Get ready to dive into the most mouthwatering, effortless chicken wings you’ve ever tasted! These Crock Pot Chicken Wings are a game-changer for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort. Imagine coming home to the irresistible aroma of garlic-infused, tender chicken wings, ready to be crisped up to perfection. This recipe is so simple, yet so delicious, it’ll become your new go-to for everything from family dinners to game day gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Let your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting while you relax.
- Crispy Perfection: A quick broil at the end gives you that sought-after crispy exterior.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan is simply irresistible.
- Versatile: Easy to customize with different sauces and seasonings to suit any taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken wings: The star of the show, providing a perfect canvas for flavors.
- Sea salt and black pepper: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken.
- Unsalted butter: Creates a rich, luxurious coating for the wings.
- Garlic: Adds a punch of flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Parmesan cheese: Brings a savory, umami kick to finish the dish.
- Green onions or chives: Optional, but adds a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
- Buffalo Style: Toss the wings in your favorite buffalo sauce before broiling.
- BBQ Bliss: Brush with BBQ sauce for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Teriyaki Temptation: Coat with teriyaki sauce for an Asian-inspired flavor profile.
- Lemon Pepper: Sprinkle with lemon pepper seasoning for a zesty kick.
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Wings
Step 1: Prepare the Wings
Place your chicken wings in the slow cooker and season them generously with salt and pepper. Give them a good toss to ensure even coating.
Step 2: Create the Garlic Butter
Melt the butter and mix in the minced garlic. If you’re feeling fancy, sauté the garlic in the butter for an extra flavor boost.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Tenderness
Pour that heavenly garlic butter over the wings, making sure each piece gets some love. Let the slow cooker work its magic for 2.5-3 hours on High or 5-6 hours on Low.
Step 4: Crisp It Up
Here’s where the magic happens! Broil those tender wings for about 5 minutes on each side until they’re golden and crispy.
Step 5: Cheesy Finale
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the wings and broil for another 1-2 minutes until it’s melted and bubbly.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Pat Dry: Before seasoning, pat the wings dry for better seasoning adhesion and crispier skin.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange wings in a single layer when broiling for even crispiness.
- Watch Closely: Keep an eye on the wings while broiling to prevent burning.
- Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try different seasonings or sauces to find your perfect wing.
How to Serve
These wings are perfect on their own, but why stop there? Serve them alongside:
- A cool, creamy ranch or blue cheese dip
- Crisp celery and carrot sticks
- A fresh, crunchy coleslaw
- Your favorite cold beverage
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
Freeze cooked wings for up to 3 months. Pro tip: Freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag to prevent sticking.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, you can! Just add an extra hour to the cooking time and make sure they’re fully thawed before broiling.
How do I know when the wings are done?
The meat should be tender and easily pull away from the bone. For safety, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Can I make these wings ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cook them in the slow cooker, refrigerate, and broil just before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.
What if I don’t have a broiler?
No problem! You can crisp up the wings in a hot oven (450°F) for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
These Crock Pot Chicken Wings are the perfect blend of convenience and mouthwatering flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. The combination of tender, slow-cooked meat with a crispy, cheesy exterior is simply irresistible. So go ahead, give this recipe a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Crock Pot Chicken Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in these irresistible Crock Pot Chicken Wings, a perfect blend of convenience and flavor. Slow-cooked to tender perfection and finished with a crispy broil, these wings are smothered in a savory garlic butter sauce and topped with melted Parmesan cheese. An ideal crowd-pleaser for game days, parties, or a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
- 4 lb Chicken wings (separated into flats and drumettes)
- 1 tsp Sea salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (melted)
- 6 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
- Green onions or chives (optional; sliced thinly for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken wings
Place the chicken wings in the bottom of a slow cooker. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the seasonings. - Create the garlic butter sauce
In a small bowl or saucepan, stir together the melted butter and minced garlic. You can melt it on the stove or in the microwave. If melting on the stove, sauté the garlic for about a minute before removing from heat to enhance its flavor. - Coat the wings
Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken wings. Stir to coat each wing thoroughly, ensuring they are all well-covered with the flavorful sauce. - Slow cook the wings
Cook the wings in the slow cooker for 2.5-3 hours on High or 5-6 hours on Low, until they are almost fall-off-the-bone tender. This slow cooking process will infuse the wings with flavor and ensure they are perfectly cooked. - Prepare for broiling
Toward the end of the slow cooking time, preheat the oven to Broil. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper, or use foil and grease well. If using parchment paper, make sure there isn’t any excess to prevent burning under the broiler. - Broil the wings
Arrange the chicken wings in a single layer on the prepared pan. Broil for about 5 minutes on each side, until crispy and golden. This step gives the wings a delicious crispy exterior. - Add Parmesan cheese
Remove the chicken wings from the oven. Top with shredded Parmesan cheese, distributing it evenly over the wings. Return to the oven (under the broiler again) for 1-2 minutes, until the cheese is melted and slightly golden. - Garnish and serve
Garnish with thinly sliced green onions or chives if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Crock Pot Chicken Wings!
Notes
- For crispy wings, ensure they are arranged in a single layer when broiling.
- To make cleanup easier, use a slow cooker liner.
- Frozen wings can be used, but may require additional cooking time.
- For flavor variations, try buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, or teriyaki sauce.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- These wings can be meal-prepped by cooking in the Crock Pot and broiling just before serving.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Freeze on a sheet pan first to prevent sticking, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 chicken wings
- Calories: 450kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 1
