Chicken wings are a beloved snack and party favorite, and cooking them in a crock pot is one of the easiest ways to get tender, juicy wings without the hassle. If you’ve ever wondered how to cook chicken wings in a crock pot, you’re in the right place! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make mouthwatering crock pot chicken wings that everyone will love.
Why Use a Crock Pot for Chicken Wings?
Using a crock pot (slow cooker) to cook chicken wings has some fantastic benefits:
– Hands-off cooking: Just set it and forget it. No need to watch over the wings constantly.
– Tender and juicy: Slow cooking breaks down the meat, making wings incredibly tender.
– Flavor infusion: The slow simmer allows sauces and spices to deeply penetrate the wings.
– Perfect for parties: Cook ahead and keep warm until serving time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a basic list to get you started. You can customize the sauce and seasoning to your taste!
– Chicken wings (fresh or frozen)
– Buffalo wing sauce or BBQ sauce
– Butter
– Garlic powder
– Onion powder
– Brown sugar
– Apple cider vinegar
– Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper
– Optional: cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for extra heat
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Chicken Wings in a Crock Pot
1. Prepare the Wings
Pat your chicken wings dry with paper towels to help the sauce stick better. You can use fresh or frozen wings, but adjust cooking times accordingly (frozen wings need a bit longer).
2. Make the Sauce
A classic buffalo sauce is a favorite for crock pot wings. To make it, melt butter in a saucepan and add hot sauce, garlic powder, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
Alternatively, for BBQ wings, mix barbecue sauce with brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a sweet and tangy flavor.
3. Combine Wings and Sauce
Place the wings in the crock pot and pour the sauce over them. Stir gently to coat all the wings evenly.
4. Cook the Wings
Cover and cook on:
– Low for 3-4 hours for fresh wings
– High for 2.5-3 hours for frozen wings
Make sure the internal temperature of the wings reaches 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
5. Crisp Up the Wings (Optional but Recommended)
Wings cooked in a crock pot tend to be tender but not crispy. To get that perfect crispy skin, transfer the wings to a foil-lined baking sheet and broil them in the oven for 3-5 minutes per side. Brush with extra sauce before broiling for sticky, caramelized wings.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Chicken Wings
– Marinate ahead: For deeper flavor, marinate the wings in sauce or dry rub overnight before cooking.
– Use a meat thermometer: Always check for 165°F internal temperature for safety and perfect doneness.
– Avoid soggy wings: Broiling after slow cooking crisps the skin and prevents sogginess.
– Cook in batches: Don’t overcrowd the crock pot to ensure even cooking and coating.
– Experiment with sauces: Try buffalo, BBQ, teriyaki, or honey garlic for variety.
– Keep warm: After broiling, you can return wings to the crock pot on warm to keep them hot for serving.
Serving Suggestions
Crock pot chicken wings are perfect as an appetizer or main dish. Serve them with:
– Celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing
– Crispy fries or potato wedges
– Coleslaw or a fresh green salad
– Corn on the cob or mashed potatoes
They’re an unbeatable choice for game day, parties, or casual family dinners.
Crock pot chicken wings are a simple, hands-off way to enjoy tender, flavorful wings with minimal effort. With a few easy steps and some broiling at the end, you can have wings that are juicy inside and crispy outside every time. Give it a try and watch these wings disappear fast!