Making wings for a group is easier when the slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting. This method cooks the chicken gently in broth or beer until the meat is very tender.
The process takes about three hours on the high setting. A quick trip under the broiler at the end creates a sticky, caramelized exterior using a simple blend of barbecue sauce, honey, and lime juice.
Why will you love Crockpot Chicken Wing?
The slow cooker tenderizes the chicken hands-free so you can focus on other tasks.
Broiling the wings at the end gives them a crisp exterior that a slow cooker alone cannot achieve.
The three-ingredient sauce uses pantry staples to add a sweet and tangy finish.
Crockpot Chicken Wing Ingredients
• Chicken wings: Look for party wings that are already split into drumettes and flats to save prep time.
• Chicken broth: You can use low-sodium chicken broth or swap it for a light, citrusy beer like a pale ale or lager.
• Barbecue sauce: Choose your favorite brand. A smoky or spicy variety works well to balance the sweetness of the honey.
• Lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice provides a bright acidity that cuts through the rich barbecue sauce.
Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Wing
Step 1: Cook the wings
Add the chicken wings to your slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth or beer over the top. Secure the lid and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 4 to 6 hours until the meat is tender.
Step 2: Mix the sauce
While the chicken finishes cooking, prepare the glaze. Stir the barbecue sauce, honey, and lime juice together in a small bowl until smooth.
Step 3: Broil and serve
Transfer the cooked wings to a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush them generously with the sauce mixture. Broil for a few minutes until the sauce caramelizes and the edges crisp up.
How to Store and Freeze Crockpot Chicken Wing
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the meat will change.
Expert Tips for Crockpot Chicken Wing
Food safety: Always check that poultry reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a digital meat thermometer.
You can buy whole chicken wings and cut them yourself. Cut through the joints to separate the drumette, flat, and wingtip. Discard the wingtips or save them for making stock.
If you prefer a thicker coating, brush the wings with half the sauce, broil for 2 minutes, then brush with the remaining sauce and broil for 1 more minute.
What to Serve with Crockpot Chicken Wing?
Serve these wings with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Crockpot Chicken Wing Recipe FAQs
Can I put frozen chicken wings in the slow cooker?
It is not safe to cook frozen chicken in a slow cooker. The meat spends too much time in the temperature danger zone. Thaw the wings completely in the refrigerator before starting.
How do I know when the wings are done?
The meat will look opaque and pull away slightly from the bone. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I use a different sauce?
Yes. You can skip the barbecue sauce mixture and toss the cooked wings in buffalo sauce, teriyaki sauce, or garlic parmesan sauce before broiling.
Crockpot Chicken Wing
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings split into flats and drumettes, 900 g
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth or light beer 350 ml
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce 120 ml
- 2 tablespoons honey 30 ml
- 1 tablespoon lime juice 15 ml
Instructions
- Place the chicken wings in the slow cooker.
- Pour the chicken broth or beer over the wings. Place the lid on the slow cooker.
- Cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 4 to 6 hours.
- Check the thickest wings with a meat thermometer. The chicken must reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- In a small bowl, stir together the barbecue sauce, honey, and lime juice.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Use tongs to carefully transfer the cooked wings from the slow cooker to the baking sheet.
- Brush the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken wings.
- Set your oven to broil. Place the baking sheet in the oven and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce bubbles and the edges turn brown. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Serve warm.
Notes
