Tired of complicated recipes and endless cooking times? Craving delicious, fall-off-the-bone BBQ chicken wings but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen? Then you've come to the right place! This crockpot BBQ chicken wings recipe is your new go-to for easy weeknight dinners or impressive game-day appetizers. It's a simple, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks alike. Get ready to experience the ultimate in convenience and taste!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for crisping)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This helps them crisp up better later on, whether you finish them in the oven or not.
Crockpot Magic:
- In your slow cooker, combine the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
- Add the chicken wings to the slow cooker, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the sauce.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Finishing Touches (Optional):
- For extra crispy wings, preheat your oven's broiler. Remove the wings from the slow cooker and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the wings with additional BBQ sauce (optional).
- Broil for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the wings are nicely browned and crispy. Watch carefully to avoid burning!
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your delicious crockpot BBQ chicken wings hot, with your favorite sides. They are fantastic with coleslaw, potato salad, corn on the cob, or a simple green salad.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Crockpot BBQ Chicken Wings:
- Don't overcrowd the slow cooker: Ensure the chicken wings have enough space to cook evenly. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Adjust the BBQ sauce to your liking: Feel free to experiment with different types of BBQ sauce – sweet, smoky, spicy – to find your perfect flavor combination.
- Add some heat: For spicier wings, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Make it a complete meal: Add vegetables like chopped onions or bell peppers to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking for a more substantial meal.
Variations:
- Honey Garlic Wings: Replace the brown sugar with honey and add a tablespoon of soy sauce for a sweet and savory twist.
- Dry Rub Wings: Before cooking, rub the chicken wings with a dry spice rub of your choice, then add the sauce during the last hour of cooking.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For a general estimate, one serving (approximately 3 wings) contains around 250-300 calories, 15-20g of protein, and 10-15g of fat. This is an approximation and should be verified using a nutritional calculator with your specific ingredients.
This crockpot BBQ chicken wings recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. The convenience of slow cooking combined with the delicious results makes this a true crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!