Published 7/24/2023 • Updated 3/19/2024 Serve your crock pot chicken wings with a homemade dip such as Ranch dressing or Greek Yogurt Blue Cheese dressing. Since we’re game day fanatics and love hosting parties, we made sure to keep this crockpot chicken wings recipe extra simple so that you can focus on your guests (and your frozen margaritas). Use fresh or frozen chicken wings and slather them with bbq sauce. Then cook them in the slow cooker on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours. Eat as is, or take the extra step to crisp them up in the oven or on the grill.
What do you need for this crockpot chicken wings recipe?
This crockpot chicken wings recipe requires just four ingredients: The BBQ sauce is the star, infusing the wings with a flavor profile that can be spicy, smoky, sweet, or savory, depending on your preference.
How long do you cook chicken wings in the slow cooker?
high for 2 hours low for around 4
You know your slow cooker chicken wings are done cooking once they reach an internal temperature of 165ºF. Your wings will be extremely moist once they’re done cooking, but don’t worry, we’ll teach you how to crisp them up a bit!
Fresh or Frozen Wings?
First things first. Fresh or frozen wings? There are lots of options out there when it comes to chicken wings and we have some good and bad news for you: Good news: You can buy either frozen or fresh chicken wings at the grocery store and either will work. Actually, we recommend buying them frozen because you’re more likely to find a drummies + wings combo frozen than fresh! The other nice thing about buying them frozen is you’re more likely to be able to find the drummies and wings already separated than having to do it yourself, which is a mess. We know this from experience. Bad news: if you buy frozen wings, we recommend thawing them before cooking them in the slow cooker. No worries, all you have to do is let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and you’re ready to go! The reason why we suggest thawing them first is to make sure you eliminate any kind of food borne illness from happening.
Flavor Variations
Seasonings: in addition to salt and pepper, add more flavor to your wings with all-purpose chicken seasoning, chicken dry rub, taco seasoning BBQ Sauce: you can either use store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own at home. Toss the wings in the sauce to make sure everything is fully coated in BBQ Sauce. Don’t worry, you’ll use more sauce later. Other sauce ideas: not a fan of bbq? Use 1/2 cup of a different sauce such as teriyaki, firecracker sauce, buffalo, or honey garlic.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Wings
Want to eat your wings as-is? Since the chicken wings have reached an internal temperature of 165ºF (feel free to use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure!), they are safe to eat and ready to go.
Chicken Wings Recipes
Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings Amazing Dry Rub Wings Air Fryer Chicken Wings Everything Bagel Crispy Baked Chicken Wings
Straight out of the crockpot they will be tender and moist. Want to crisp them up a little bit and caramelize the bbq sauce? Remove slow cooker chicken wings from the crockpot using a slotted spoon and place them on a pan. Brush both sides of all the wings with more sauce. By brushing the wings with sauce before you cook them again, the BBQ sauce will caramelize and become super delish.
Bake: Bake wings at 400ºF for 5-10 minutes, flipping halfway. Grill: Grill wings at 450 for 5 minutes, flipping halfway. <– grilling them is our preferred way because we love a little char. Broil: Broil on high for 2-5 minutes, flipping halfway.
Storage Suggestions
Let the chicken cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat: place on a microwave-safe plate and reheat in the microwave for 60-90 seconds.
Freezing Chicken Wings
Yes, you can freeze crock pot chicken wings. If you plan to freeze your chicken, we recommend freezing immediately after cooking in the slow cooker.
Dipping Sauce Ideas
Serve your crock pot chicken wings with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, blue cheese dressing, green goddess dressing, or Greek yogurt dressing. Accompany them with fresh veggies like celery and carrot sticks for a complete game day spread.
