Slow Cooker Chicken Wings Recipe

Chicken wings: The main part of the dish, these are pieces of chicken with skin and bone that get tender and juicy when cooked slowly.

Bbq sauce: A flavorful sauce that adds a smoky, sweet, and tangy taste to the wings.

Honey: Adds a touch of natural sweetness that balances the spices and bbq sauce.

Garlic powder: A dried and ground form of garlic that gives a mild but tasty garlic flavor.

Onion powder: Similar to garlic powder, it adds a subtle onion flavor without the texture of fresh onions.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps bring out the taste of the chicken and sauce.

Black pepper: Adds a little bit of heat and depth to the overall flavor.

One of the most helpful steps in this Slow Cooker Chicken Wings Recipe is mixing the bbq sauce with the other ingredients before pouring it over the wings. Here’s how you can do it so everything tastes just right:

1. Grab a medium-sized bowl that’s easy to stir in.
2. Add the bbq sauce, then the honey, which adds a nice sweetness.
3. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Use a spoon or a small whisk to mix everything together until it looks smooth and all the spices are spread out evenly.

Doing this step carefully makes sure every chicken wing gets coated with the same tasty sauce. If you just poured the bbq sauce and spices separately on top, some wings might end up with too much salt or spice, while others might taste plain. Mixing first means every bite is full of flavor.

When I first tried this recipe, I didn’t mix the sauce well enough, and some wings were super salty while others were kind of bland. After that, I always take a minute to stir the sauce really well. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.

Also, if you want to save time, you can mix the sauce right in the bowl you’ll use to serve later. That way, you don’t have to wash an extra dish. Just make sure to scrape the sides so you get all the yummy sauce on your wings!

• chicken wings - Substitute with chicken drumettes: Drumettes are similar in size and texture to wings and will cook similarly in a slow cooker.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce provides a sweet and savory flavor profile that complements chicken well.

• honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a similar sweetness and viscosity, making it a good alternative to honey.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a more intense and aromatic garlic flavor.

• onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Finely chopped onions can provide a similar flavor and add a bit of texture to the dish.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat level but a slightly different flavor profile, which can add a unique twist to the dish.

• Allow the chicken wings to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the wings soggy.

• Transfer the cooled wings to an airtight container. If you have a large batch, consider using multiple containers to avoid overcrowding.

• For short-term storage, place the container in the refrigerator. The wings will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

• If you plan to keep the wings longer, freezing is the way to go. Lay the wings out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they don't touch each other. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours until they are solid.

• Once the wings are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date to keep track of their freshness. The wings can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

• When you're ready to enjoy the wings again, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain their texture and flavor.

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the wings on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy.

• For an extra burst of flavor, brush the wings with a little more bbq sauce before reheating. This will give them a fresh, saucy finish.

• If you prefer a quicker method, you can also reheat the wings in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes. Check and heat in additional 30-second intervals if needed.

• Serve the reheated wings hot, and enjoy them as if they were freshly made!

• Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the chicken wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until they are heated through and the skin is crispy.

• Use a microwave-safe dish to reheat the chicken wings. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• For a stovetop method, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or butter to the pan. Place the chicken wings in the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they are heated through and slightly crispy.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F. Arrange the chicken wings in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating and crispiness.

• For a slow cooker method, place the chicken wings back in the slow cooker. Add a bit more bbq sauce if needed to keep them moist. Heat on low for about 1 hour or until they are warmed through.

• Slow cooker: A countertop electrical appliance used to simmer at a lower temperature than other cooking methods, perfect for making tender chicken wings.

• Mixing bowl: A bowl used to combine the bbq sauce, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the bbq sauce and honey accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper precisely.

• Tongs: Handy for placing the chicken wings into the slow cooker and for serving them once cooked.

• Serving platter: A dish to present the hot and tender chicken wings once they are ready to be enjoyed.

Pre-mix the sauce: Combine the bbq sauce, honey, and spices the night before to save time in the morning.

Use pre-cut wings: Purchase pre-cut chicken wings to avoid the hassle of cutting them yourself.

Line the slow cooker: Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup, saving you time on washing dishes.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.

Quick release: After cooking, place the wings under the broiler for a few minutes to get a crispy finish quickly.