Crockpot Wings in Dr. Pepper Sauce
Fall-off-the-bone tender wings coated in a sticky-sweet, smoky-spicy sauce made with Dr. Pepper for a bold, caramelized depth of flavor. Perfect for game day or any gathering!
Equipment
- Slow Cooker/Crockpot
- Baking Sheet
- Foil
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Wings and Sauce
- 3 pounds chicken wings split at joints, tips removed
- 12 oz Dr. Pepper not diet
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce sweet and smoky variety works best
- 1/4 cup soy sauce low-sodium option available
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce adjust to taste
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Thickening
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch for thickening
- 2 tablespoons water
Optional Garnishes
- sliced green onions
- sesame seeds
- cilantro
Instructions
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper. For extra-crispy results, let the wings sit uncovered in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Dr. Pepper, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, honey, sriracha, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper until fully incorporated.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. If you need to stack them, do so loosely to ensure even cooking. Pour the Dr. Pepper sauce mixture over the wings, making sure each piece gets coated.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW for 6-7 hours, until the wings are tender but not falling apart.
- About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Remove the wings from the slow cooker and set aside temporarily.
- Add the cornstarch slurry to the remaining liquid in the crockpot, stirring well. Return the wings to the crockpot, gently toss to coat in the thickening sauce, and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Optional: For a crispy exterior, transfer the wings to a baking sheet lined with foil and broil for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro if desired before serving.
Notes
- No Dr. Pepper? Try Coca-Cola or root beer for a similar caramelized effect
- Substitute honey with maple syrup or brown sugar for varied sweetness profiles
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce
- Wings maintain optimal flavor and texture for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator
- To reheat, avoid the microwave; instead, place them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes
- Substitute honey with maple syrup or brown sugar for varied sweetness profiles
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce
- Wings maintain optimal flavor and texture for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator
- To reheat, avoid the microwave; instead, place them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes
Nutrition
Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 24gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 650mgSugar: 12g
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