Make game days, parties, or weeknight dinners extra special with these tender, flavorful Crockpot BBQ Chicken Wings. Slow-cooked to perfection, these wings are juicy and coated in a smoky-sweet barbecue sauce that’s irresistible. Using a slow cooker makes them effortless to prepare, and they can be finished in the oven for a crispy, caramelized glaze. Let’s dive into this simple and satisfying recipe!

Ingredients

For the Wings:

• 2-3 pounds chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds

Directions

Prepare the Wings:

1. Season the Wings:
   • Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss them with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and olive oil until evenly coated.
2. Sear the Wings (Optional):
   • For extra flavor, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the wings for 1-2 minutes per side until lightly browned. This step is optional but enhances the taste.

Slow Cook the Wings:

1. Combine the Sauce Ingredients:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Add to the Crockpot:
   • Place the wings in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them. Toss to ensure all the wings are evenly coated.
3. Cook:
   • Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours, until the wings are tender and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).

Optional Step for Crispy Wings:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Set your oven to broil and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place a wire rack on top for easy cleanup and even crisping.
2. Broil the Wings:
   • Transfer the cooked wings from the crockpot to the prepared baking sheet. Brush them with extra barbecue sauce.
   • Broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized and the wings are slightly crispy. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Serve:

1. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of flavor and color.
2. Serve warm with your favorite sides, such as celery sticks, carrot sticks, and ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving:

• These wings pair perfectly with sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans.
• Offer extra barbecue sauce for dipping to enhance the flavor.

Storage:

• Refrigerator: Store leftover wings in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked wings for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

Variations

1. Spicy BBQ Wings:
   • Add 1-2 teaspoons of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the barbecue sauce mixture.
2. Sweet and Tangy Wings:
   • Use pineapple juice or orange marmalade instead of honey for a fruity twist.
3. Asian-Inspired Wings:
   • Replace the barbecue sauce with hoisin sauce and add a teaspoon of grated ginger for an Asian flair.
4. Buffalo BBQ Wings:
   • Mix half barbecue sauce and half buffalo wing sauce for a spicy-sweet combination.
5. Honey Mustard Wings:
   • Swap the barbecue sauce for a mixture of honey, Dijon mustard, and a splash of soy sauce.

Conclusion

Crockpot BBQ Chicken Wings are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining tender, juicy meat with the rich, smoky flavors of barbecue sauce. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, these wings are effortless to make and impossible to resist. Give this recipe a try for your next gathering or family dinner and watch them disappear in no time!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, you can add frozen wings directly to the crockpot, but the cooking time may need to be increased by 30 minutes to 1 hour.

2. How do I prevent the wings from becoming too soft?
Broiling them after slow cooking adds a crispy texture to balance their tenderness.

3. Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, bake the seasoned wings at 375°F for 40-45 minutes, then toss with the barbecue sauce and broil.

4. Can I use homemade barbecue sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade sauce works beautifully and allows you to customize the flavor.

5. What’s the best way to reheat these wings?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or in an air fryer for 5-7 minutes for a crispy finish.

Enjoy these finger-licking-good Crockpot BBQ Chicken Wings—they’re sure to be the star of your next meal or party! 🍗✨