Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Wings

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These tender Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Wings are the ultimate game day treat that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.

Prep Time5

Cook Time4

Total Time4 5

Course: Appetizers

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 784kcal

Place 4 pounds of chicken wings into your 7qt slow cooker pot.
In a bowl, mix 1½ cups BBQ sauce, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder until well combined.
Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken wings in the slow cooker, making sure all pieces are coated.
Cover with the lid and cook frozen wings on HIGH for 3-4 hours OR defrosted/fresh wings on LOW for 4-5 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked, tender, and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
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 prevent sticking.
Transfer the cooked wings to the prepared baking sheet and baste with additional BBQ sauce.
Broil for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until your desired crispiness is reached and the sauce is caramelized.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

For even cooking, avoid overcrowding your slow cooker. Use a large enough slow cooker (7qt recommended) to fit all the wings in no more than two layers.
If using frozen wings, cook on HIGH to reduce the time the chicken spends in the temperature danger zone (40°F to 140°F).
For extra crispy wings, pat them dry with paper towels before placing them under the broiler.
Watch the wings carefully while broiling as BBQ sauce can burn quickly due to its sugar content.
For an extra thick sauce coating, baste the wings every few minutes during broiling, flipping and adding more sauce as you go.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce some of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker in a saucepan before using it to baste the wings.
For a flavor boost, season the wings with a little salt and pepper before adding the BBQ sauce mixture.