Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating incredibly flavorful and effortlessly tender chicken wings right in your slow cooker! If you’ve been searching for an easy dinner solution or a crowd-pleasing appetizer that requires minimal fuss but delivers maximum taste, you’ve found your new go-to recipe. These Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Wings are coated in a simple, rich homemade barbecue sauce, allowing the slow cooker to work its magic, transforming ordinary wings into an extraordinary culinary experience.
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While these BBQ wings are destined to become a staple, exploring other wing flavors can elevate any meal or gathering. For those who appreciate a tantalizing blend of sweet and spicy, our Chipotle Orange Chicken Wings offer a zesty kick that’s hard to resist. If grilling is more your style, especially during warmer months, don’t miss these succulent Maple Mustard Grilled Chicken Wings. And for an exotic twist that bursts with aromatic spices, our Sweet Thai Chicken Wings bring vibrant Southeast Asian flavors to your table. Each recipe promises a unique adventure for your taste buds, but the simplicity and robust flavor of slow cooker BBQ wings remain a timeless favorite.
Chicken wings have a universal appeal, whether they’re the star of a game-day spread, a festive holiday appetizer, or a casual weeknight meal. There’s no wrong time to indulge in a batch of perfectly cooked wings. Their versatility and crowd-pleasing nature make them a year-round favorite in countless households, including ours. We believe that good food shouldn’t always require a special occasion, and these slow cooker barbecue chicken wings perfectly embody that philosophy.
What truly sets these Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Wings apart is their unparalleled ease. The journey begins with our remarkably simple homemade barbecue sauce, a concoction that requires mere minutes to whisk together from pantry staples. Once prepared, this luscious sauce is poured over your chicken wings nestled in the slow cooker. From there, it’s as simple as pressing the ‘on’ button and letting your appliance do the heavy lifting. The low and slow cooking process ensures the chicken becomes incredibly tender, falling off the bone with ease. The final touch? A quick trip under the broiler to crisp up the skin, giving you that irresistible texture that takes these wings from good to absolutely glorious.
If the thought of making chicken wings from scratch at home has ever seemed daunting, this recipe is designed to change your mind. We understand that various cooking methods exist for wings, from deep-frying to baking, but these slow cooker wings hold a special place among our favorites. They offer a hands-off approach that guarantees tender, flavorful results every time, making them perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Prepare to impress your family and friends with minimal effort, proving that homemade doesn’t have to mean complicated.
Mastering Your Crock-Pot BBQ Chicken Wings: Essential Tips
Achieving perfectly tender and flavorful slow cooker barbecue chicken wings is simple with a few helpful tips. These pointers will ensure your wings turn out fantastic every time, whether you’re a slow cooker novice or a seasoned pro.
- Understanding Chili Sauce: A crucial detail for these Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Wings is the type of chili sauce specified in the ingredients. Please note that this is typically a mild, sweet-savory sauce, often found near ketchup and barbecue sauces, not the fiery hot sauce like Sriracha. A common brand is Heinz Chili Sauce, which provides a rich base without overpowering heat. Substituting with a very spicy chili sauce will drastically alter the flavor profile, resulting in a much spicier dish than intended. Always double-check your bottle to ensure you have the correct, milder variety.
- The Power of the Final Step: While it might be tempting to skip the last step of thickening the sauce and broiling the wings, we strongly advise against it. This two-part finishing process makes a significant difference. Thickening the sauce on the stovetop concentrates its flavors and creates that desirable glaze that clings beautifully to the wings. The subsequent broil in the oven is essential for achieving a crispy skin, transforming the texture from tender to truly sensational. It adds a small amount of extra work but rewards you with an incredibly satisfying crispy, caramelized exterior that elevates the entire dish.
- Homemade Sauce: A Cut Above: You certainly *can* use a bottled barbecue sauce for convenience, but the homemade sauce in this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare and yields a far superior flavor. Crafting your own sauce allows you to control the quality of ingredients and tailor the taste to your preference. The combination of chili sauce, lemon juice, molasses, and Worcestershire creates a balanced, deeply flavorful profile that’s hard to replicate with store-bought options. Plus, the satisfaction of making it from scratch is an added bonus!
- Frozen vs. Thawed Wings: For the best results, we highly recommend using thawed chicken wings. Frozen wings come with a layer of ice, which, when melted in the slow cooker, introduces excess moisture. This can dilute the rich barbecue sauce and result in less concentrated flavor. If you absolutely must cook from frozen due to time constraints, be sure to thoroughly drain any accumulated liquid before thickening the sauce. Even then, the texture and flavor will be optimal with previously thawed wings. Patting the thawed wings dry before adding them to the slow cooker can also help the sauce adhere better and contribute to a crispier finish after broiling.
Discovering the “Fix-It and Forget-It Cookbook”
This fantastic recipe for Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Wings hails from a valuable addition to my culinary library: the Fix-It and Forget-It Cookbook: Revised and Updated. This comprehensive cookbook is a treasure trove for anyone who loves the convenience and delicious results of slow cooking, boasting an impressive collection of 700 recipes. That’s an incredible number of ideas to keep your kitchen inspired for years!
What I particularly appreciate about this book is its vast array of categories. It covers everything from comforting soups and hearty main dishes to delightful appetizers, versatile vegetable sides, and even tempting desserts. While the main dish section is undoubtedly the largest, offering countless dinner solutions, the sheer variety across all categories is truly remarkable. It ensures that no matter what you’re craving or what occasion you’re cooking for, you’ll likely find a slow cooker recipe that fits the bill.
It’s worth noting, however, that a significant portion of the recipes in this cookbook utilize canned ingredients, particularly canned “cream of something” soups. If you’re someone who prefers to cook entirely from scratch or avoid processed ingredients, this is a factor to consider. For those who prioritize convenience and don’t mind these ingredients, the cookbook offers a fantastic resource for quick, easy, and satisfying meals. It truly embodies the “fix-it and forget-it” philosophy, making it a great companion for busy weeknights or when you need a reliable recipe with minimal hands-on time.
You can purchase your own copy of the Fix-It and Forget-It Cookbook on Amazon and start exploring its extensive collection of slow cooker wonders today. It’s an investment that will undoubtedly streamline your meal prep and expand your repertoire of effortless, delicious dishes.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your BBQ Chicken Wings
These savory Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Wings are fantastic on their own, but pairing them with the right side dishes can transform your meal into a complete and satisfying feast. Here are some excellent options that complement the rich, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors of the wings:
- Potato Salad with Corn and Poblanos: A fresh and vibrant potato salad with a touch of sweetness from corn and a subtle smoky heat from poblanos creates a wonderful contrast to the richness of the wings. It’s a hearty side that feels both comforting and exciting.
- Bacon Blue Cheese Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw is a classic BBQ companion. Our version, elevated with crispy bacon and pungent blue cheese, offers a textural crunch and a tangy, savory depth that perfectly cuts through the richness of the barbecue sauce.
- Homemade Tater Tots: For a fun and satisfying potato side, these crispy homemade tater tots are a fantastic choice. Their golden, crunchy exterior and fluffy interior make them an irresistible accompaniment, beloved by kids and adults alike.
- Crockpot BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs: If you’re hosting a party and want another crowd-pleasing appetizer that also utilizes the slow cooker, these sweet and tangy grape jelly meatballs are an ideal complement. They echo the BBQ theme while offering a different texture and flavor profile.
- Pigs In A Blanket Bites: Another party favorite, these mini hot dogs wrapped in flaky pastry provide a savory, bite-sized option that pairs well with the casual, fun vibe of chicken wings. They are easy to prepare and always a hit!
Whether you choose one or a few of these suggestions, you’re sure to create a balanced and delicious spread that will make your slow cooker barbecue chicken wings shine even brighter.
Enhance Your Cooking Experience
To effortlessly create these mouthwatering wings and countless other slow cooker delights, having a reliable appliance is key. I’ve personally used and loved a slow cooker similar to this one for many years, and it has consistently delivered fantastic results. A good quality slow cooker is an invaluable tool for any busy home cook, making meal prep convenient and cooking a breeze.
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Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Wings
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Ingredients
- 5 lbs chicken wings separated at the joint, tips removed
- 12- oz bottle chili sauce
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
- dash garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Spray a slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Place the wings in the bottom of the slow cooker.5 lbs chicken wings
- In a bowl, combine the chili sauce, lemon juice, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, hot pepper sauce and garlic powder. Pour over the wings in the slow cooker.12- oz bottle chili sauce, 1/3 cup lemon juice, 2 tablespoons molasses, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, dash garlic powder
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours, until the wings are tender.
- Remove the wings from the slow cooker and place on a foil lined baking sheet. Transfer the liquid from the slow cooker to a pot, and place over high heat. Bring to a boil. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water. Add to the boiling liquid and stir in. Cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.1 tablespoon cornstarch, 2 tablespoons water
- Turn on the broiler.
- Baste the tops of the wings with the thickened barbecue sauce. Place in the oven under the broiler until the tops are crisped and browned, just a couple minutes. (Make sure to keep an eye on them, as they will cook quickly.)
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide.