Crockpot Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Bold, buttery, and zesty chicken wings simmered low and slow in lemon juice, butter, and paprika until melt-in-your-mouth tender, then finished with a quick broil for the perfect crispy exterior.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 3 hours hrs
Broiling Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 3 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 320 kcal
Slow Cooker/Crockpot
Baking Sheet
Wire Rack
Aluminum Foil
- 3 pounds chicken wings split at joints, tips removed
- 3 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice approximately 1-2 lemons
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- 1 lemon zested
- fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
- non-stick cooking spray for coating slow cooker
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture, allowing the seasoning to adhere better and promoting crispier skin during the final broil.
In a large bowl, combine the lemon pepper seasoning, melted butter, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne (if using). Whisk until thoroughly combined.
Add the dried wings to the bowl with the lemon pepper mixture. Using your hands or tongs, toss until each wing is generously and evenly coated.
Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or line with a slow cooker liner. Place a folded piece of aluminum foil at the bottom to elevate the wings slightly, preventing them from sitting in excess liquid.
Place the coated wings in your crockpot, arranging them in a single layer if possible. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Preheat your broiler. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Transfer the wings from the slow cooker to the rack, spacing them evenly.
Broil for 3-5 minutes per side or until they achieve your desired level of crispiness. Watch carefully to prevent burning!
Transfer the wings to a serving platter and sprinkle with fresh lemon zest and chopped parsley. For an extra flavor boost, toss the hot wings with any remaining sauce from the crockpot.
For maximum crispiness, ensure wings are completely dry before seasoning.
If using frozen wings, thaw completely first and add 30 minutes to cooking time.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For best results when reheating, use an air fryer (3-4 minutes at 375°F) or oven (10 minutes at 350°F) rather than a microwave.
To make these dairy-free, replace butter with coconut oil or ghee.
Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 23gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 480mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 0.5g
Keyword Chicken Wings, Lemon Pepper, Crockpot, Slow Cooker, Game Day