Welcome to another delicious slow-cooker recipe! If you’re a fan of chicken wings, this Crock Pot Chicken Wings recipe is going to be your new go-to favorite. It’s sticky, tender, and perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a game day, a casual dinner, or a party appetizer that everyone will rave about! Get ready to experience juicy wings cooked to perfection with minimal effort. The slow cooker magic truly transforms simple chicken wings into something spectacular. Think fall-off-the-bone tender with a rich, flavorful glaze that’s incredibly satisfying.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You won’t need a pantry full of exotic ingredients. Most of these are pantry staples, and the star of the show is undoubtedly the chicken wings themselves!

Chicken Wings: About 2.5 to 3 pounds. You can use whole wings, cut into drumettes and flats (wingettes), or just the flats if you prefer. Fresh or frozen (thawed) will work. For the best texture, aiming for a mix of drumettes and flats is ideal.

Garlic Powder: 1 tablespoon. This provides a foundational savory note that’s essential for wing flavor. Ensure it’s fresh for the best punch. (Substitution: 1 teaspoon garlic granules or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced, though the powder is easier for even distribution).

Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon. Adds depth and a subtle sweetness. (Substitution: 1/2 teaspoon onion granules).

Paprika: 1 teaspoon. For a hint of color and mild smoky or sweet flavor, depending on the type you use. Smoked paprika is fantastic here! (Substitution: sweet paprika or regular paprika).

Salt: 1 teaspoon. Crucial for enhancing all the other flavors. Adjust to your preference. (Substitution: sea salt, kosher salt).

Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon. Freshly ground will offer the best aroma and taste. (Substitution: pre-ground black pepper).

Your Favorite BBQ Sauce: 2 cups. This is where you can really personalize your wings! A classic smoky BBQ sauce, a sweet and tangy one, or even a spicy version will all work wonders. The quantity might seem like a lot, but it creates the rich, sticky glaze we’re aiming for.

Honey or Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons. This adds that irresistible sticky sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize beautifully. For a less sweet option, reduce slightly. (Substitution: maple syrup, agave nectar).

Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon. Adds a complex umami depth that balances the sweetness. (Substitution: soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free alternative, though the flavor profile will shift slightly).

Optional: A pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce: For that extra kick! Adjust to your heat preference.

Chopped Fresh Parsley: For a pop of color and freshness.

Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty crunch.

Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: The classic accompaniment for dipping!

Compare this to average oven-baked wings, which often require at least 45 minutes to 1.5 hours of active cooking time plus prep and cooling. This Crock Pot method significantly reduces active time, making it ideal for busy cooks. You can set it and forget it!

This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting!

First, if your wings are not already separated, go ahead and cut them into drumettes and flats. Discard the tips or save them for making chicken stock! Pat the chicken wings thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is an important step, even for slow cooking, as it helps the seasonings adhere better and can contribute to a slightly better texture, especially if you plan to crisp them up later.

Place the dried chicken wings into your slow cooker. For a 3-4 quart slow cooker, this will likely be a single layer. For larger cookers, you might have a bit more space. Avoid overcrowding, as it can lead to steaming rather than slow cooking.

In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken wings in the slow cooker. Toss gently with your hands or a spoon to ensure each wing is coated.

Now, it’s time for the slow cook! Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 6-8 hours. The exact time will depend on your slow cooker and how full it is.

Once the wings are tender and cooked through – they should be easily pierced with a fork and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) – it’s time to get them saucy. In a separate bowl, whisk together your favorite BBQ sauce, honey (or brown sugar), and Worcestershire sauce. If you’re adding any heat, this is the time to stir in cayenne pepper or hot sauce.

Option A (Most Common & Easiest): Carefully remove the chicken wings from the slow cooker and place them in a large bowl. Pour the prepared BBQ sauce mixture over the hot wings and toss gently to coat them completely. Serve as is, or for a slightly thicker glaze, you can return the sauced wings to the slow cooker on WARM (lid ajar or removed) for about 15-20 minutes to let the sauce thicken a bit more and adhere to the wings.

Option B (For Crispier Skin): This option offers a bit more texture. After the initial slow cook, transfer the wings to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Pour some of the sauce over them while still in the slow cooker, toss, then transfer. Broil in a preheated oven (around 400-450°F or 200-230°C) for 5-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until the skin is nicely browned and crispy. Watch them closely to prevent burning! You can also bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes.

Transfer your beautifully glazed chicken wings to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite dips!

Please note: This is an approximate nutritional value per serving (assuming 4-6 servings per recipe) and can vary significantly based on the type of chicken wings used (skin on/off, size) and the specific ingredients in your chosen BBQ sauce.

Craving wings but watching your intake? You can make delicious, healthier modifications:

• Leaner Protein: Use boneless, skinless chicken breast chunks instead of wings for a leaner protein option. Adjust cooking time accordingly (shorter, around 2-3 hours on high).
• Low-Sugar BBQ Sauce: Opt for BBQ sauces with lower sugar content or make your own sugar-free version using tomato paste, vinegar, and spices.
• Reduced Honey/Sugar: Cut the amount of honey or brown sugar in the glaze by half, or omit it entirely if your BBQ sauce is sweet enough. You can achieve sticky texture with cornstarch slurry at the end if desired.
• Baking vs. Broiling: If you opt for the crisping step, baking at a moderate temperature (400°F/200°C) for longer might be preferable to broiling for less intense browning and potentially less charred bits.
• Serve with Veggies: Instead of fries or chips, pair your wings with a large salad or a platter of raw vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers.

These Crock Pot Chicken Wings are incredibly versatile:

• Game Day Feast: Serve alongside nachos, sliders, a big salad, and plenty of dips for the ultimate sports-watching spread.
• Appetizer Platter: They make a show-stopping appetizer for parties, holidays, or any gathering.
• Quick Dinner: Pair with a simple side salad, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables for a satisfying weeknight meal.
• Sliders: Shred the meat off the bone after saucing and serve on slider buns for mini BBQ chicken sandwiches.

Allow the cooked chicken wings to cool completely before storing. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They can be enjoyed cold, reheated gently in a skillet, oven, or air fryer to regain some crispiness. Microwaving can make them soft and chewy.

There you have it – incredibly easy, wonderfully flavorful Crock Pot Chicken Wings that are surprisingly tender and delightfully sticky. This recipe removes the intimidation factor from making perfect chicken wings, making it accessible for home cooks of all levels. Whether you’re hosting a party, planning a game day menu, or just craving something delicious and satisfying, these slow cooker wings are sure to be a hit. They truly are juicy, delicious, and effortles!

Ready to impress your friends and family with minimal effort? Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments below!