Get ready to indulge in some finger-licking goodness with this slow cooker chicken wings recipe. Perfect for game day or any casual gathering, these wings are coated in a delicious blend of bbq sauce, honey, and spices, then slow-cooked to tender perfection. The result is a batch of wings that are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, but if you don't usually keep bbq sauce or honey on hand, you'll need to pick those up at the supermarket. Additionally, make sure you have garlic powder and onion powder in your spice rack, as these add essential flavor to the dish.
Ingredients For Slow Cooker Chicken Wings Recipe
Chicken wings: The main protein of the dish, providing a juicy and tender texture when slow-cooked.
Bbq sauce: Adds a smoky, tangy flavor to the wings, creating a delicious coating.
Honey: Provides a touch of sweetness that balances the tanginess of the bbq sauce.
Garlic powder: Enhances the flavor with a subtle garlic taste.
Onion powder: Adds depth and a mild onion flavor to the sauce.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and enhances the overall taste.
Technique Tip for Perfect Chicken Wings
To achieve a crispy texture on your chicken wings after slow cooking, transfer them to a baking sheet and broil them in the oven for 3-5 minutes. This will caramelize the bbq sauce and give the wings a delightful crunch.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
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.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This One
How To Store / Freeze Your Chicken Wings
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!
How To Reheat Leftovers
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.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
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.
Time-Saving Tips for This Recipe
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.
Slow Cooker Chicken Wings Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs Chicken wings
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
- Place chicken wings in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken wings.
- Cook on low for 4 hours or until wings are tender.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Main Courses and Desserts
More Amazing Recipes to Try 🙂
- Hungarian Mushroom Soup Recipe45 Minutes
- Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe40 Minutes
- Split Pea Soup Recipe1 Minutes
- Cabbage Soup Recipe45 Minutes
- Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe10 Minutes
- Blueberry Salad Recipe10 Minutes
- Broccoli Cranberry Salad Recipe15 Minutes
- Greek Garbanzo Bean Salad Recipe15 Minutes
Leave a Reply