Are you craving delicious, fall-off-the-bone tender chicken wings without the fuss of constant stovetop attention? Then you've come to the right place! This slow cooker BBQ chicken wings recipe is your answer to a flavorful, easy, and satisfying meal. Perfect for game day, a casual weeknight dinner, or a weekend gathering, these wings are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience the ultimate in homemade cooking with this simple yet incredibly delicious recipe.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs chicken wings, tips removed and separated
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
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Prepare the Wings: Rinse the chicken wings under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Removing the tips beforehand ensures cleaner eating.
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Combine the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This creates a flavorful marinade that will tenderize the wings while they cook.
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Slow Cooker Magic: Place the chicken wings in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the wings, ensuring they are evenly coated.
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Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily falls off the bone. The longer they cook, the more tender they become!
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Broil for Extra Crisp (Optional): For extra crispy skin, transfer the cooked chicken wings to a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. This step adds a nice textural contrast to the tender meat.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve your slow cooker BBQ chicken wings hot, and enjoy! They're fantastic on their own or with your favorite sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or corn on the cob. This quick dinner idea is perfect for busy weeknights.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the slow cooker: Ensure there's enough space for the wings to cook evenly. If necessary, cook them in batches.
- Taste and adjust: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your preference. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat or a dash of liquid smoke for a smokier flavor.
- Make it your own: Experiment with different types of BBQ sauce. Sweet baby ray's, Kansas City-style, or even a homemade recipe will all work beautifully.
- Leftovers are a bonus: These wings are even better the next day! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Spicy Wings: Add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade for extra heat.
- Honey Garlic Wings: Replace some of the BBQ sauce with honey and add more garlic powder for a sweeter and garlicky flavor profile.
- Dry Rub Wings: Skip the BBQ sauce and use a dry rub instead. Combine your favorite spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and brown sugar.
Nutritional Information (per wing, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: Approximately 10-15g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
This recipe offers healthy meals packed with protein, and is a great alternative to many less healthy food recipes. Enjoy your delicious and easy slow cooker BBQ chicken wings! These best recipes are designed for both beginner and experienced cooks, making this a truly satisfying culinary experience.