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Crockpot BBQ Chicken Wings 1

Crockpot BBQ Chicken Wings

These Crockpot BBQ Chicken Wings are a game-changer for anyone who loves tender, flavorful wings without the hassle. Using your slow cooker not only saves time and effort, but it also allows the wings to slowly absorb all those delicious barbecue flavors, resulting in meat that practically falls off the bone.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Broiling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 390 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker/Crockpot
  • Baking Sheet
  • Wire Rack
  • Paper Towels
  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients
  

Chicken Wings

  • 3 pounds chicken wings fresh or thawed

BBQ Sauce Mixture

  • 2 cups barbecue sauce store-bought or homemade
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • salt and pepper to taste

Optional Thickening

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch for thickening sauce
  • 2 tablespoons water if using cornstarch

Instructions
 

  • Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt and pepper, making sure to coat all sides evenly.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper until completely combined.
  • Lightly coat your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Add the wings to the crockpot, then pour about ¾ of the BBQ sauce mixture over them, reserving the rest for later. Gently toss the wings to ensure they're evenly coated with the sauce.
  • Cover and cook the wings on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. About halfway through cooking, give them a gentle stir to ensure even sauce distribution.
  • Optional for thicker sauce: Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the slurry, and continue cooking with the lid off to reduce and thicken the sauce.
  • For crispy finish: Preheat your oven broiler. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Carefully transfer the cooked wings to the rack and brush with remaining sauce. Broil for 3-5 minutes until slightly crispy and caramelized. Watch them closely to prevent burning!

Notes

- Use maple syrup or brown sugar instead of honey for different flavor profiles
- For a lower-carb option, use sugar-free BBQ sauce
- For honey BBQ wings, increase honey to ¼ cup
- Don't lift the slow cooker lid too often as it extends cooking time
- For best results when reheating, use a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes instead of a microwave

Nutrition

Calories: 390kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 24gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 650mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 15g
Keyword Chicken Wings, BBQ Chicken, Slow Cooker, Crockpot, Game Day Food
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