Slow Cooker Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or game day snack that doesn’t require you to hover over the stove, these lemon pepper wings are your answer. The bright, zesty flavor profile is a refreshing change from traditional buffalo wings and will have everyone asking for your recipe.

For more delicious wing recipes, check out my Air Fryer Greek Chicken Kabobs or Hot Cheeto Chicken Tenders for other flavor-packed options. If you love citrus flavors, you’ll also enjoy my Citrus Salmon for another easy main dish.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright, zesty flavor: The combination of fresh lemon juice, zest, and pepper creates a vibrant flavor that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
• Perfect texture: The slow cooker ensures tender, juicy meat, while the quick broil at the end gives these wings the crispy exterior everyone craves.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare these wings in advance and finish them under the broiler just before serving, making them perfect for entertaining.
• Customizable heat level: Easily adjust the amount of black pepper to suit your spice preference, making these wings perfect for both spice lovers and those who prefer milder flavors.

What Makes These Lemon Pepper Wings Special

These aren’t your average lemon pepper wings. By using the slow cooker, the chicken absorbs the bright citrus flavor and becomes incredibly tender. The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest provides a more authentic and vibrant flavor than wings made with just dried seasonings. The finishing touch under the broiler creates that perfect crispy exterior while locking in all the juicy flavor.

This recipe also uses real butter rather than oil, which adds richness and helps the seasonings adhere to the wings for maximum flavor in every bite. The result is wings that are both crispy and bursting with fresh, tangy lemon flavor.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings Ingredients

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

• Chicken wings – Fresh or thawed party wings (flats and drumettes) work best for this recipe. The smaller size ensures even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• Lemons – Fresh lemons are essential for both juice and zest. The oils in the zest contain intense citrus flavor that dried seasonings can’t match.
• Butter – Creates a rich base for the sauce and helps the seasonings stick to the wings. It also aids in crisping the skin during the broiling step.
• Salt – Enhances all the flavors and helps tenderize the meat during the slow cooking process.
• Black pepper – Provides the signature peppery kick that balances the bright lemon flavor. Freshly ground is best for maximum flavor.
• Smoked paprika – Adds a subtle smoky dimension that complements the lemon-pepper profile and contributes to the beautiful golden color.
• Lemon pepper seasoning – Used during the broiling stage to intensify the lemon-pepper flavor and create a flavorful crust.
• Fresh parsley – Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal notes that complement the citrus flavor.

Substitutions and Additions

• Wing alternatives: If you prefer, use chicken drumsticks or boneless chicken thighs with adjusted cooking times.
• Seasoning options: For a different flavor profile, try adding garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning to the mix.
• Buttery variations: Brown the butter before adding to the slow cooker for a nutty, more complex flavor.
• Heat level: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a spicy kick that contrasts with the bright lemon.
• Herb infusions: Try adding fresh thyme or rosemary to the slow cooker for additional herbal notes.
• Sweet balance: A tablespoon of honey can balance the tanginess of the lemon for a slightly sweeter wing.

How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Pepper Wings (step-by-step directions)

STEP 1. Place the chicken wings in the slow cooker. Make sure it’s large enough to hold all wings without overcrowding for even cooking. (Photo 1)

STEP 2. Add the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, butter, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika directly over the wings. (Photo 2)

STEP 3. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours (or HIGH for 2-3 hours) until the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F and tender. (Photo 3)

STEP 4. Once the wings are cooked, preheat your oven broiler and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Spray or lightly grease the foil to prevent sticking.

STEP 5. Transfer the wings from the slow cooker to the prepared baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer with space between each piece.

STEP 6. Brush the wings with the lemon-pepper sauce from the slow cooker, then sprinkle generously with lemon pepper seasoning on both sides. (Photo 4)

STEP 7. Broil the wings for 3-4 minutes, then flip them over, baste again with sauce, and broil for another 3-4 minutes until they reach your desired level of crispiness. (Photo 5)

STEP 8. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and lemon slices or wedges before serving. (Photo 6)

Recipe Tips

• Pat wings dry: If your wings release a lot of liquid during thawing, pat them dry with paper towels before adding to the slow cooker for better sauce adhesion.
• Zest before juicing: Always zest your lemons before juicing them – it’s much easier that way!
• Even sizing: Try to use wings that are similar in size so they cook at the same rate.
• Broiling distance: Position the baking sheet about 6-8 inches from the broiler element, not too close, to avoid burning.
• Watch closely when broiling: Broilers vary in intensity, so keep a close eye on your wings to prevent burning.
• Double basting: For maximum flavor, baste the wings before broiling and again halfway through when you flip them.
• Crisping trick: For extra crispy skin, place the wings on a wire rack on top of the baking sheet during broiling to allow air circulation on all sides.

Storing Tips

• Storage: Allow the wings to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: These wings freeze well for up to 2-3 months. Place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag with the air pressed out. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: For best results when reheating, place wings on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and re-crisped. Avoid microwaving as it will make the wings soggy.
• Sauce storage: If you have leftover sauce from the slow cooker, strain it and store separately in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Use it as a dipping sauce or marinade for other dishes.

Serving Suggestions

These zesty lemon pepper wings pair perfectly with Creamy Roasted Garlic Aioli or Sriracha Aioli for dipping. For a complete meal, serve alongside Easy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries or a refreshing Heirloom Tomato Salad with Balsamic & Feta.

For a game day spread, include these wings with Pull Apart Pepperoni & Mozzarella Pizza Monkey Bread and Fresh Watermelon Bites With Whipped Feta for a crowd-pleasing variety.

Recipe FAQs

Need More Appetizer Recipes? Try These:

• Spicy Jalapeno Pineapple Salsa
• Pull Apart Monkey Bread with Pepperoni and Mozzarella
• Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Wings
• Crockpot Sticky Asian Sesame Meatballs Recipe
• Easy Shrimp Toast Recipe
• See all our appetizer recipes!