Description
These slow cooker wings are a budget-friendly way to create sticky, flavorful wings perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
For the Wings
- 3 pounds chicken wings (separated into flats and drumettes)
For the Sauce
- 1 cup inexpensive barbecue sauce (choose a budget-friendly option)
- ½ cup ketchup (adds sweetness and tang)
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar (helps create a sticky glaze)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (adds brightness)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (for a subtle tang)
For the Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (imparts a smoky flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (intensifies garlic flavor)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (adds warmth)
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
For the Thickening
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
- 1 tablespoon cold water (to dissolve cornstarch)
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, optional)
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Begin by patting the chicken wings dry with paper towels, ensuring they’re ready to absorb the flavorful seasonings.
- Sprinkle smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper over the wings. Toss thoroughly.
- Transfer the seasoned wings to a slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer.
- In a mixing bowl, combine barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and mustard. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the wings and toss until well coated. Cover and set the slow cooker to low for 3 to 4 hours.
- Once cooked, transfer the wings to a baking sheet. Mix cornstarch with cold water and add to the remaining sauce in the slow cooker. Stir until thickened.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to high for about 10 minutes until sauce thickens. Brush thickened sauce over wings.
- Preheat the oven broiler to high. Broil wings for 3 to 5 minutes until sticky and caramelized.
- Remove from the oven, brush with warm sauce if desired, and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
Patting the wings dry ensures a better seasoning coating. Always check wings for a safe internal temperature of 165°F. Watch carefully while broiling to prevent burning.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Whisk
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Chicken
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 wings
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 95