Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Wings

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Using the slow cooker means you simply add the ingredients and let the appliance do most of the work, giving you more time to enjoy with your guests or family.
• Super Crispy Finish: A quick broil at the end transforms these slow-cooked wings into crispy garlic parmesan wings that rival any restaurant version.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These wings are perfect for game day gatherings, parties, or family dinners. The garlic parmesan flavor is universally loved and less messy than traditional buffalo wings.
• Customizable Heat: You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes, making these wings perfect for both spice lovers and those who prefer milder flavors.

What Are Garlic Parmesan Wings?

Garlic parmesan wings are a delicious alternative to traditional buffalo wings, featuring a rich, savory coating instead of a spicy sauce. These wings are coated in a buttery mixture of fresh garlic, grated parmesan cheese, and herbs that creates a mouthwatering flavor profile.

While many garlic parmesan wings recipes call for baking or frying, this slow cooker version makes the process easier while ensuring the meat becomes tender and infused with flavor. The final broiling step gives these wings the crispy exterior you’d expect from restaurant wings.

Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Wings Ingredients

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

• Chicken wings – Fresh or thawed chicken wings work best for this recipe. If using frozen wings, be sure to thaw them completely before cooking for best results.
• Butter – Unsalted butter, sliced into pieces. The butter melts during cooking to create a rich base for the garlic parmesan sauce.
• Grated parmesan cheese – Use grated parmesan cheese for cooking, plus extra for garnishing. Freshly grated parmesan has a superior taste and texture compared to pre-grated varieties.
• Fresh garlic – Minced garlic cloves give these wings their signature flavor. Fresh minced garlic provides the best aromatic quality and taste intensity.
• Salt – Enhances all the flavors in the dish. You can adjust to your taste preferences.
• Black pepper – Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• Garlic powder – Provides an additional layer of garlic flavor that infuses into the wings during slow cooking.
• Parsley – Fresh chopped parsley for garnish adds a pop of color and a bright, fresh flavor that balances the richness of the garlic and parmesan.

Substitutions and Additions

• Chicken parts – If wings aren’t available, you can use chicken drumsticks or boneless chicken thighs instead. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Cheese options – While parmesan is traditional, you can experiment with romano or asiago cheese for different flavor profiles.
• Herbs – Fresh thyme or rosemary can be added to the garlic parmesan sauce for additional aromatic flavor.
• Lemon zest – Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the sauce for a bright, citrusy note that cuts through the richness.
• Air fryer option – If you prefer, you can skip the slow cooker and make these wings in the air fryer. See the FAQs for more details on this method.

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Wings (step-by-step directions)

STEP 1. Place the chicken wings into your 7qt slow cooker pot. (Photo 1)

STEP 2. Top the wings with the sliced butter, grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. (Photo 2)

STEP 3. Cover with the lid and cook fresh/thawed wings on LOW for 4-5 hours (or HIGH for 3-4 hours) until the chicken is fully cooked, tender, and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. (Photo 3)

STEP 4. Once cooked, preheat your oven broiler and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Spray with cooking spray or lightly grease with butter to help prevent sticking.

STEP 5. Transfer the chicken wings onto the prepared baking sheet and baste them with the leftover garlic parmesan butter from the slow cooker. (Photo 5)

STEP 6. Broil for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until desired crispiness is reached. You can scoop some of the garlic bits from the slow cooker to top the chicken with for extra flavor.

STEP 7. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese. (Photo 6)

STEP 8. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, like garlic aioli or ranch, along with celery and carrot sticks.

Recipe Tips

• Use a large enough slow cooker – Make sure to use a 7 quart or larger slow cooker for 4 pounds of wings so they cook properly and evenly.
• Thaw wings completely – If using frozen wings, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or in the sink with cool water for a couple hours before cooking.
• Cook frozen wings on HIGH – If you must cook chicken from frozen, cook on HIGH to reduce the time the chicken is in the danger zone (40°F to 140°F).
• Baste frequently – During broiling, baste the wings with the leftover sauce from the slow cooker every few minutes for maximum flavor. Flip, baste again, and continue broiling.
• Watch your broiler carefully – All broilers heat differently, so check on your wings often to ensure they’re not burning. Broil times are estimates, so cook until your desired crispiness is reached.
• Consider the cooking liquid – The leftover liquid from the slow cooker is very flavorful for basting. Alternatively, you can make a fresh garlic butter sauce by melting butter and mixing with more minced garlic and seasonings.

Storing Tips

• Storage: These garlic parmesan wings can be stored for later enjoyment, though they’re best fresh off the broiler.
• Refrigerator: Allow the wings to cool completely before covering. Store leftover wings in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: You can freeze cooked wings for up to 2 months. Freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid to prevent sticking.
• Reheating: For the crispiest results, reheat wings in an oven preheated to 375°F for 10-15 minutes or in the air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes. Microwave reheating will work, but wings will lose their crispiness.

Serving Suggestions

These slow cooker garlic parmesan wings pair perfectly with cool, creamy dips like my Creamy Roasted Garlic Aioli or Sriracha Aioli for those who like some heat. 

For a complete game day spread, serve alongside my Appetizer Ring: Pigs In A Blanket Ring Chili Cheese Bake, and Pull Apart Pepperoni & Mozzarella Pizza Monkey Bread.

Recipe FAQs

Need More Appetizer Recipes? Try These:

• Spicy Jalapeno Pineapple Salsa
• Meatball Party Appetizer: Easy Sweet & Spicy Bang Bang Meatballs
• Crockpot Sticky Asian Sesame Meatballs Recipe
• Baked Spinach And Artichoke Dip (Simple Hot Recipe)
• Garlic Parmesan French Fries (Best Air Fryer Recipe)
• See all our appetizer recipes!