What is the best recipe you have ever heard? Forget complicated, hours-in-the-kitchen wing What is the easiest and most delicious thing to do?Crockpot BBQ Wings: WhatWhat are the best decisions you have ever What are some of the best tips for hosting a game on weeknights? I stumbled upon this recipe years ago, searching for a way to enjoy wings without all the mess of cooking. What is deep frying? Isn’t it better than the wings from that local place, and my kids and husband, & even my super super cool super friend. I have a picky mother-in-law and all give this recipe their stamp of approval. What’s the best part? What is the best way to put everything in the slow cooker and forget about it for a few hours? Is it a win-win for everyone?
What is a crockpot BBQ wing?
Think of Crockpot BBQ WingsWhat are some of the best comfort food recipes? What is a slow cooker recipe for chicken wings? What is your favorite barbecue sauce? What is the slow cooking process for wings? What flavors do you add? What are wings that melt in your mouth? The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity; you can customize the flavor profile to your liking. What’s your favorite way to add smoked paprika? How do you create a dish that fits your family’s tastes? How do I plan a party ahead of time?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, let me count the ways!flavor is simply incredible. The combination of the smoky, sweet, and tangy barbecue sauce with the perfectly cooked chicken wings is a match made in heaven. Each bite is an explosion of deliciousness, and it’s so easy to adjust the spice levels to suit your preference. But the thing I love most is the simplicity. Seriously, this recipe requires minimal effort. You’re basically just dumping ingredients into the slow cooker. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. And because it’s so hands-off, you can focus on other things, like prepping some sides or even just relaxing with a book. And the Cost-What are some of the best cheap chicken wings recipes? Plus, you can easily scale it up or down depending on the size of your crowd. What I love about this is the fact that it’s a good movie.versatility– it’s perfect for game day, potlucks, or even a casual weeknight dinner. What are some great side dishes to serve with coleslaw and fries? What is unexpected? Is it true that once you try these, you might just find yourself making them every week?
Quick Overview
What are some good seasonings for chicken wings? In the slow cooker they go, nestled in a cozy bath of your favorite BBQ sauce. Let them cook on low for several hours until they’re fall-off-the-bone tender. What’s the beauty of this method? What’s the best part about a slow cooker? Is it a foolproof recipe that anyone can master? Even I who am not known for my kitchen skills can nail this. What are some of the best wings to eat? Is it really that easy to do?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
- 3-4 pounds of chicken wings, separated at the joint (tips removed, if desired) – I usually grab the wings. Pre-cut packages from the grocery store to save time.
- How much garlic powder is needed for this recipe?
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder – Adds a savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika – This adds a wonderful smoky flavor that really elevates the wings. If you’re not a fan of smoking, feel free to leave this out.
- 1 teaspoon of salt – Essential for bringing out all the other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper – Freshly ground is best!
- What’s a good cayenne pepper? I usually add a pinch of salt, but if you’re sensitive to spice, you can skip this or reduce the amount.
For the Filling:
- What is your favorite BBQ sauce? What is the best BBQ sauce?
- 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar – This adds a tangy element that balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce – Adds depth of umami flavor.
- 1 tablespoon of honey or brown sugar (optional) – If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add 1-2 tablespoons of extra honey. Honey or brown sugar.
For the Glaze:
- Extra BBQ Sauce, for brushing – The same BBQ sauce you used for cooking works perfectly.
- A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish – A little fresh herb adds a nice pop of color. Color and freshness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
What is the first step in getting things ready? Make sure your slow cooker is clean and ready to go. Is it necessary to preheat the oven? Now, go ahead and take those chicken wings out of the package and pat them dry with some paper. Why are drier wings more likely to brown up and stick to the seasonings? If you have time, you can separate the wings at the joint, but it’s not a deal-breaker if you don’t. The cooking time will be a bit longer. No need to oil the slow cooker, that’s the beauty of this. And always make sure the slow cooker is on a flat, stable surface – safety first! Make sure you have enough time for cooking, around 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours in high.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Make sure to get rid of any clumps. This is where we are setting the foundation for our flavor! This blend is the secret to getting that perfect coating of flavor on your wings. You can get creative here, too! If you like a little extra spice, feel free to add more cayenne or even a pinch of red pepper flakes. Just taste the mix and adjust to your liking. This is your chance to tweak it to your preferences. Remember, the goal is for every bite of your Crockpot BBQ WingsTo be incredibly delicious!
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, which I usually just grab the one I used for the spices (less cleanup! ), combine the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and honey (if using) (or brown sugar). What is the best way to whisk everything together? The apple cider vinegar adds a flavor that cuts through the richness of the BBQ sauce, and the black pepper is great too. What is Worcestershire sauce? How much honey should I use? If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can leave it out or reduce the amount. What is the best way to combine flavors before proceeding to the next step?
Step 4: Combine
Add the chicken wings to the bowl with the dry seasonings. Using your hands (or a pair of tongs), toss the wings until they are evenly coated. Make sure every piece gets a good dusting of that delicious spice blend! Once all the wings are coated, transfer them to the slow cooker. Pour the wet sauce mixture over the wings, ensuring that they are all submerged (or at least mostly covered). If they’re not fully submerged, you can gently toss them around a bit to make sure they’re all getting coated.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
This step is already done! No, really! The filling is the BBQ sauce mixture that we’ve already made. What should I do to make sure that my wings are evenly distributed in my wing?
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
What’s the fun part? Pour the BBQ sauce over the wings in the slow cooker. Make sure each wing is coated in the sauce. When wings are cooked, the sauce will start to bubble and thicken, creating the most amazing glaze. If you find that the sauce isn’t quite covering all the wings, give them a gentle toss. Can you add a little extra BBQ sauce if you like? Just make sure the wings are mostly covered so they cook evenly. If you’re short on time, set your slow cooker to low (or high) and let it work its magic. What is magic for the next few hours? How do you close the lid and let the magic happen!
Step 7: Bake
After you have everything set up in the slow cooker, it’s time to let them simmer. Cook the wings on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, or until they’re incredibly tender and falling off the bone. I typically go with the low and slow method because it yields the most tender results. But if you’re in a hurry, the high setting works great too! During the cooking process, resist the urge to lift the lid, because you’re going to lose all the heat, which can extend cooking time. The best way to tell if they’re done is to use a fork – the meat should easily pull away from the bone. I can never resist having a peek! But I highly recommend not opening the lid to let the steam escape!
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
When the wings are cooked, remove them from the slow cooker. How do you do this with a slotted spoon or tongs? Place wings on a baking sheet. What is the best way to brush on BBQ sauce? At this stage, you have a couple of options. You can choose from one or the other. What are some good ways to serve a chicken wings on steamed rice? Is it necessary to broil the sauce in a pan? This step is optional, but it gives the wings an extra layer of deliciousness. Watch them carefully, though, because they can burn quickly! Honestly, they’re perfect at this point, so don’t feel like you have to do this. What is the best medicine for a little extra char?
Step 9: Slice & Serve
What is the last step? Serve and enjoy! What are some ways to serve wings on a baking sheet? Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, if you like, for a pop of color and freshness. Serve them with your favorite side, like coleslaw, potato salad, or french fries. And don’t forget the napkins – these wings can get messy, but that’s part of the fun! These are perfect for game day, potlucks, or any get-together. What are some of the best ways to prepare for a zombie attack?
What to Serve It With
Alright, let’s talk sides! Because what’s better than Crockpot BBQ Wings? Having the perfect side dishes to go with them! I’ve got some tried-and-true favorites that always get rave reviews.
For Breakfast: Okay, this may sound a little crazy, but hear me out! Sometimes, when I’m feeling adventurous (or have a serious craving), I’ll make these wings for brunch. They’re surprisingly good alongside some scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and a side of fluffy pancakes. A spicy Bloody Mary is the perfect beverage for this occasion.
For Brunch: It’s a fantastic dish to showcase at any brunch occasion. Add the wings to a platter with some mini quiches, fresh fruit, and a light and refreshing mimosa or a classic Bloody Mary. You can’t go wrong!
As Dessert: Yes, you read that right! These wings are awesome after dinner! A light fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, savory flavors.
For Cozy Snacks: Sometimes, all you want is a cozy night in with your loved ones. These wings can be paired with some homemade potato wedges, a crunchy veggie platter, and a creamy dipping sauce (ranch or blue cheese, anyone?). It’s the perfect way to relax and unwind after a long day.
For the kids, I usually serve them with some carrot sticks and celery sticks with a side of ranch for dipping. For the adults, I love to make a big batch of creamy coleslaw and some crispy french fries. My family has their own unique tastes, and I would recommend that you see what works best for yours. In any case, serve your Crockpot BBQ Wings hot and enjoy!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Crockpot BBQ Wings
Alright, let me share some of my hard-earned wisdom. Over the years of making these wings, I’ve learned a few tricks to make them truly exceptional.
Zucchini Prep: If you’re planning to serve these with a zucchini side dish (which I highly recommend), here are a couple of things to note. Make sure to remove the excess moisture from the zucchini. I do this by grating the zucchini, then placing the grated zucchini in a colander and sprinkling it with salt. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes, and then squeeze out the excess water. This will prevent your side dish from being soggy.
Mixing Advice: When mixing the seasonings with the wings, make sure to toss them very well. You want every wing to be evenly coated. The goal is for every bite of your Crockpot BBQ Wings to be flavorful and delicious!
Swirl Customization: Experiment with different types of BBQ sauce. I love a good smoky sauce, but you can also use a sweet, tangy, or spicy sauce. The possibilities are endless! Also, you can adjust the amount of sauce to your liking. If you like them extra saucy, feel free to add more.
Ingredient Swaps: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your tastes and dietary needs. For example, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts instead of wings. The cooking time might vary, but the end result will still be delicious. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use a sugar-free BBQ sauce or a low-sodium seasoning blend.
Baking Tips: If you want to crisp up the skin, broil the wings for a few minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly. The goal is to get a nice char on the wings, but not to dry them out.
Glaze Variations: If you want a sweeter glaze, add a tablespoon or two of honey or brown sugar to the BBQ sauce before you brush it on. If you like a spicy glaze, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find the perfect flavor combination for you!
Storing and Reheating Tips
So you’ve got leftover Crockpot BBQ Wings? Wonderful! Here’s how to keep them tasting their best.
Room Temperature: You should never leave cooked chicken at room temperature for more than two hours. After that, it’s best to refrigerate them.
Refrigerator Storage: Place the wings in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you have a lot of leftovers, you can portion them out into individual containers for easy access.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the wings. Place the wings in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They’ll last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the wings, I recommend brushing them with the glaze *after* thawing and reheating. This will help prevent the glaze from getting too sticky or clumpy.
To reheat the wings, the best option is to reheat them in the oven or under the broiler. This will help crisp up the skin and keep them from getting soggy. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the texture might not be quite as good.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Well, there you have it! My go-to recipe for the most amazing Crockpot BBQ Wings. This recipe has been a game-changer in our home, and I have no doubt that you’ll love it just as much. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal, a weekend get-together, or a fun game day spread. The best part? It requires minimal effort and yields maximum flavor. If you enjoyed this, you have to check out my recipe for pulled pork. It has a similar slow-cooked appeal, but with a totally different flavor profile. It’s another family favorite! Don’t forget to come back and rate the recipe and leave a comment to let me know how yours turned out, and share any fun variations you come up with! Happy cooking, and happy winging!
Crockpot BBQ Wings
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pounds Chicken Wings
- 1 cup BBQ Sauce
- 0.25 cup Water
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Place chicken wings in the slow cooker.
- Pour BBQ sauce and water over the wings.
- Cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, or until wings are tender.
- Serve immediately, tossing with extra BBQ sauce if desired.
