sugar, or agave nectar for a different type of sweetness.
Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce can give the wings a spicy kick.
Low-Sodium Option: Use a low-sodium barbecue sauce and reduce the amount of added salt if you’re watching your sodium intake.
Vegan/Vegetarian Alternative: Use cauliflower florets in place of chicken wings. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as vegetables will cook faster than meat.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Wings are an excellent choice for any occasion, combining the convenience of a slow cooker with the crowd-pleasing flavor of barbecue wings. The preparation is simple and straightforward, making it a perfect recipe for both novice and experienced cooks. The long, slow cooking process ensures that the wings are incredibly tender, while the barbecue sauce mixture infuses them with a rich, tangy flavor.
What makes this recipe so appealing is its versatility and ease. You can prepare it ahead of time and let it cook while you attend to other tasks or simply relax. The option to broil the wings for added crispiness allows you to customize the texture to your liking.
Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a family dinner, or simply craving some delicious comfort food, these Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Wings are sure to satisfy. Gather your ingredients, set up your slow cooker, and look forward to a mouthwatering dish that’s bound to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!
