Description
Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Wings are tender, juicy wings coated in a sweet and smoky BBQ sauce with plenty of savory flavor. This easy recipe uses a slow cooker to make perfectly cooked wings that are then finished under the broiler for a sticky, caramelized exterior—ideal for game days, parties, or casual family dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 3 lbs chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
BBQ Sauce Mixture
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly using paper towels to ensure they crisp well. Then season them evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder to infuse them with savory flavor.
- Prepare the BBQ Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, additional smoked paprika, and optional cayenne pepper to create a balanced sweet, tangy, and smoky sauce with a hint of heat.
- Cook in Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned wings into the slow cooker and pour about three-quarters of the prepared BBQ sauce over the wings. Gently toss to coat all the wings evenly. Cover and cook the wings on LOW for 3 to 4 hours or on HIGH for 1½ to 2½ hours, until the wings are tender and reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
- Broil for Caramelization: Carefully transfer the cooked wings to a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush them generously with the remaining BBQ sauce. Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 2 to 4 minutes, watching closely until the sauce becomes sticky and caramelized. Alternatively, you can use a hot grill for a few minutes for similar caramelization.
- Serve: Garnish the wings with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. Consider pairing with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery or carrot sticks for a classic experience.
Notes
- Broiling the wings after slow cooking is optional but gives them a much better caramelized finish.
- For extra crispy wings, pat them dry before applying the final BBQ sauce and broil until browned to your liking.
- Feel free to use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce to save time without sacrificing flavor.
- Add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for an extra spicy kick.
- Leftover wings can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
- Serve wings alongside ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, and carrot sticks for a classic appetizer platter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours (slow cooker) plus 2 to 4 minutes (broiling)
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course, Dinner, Game Day
- Method: Slow Cooking, Broiling
- Cuisine: American
