Description
Crockpot Chicken Wings are the ultimate convenience food for any occasion. With minimal preparation and a slow-cooking process that infuses the wings with flavor, these wings are fall-off-the-bone tender and packed with deliciousness. Whether you’re hosting a party, having a casual family dinner, or simply craving a savory snack, these wings are a crowd-pleaser. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, making it easy to prepare and enjoy with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup honey or brown sugar
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for spice)
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (or your favorite wing sauce)
Ingredient Highlights
- Chicken Wings: Choose a combination of flats and drumettes for a variety of textures and a more authentic wing experience. Frozen wings can be used, but fresh wings work best.
- Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to the sauce, helping to create a savory base.
- Honey or Brown Sugar: These ingredients provide sweetness to balance the savory and tangy flavors, as well as help create a nice glaze on the wings.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds acidity to the sauce, balancing out the sweetness and helping tenderize the meat.
- Spices and Sauces: Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and hot sauce elevate the flavor profile, and BBQ sauce (or other preferred sauces) adds a final layer of flavor to coat the wings.
Instructions
Prepare the Wings and Sauce:
- Prepare the Chicken Wings: If using whole wings, separate the drumettes from the flats and discard the wing tips. Pat the wings dry with paper towels to ensure they crisp up when cooking.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, pepper, and hot sauce (if desired). Adjust the sweetness or spice level according to your preference.
- Coat the Wings: Place the wings in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them. Toss the wings to coat them evenly in the sauce.
Cook the Wings:
- Set the Crockpot: Cover the slow cooker and cook the wings on high for 4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours, depending on your time availability. The wings are done when they are tender and the meat easily pulls away from the bone.
- Optional Step for Crispier Wings: If you prefer crispier wings, transfer the cooked wings to a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Broil them for 3-5 minutes, or until the edges are slightly crispy and caramelized. Be sure to watch them closely to avoid burning.
Serve:
- Toss with Extra Sauce: If you like extra sauce, you can mix in more BBQ sauce or wing sauce after cooking, or serve it on the side for dipping.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or fresh herbs if desired. Serve the wings with your favorite sides like coleslaw, French fries, or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (on high) or 6-8 hours (on low)
Nutrition
- Calories: 300-350 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 25g