If you’ve ever dreamed of sinking your teeth into tender, flavorful wings that practically melt in your mouth, then this Crock Pot Chicken Wings with BBQ Sauce Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These wings cook low and slow in the crock pot, soaking up a deliciously smoky, sweet, and mildly spicy rub before being finished off with a glorious caramelized BBQ sauce glaze. Perfect for game day, a casual dinner, or anytime cravings strike, this recipe brings effortless comfort and finger-licking goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, creating layers of zest, smokiness, and just the right amount of sweetness that make these wings irresistible. Gathering these essentials ensures your wings will come out perfectly seasoned and beautifully glazed every time.
- 3 pounds chicken wings: The star of the dish, these provide that perfect balance of crispy skin and juicy meat when cooked right.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (divided): Divided usage helps infuse flavor during cooking and form a sticky, caramelized finish at the end.
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances out the spices and helps with caramelization.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps tenderize the wings as they cook.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a classic savory depth that complements the BBQ sauce perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a rich smokiness that elevates the wings beyond ordinary.
- ½ teaspoon chili powder: Introduces a gentle heat that wakes up your taste buds without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a mellow, slightly sweet background flavor.
- ⅛ teaspoon ground oregano: Offers a subtle herbal note that rounds out the spice mix beautifully.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Wings with BBQ Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Seasoning Rub
In a small bowl, combine all the rub ingredients: brown sugar, sea salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, and ground oregano. Mixing these in advance makes seasoning the wings simple and evenly balanced.
Step 2: Season the Wings
Generously coat the raw chicken wings with the rub on both sides. This seasoning locks in incredible flavor that develops while slow-cooking in the crock pot.
Step 3: Set Up the Crock Pot
Lightly spray the inside bottom and sides of your crock pot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then layer the seasoned wings neatly inside, prepping them for the next flavor infusion step.
Step 4: Coat Wings with BBQ Sauce
Pour half of your BBQ sauce (about ½ cup) over the wings in the crock pot. Toss gently until every wing is fully coated, ensuring that saucy goodness seeps into every nook and cranny.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or on high for 1 to 2 hours, until the wings reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Slow cooking lets the meat become tender while marrying the flavors beautifully.
Step 6: Broil for that Caramelized Finish
Carefully remove the wings and place them on a wire rack set over a lined baking sheet. Brush the remaining BBQ sauce over the tops, then broil on high for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce caramelizes and develops that irresistible sticky glaze. Flip halfway through for even caramelization if you like.
How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken Wings with BBQ Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or green onions over the wings to add freshness and a pop of color. A dash of sesame seeds also adds a little crunch and visual interest.
Side Dishes
Classic creamy coleslaw or crunchy carrot sticks are refreshing against the rich wings. You can also serve with baked potato wedges or a simple corn on the cob for that ultimate comfort-food combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the wings on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of additional BBQ sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side. This makes sharing easy and adds a fun, casual vibe perfect for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them covered helps maintain moisture and flavor, so they taste just as amazing the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked wings by placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge to retain texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat your wings in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. To revive their crispy finish, pop them under the broiler for a minute or two if desired.
FAQs
Can I use frozen wings for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning to ensure even cooking and proper texture.
What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
A smoky, slightly sweet BBQ sauce is ideal, but feel free to use your favorite brand or homemade version for a personal touch.
Is it necessary to broil the wings at the end?
Broiling adds that perfect caramelized glaze and slight crisp, but if you prefer, you can skip this step and enjoy them straight from the crock pot.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes! Just be mindful of your crock pot’s capacity to avoid overcrowding, which can affect cooking time and texture.
Are these wings spicy?
The chili powder adds a mild kick, but the overall flavor leans more toward smoky and sweet. Adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Chicken Wings with BBQ Sauce Recipe is hands-down one of those dishes you’ll come back to time and time again. It combines ease, fantastic flavor, and that irresistible finger-licking fun in one tidy package. So fire up your crock pot, gather your wings, and get ready to impress family or guests with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness. You won’t regret it!
PrintCrock Pot Chicken Wings with BBQ Sauce Recipe
This Crock Pot Chicken Wings recipe offers tender, flavorful wings cooked low and slow for the perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture. Tossed in a smoky, slightly spicy rub and finished under the broiler with a BBQ sauce glaze, these wings are sure to be a crowd-pleaser for game day or any casual gathering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 3 pounds chicken wings
Rub Blend
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ teaspoon ground oregano
BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup BBQ sauce, divided
Instructions
- Mix the Rub: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, sea salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, and ground oregano until evenly blended.
- Season the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry and season both sides thoroughly with the prepared rub to ensure full flavor absorption.
- Prepare the Crock Pot: Lightly spray the bottom and sides of the crock pot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking, then arrange the seasoned wings evenly in the pot.
- Coat with BBQ Sauce: Pour half a cup of BBQ sauce over the wings and toss gently to coat them well, distributing the sauce evenly.
- Slow Cook the Wings: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or on high for 1 to 2 hours, until the wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F and are tender.
- Broil for Finish: Carefully remove the wings and place them on a wire rack set atop a lined baking sheet. Brush with the remaining ½ cup of BBQ sauce, then broil on high for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce caramelizes and becomes sticky. Flip halfway through broiling if desired for even caramelization.
Notes
- Ensure wings are fully cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F with a meat thermometer.
- Use a wire rack on the baking sheet during broiling to allow even heat circulation and prevent sogginess.
- Adjust chili powder quantity for desired heat level.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil a bit longer but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Leftover wings keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or air fryer.
