Cooking juicy, tender chicken wings in a crock pot is a great hands-off way to prepare this tasty appetizer or main dish. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have perfect crock pot BBQ chicken wings ready in no time.
Introduction
BBQ chicken wings are a classic favorite, but cooking them in the oven can be time-consuming and messy. Using a crock pot simplifies the process, while also producing wings that are fall-off-the-bone tender. The moist, even heat of the slow cooker breaks down the connective tissue in the wings, ensuring they come out incredibly juicy and flavorful every time.
Cooking BBQ wings in a crock pot has many advantages:
- Requires minimal prep work – just mix a few ingredients and add to crock pot
- Allows you to prep in the morning and come home to ready-to-eat wings
- Minimal cleanup since wings cook in a contained vessel
- Consistent results with no burnt or dry spots
- Adds great smoky flavor without having to grill or deep fry
When it comes to how long to cook BBQ chicken wings in a crock pot, timing can vary based on factors like crock pot type, number of wings, and desired texture. Here’s a look at timing as well as steps to ensure perfect wings.
How Long to Cook BBQ Chicken Wings in a Crock Pot
Most recipes call for cooking BBQ chicken wings in a crock pot for 3-4 hours on low or 1-2 hours on high. Here are some tips for getting the best results:
- Crock pot size – For a 6-quart crock pot, plan on 3-4 hours on low or 1-2 hours on high. Use the shorter times for fewer wings. For smaller 2-3 quart crock pots, reduce time by 30-60 minutes.
- Quantity – The more wings you cook, the longer they will need. For over 50 wings, increase time to 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high.
- Doneness – Check wings at 3 hours on low. If not as tender as desired, cook for 30-60 minutes more until wings are fall-off-the-bone tender.
- High vs low – Cooking on high speeds the process, but wings may end up not as juicy. Low and slow is best for maximum moistness.
- Chicken type – Larger chicken wings may need slightly longer cook times than smaller chicken wings.
- Thaw wings first – Make sure frozen wings are fully thawed before putting them in the crockpot to ensure even cooking.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can hone in on the perfect cook time for BBQ chicken wings in a crock pot based on your specific ingredients and preferences.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps for juicy, saucy BBQ chicken wings cooked to perfection in the crock pot:
Ingredients
- 3-5 lbs chicken wings, tips removed
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1-2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper
- Chopped scallions, for garnish
Directions
- Prep the wings – Cut off and discard wing tips. Pat wings dry with paper towels.
- Mix sauce – In a bowl, stir together BBQ sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat wings – Put wings in crock pot and pour sauce over top. Toss until evenly coated.
- Cook – Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours, until wings are very tender.
- Garnish & serve – Top with chopped scallions. Serve immediately or keep on warm setting for up to 2 hours before serving.
The tender, saucy wings are ready to enjoy on their own or with sides like ranch dressing, celery sticks, and blue cheese dip. The prep work is minimal, and the crock pot does all the work for you.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot BBQ Chicken Wings
- Pat wings dry before adding sauce – this helps them crisp up better.
- Don’t overlap wings – lay them out in an even layer for even cooking.
- Use canned or homemade BBQ sauce – thicker sauces coat better than thin, vinegary sauces.
- Give a quick broil at the end to crisp them up.
- Toss in sauce after cooking for maximum coating.
- Serve with cooling dippers like celery and ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should you cook frozen chicken wings in a crockpot?
If starting with frozen chicken wings, add 1-2 hours to the cook time. Make sure wings are fully thawed before checking for doneness.
Can you put raw chicken wings in a crockpot?
Yes, you can cook raw chicken wings straight from the package into the crockpot. No need to thaw or prep them first.
Do you put water in the crockpot with chicken wings?
Water isn’t necessary as the wings will release their own juices. The tender results from the slow, moist heat of the crockpot.
Should you flip crockpot chicken wings?
Flipping half way through can allow for more even cooking and sauce coating. But it’s not required if cooking in a well-functioning crockpot.
Can you overcook chicken wings in a crockpot?
It is possible to overcook them if cooking for a very long time at high heat. Follow recipe time guidelines to prevent overcooking that can result in dried out, falling apart wings.
Conclusion
Crock pot BBQ chicken wings make for a fun and mess-free way to enjoy this tasty appetizer or main. Allowing 3-4 hours cooking time on low or 1-2 hours on high will result in tender, fall-off-the-bone wings coated in your favorite finger-licking barbecue sauce. Just a bit of easy prep, then let the crockpot work its magic. Adjust cook time as needed based on the amount of wings and your desired texture. Follow the simple steps in this guide, and you will have juicy, saucy wings the whole family will love.