These Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Wings are juicy and packed with flavor! Just toss the wings in a tasty barbecue sauce, set your slow cooker, and let them cook to perfection.
Who doesn’t love a finger-licking good wing? I usually make these for game day, and they disappear fast. Serve them with some celery sticks, and you’ve got a party favorite!
Making these is super easy for me! I can set it and forget it while I get ready for guests. The smell alone will make everyone want to dig in—trust me, you’ll want to make extra!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: Fresh chicken wings work best, but frozen wings can be used too; just make sure to thaw them before cooking. I often prefer to buy the whole wing for more flavor.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for taste. If you’re looking for a lighter option, a vinegar-based sauce is great. I enjoy a sweet and smoky sauce to balance the savory flavors!
Honey: If you’re looking for a sugar substitute, agave syrup or maple syrup can work well. These alternatives will provide similar sweetness in your dish without compromising flavor.
Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free option, tamari is a great substitute. It has a similar flavor profile and won’t change your dish’s taste much.
Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses great flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch. I recommend using fresh when possible for the best taste.
How Can I Make Sure My Wings Are Tender and Flavorful?
The marinade is crucial for flavor here. Mix all marinade ingredients well—this ensures even flavor throughout the wings. Let them sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes before cooking if you have time; it makes a difference!
- Ensure the wings are well-coated with the marinade in the slow cooker.
- Cooking on low for longer gives tender, juicy wings. Avoid lifting the lid too often.
- For crispy skin after slow cooking, bake them at 400°F for a nice finish. This step truly makes a difference!
How to Make Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Wings:
- 3 lbs chicken wings
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice of flavor)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Optional:
- Chopped green onions for garnish
- Extra barbecue sauce for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and then you will need to cook the wings in the slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. If you choose to crisp them in the oven afterwards, add an additional 10-15 minutes for that step. So, overall, it’s a mostly hands-off meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir well until everything is nicely mixed together to create a flavorful marinade.
2. Prepare the Chicken Wings:
Place the chicken wings into your slow cooker. Pour the marinade over the wings, making sure they’re all evenly coated. This helps to ensure that every wing is bursting with flavor as it cooks!
3. Cook the Wings:
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know they’re done when the wings are tender and fully cooked through. The longer cooking time on low allows for even more flavor to soak in!
4. Crisp the Wings (Optional):
If you love crispy wings, here’s a quick tip! Once the wings are cooked in the slow cooker, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully transfer the wings from the slow cooker to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Brush and Bake:
Optional: For an extra tasty finish, brush the wings with some additional barbecue sauce before baking. Place them in the preheated oven and let them bake for about 10-15 minutes until they’re caramelized and slightly crispy. Keep an eye on them!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the wings from the oven and let them cool for a minute. You’re ready to serve! Sprinkle with chopped green onions if you’d like and keep some extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious slow cooker barbecue chicken wings!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings! Simply place them in the slow cooker without thawing. You may need to increase the cooking time by about an hour or so, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What If I Don’t Have Barbecue Sauce?
No worries! You can create a quick substitute using ketchup as a base. Mix 1 cup of ketchup with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and a bit of brown sugar or honey to taste!
How to Store Leftover Chicken Wings
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through for the best texture!
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Absolutely! If you like it spicy, add some cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade. For a milder flavor, you can reduce or omit the black pepper and smoked paprika. Adjust according to your taste!
