Barbecue Wings: Crock Pot Cooking Guide

how to cook barbecue wings in crock pot

Barbecue chicken wings are a delicious treat, and they're easy to make in a crock pot! You can use a dry rub and your choice of barbecue sauce to flavour the wings, and then cook them in the crock pot for up to four hours. To get that perfect crispy texture, finish the wings under the broiler for a few minutes until the sauce is sticky and caramelized. This simple recipe is perfect for game days and parties, and it's sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

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Preparing the wings

After broiling, transfer the wings to a crockpot. At this stage, you can add your chosen seasonings and sauces. Sprinkle the wings with salt and pepper, and then coat them with your favourite barbecue sauce. You can also experiment with different sauces and seasonings to create a unique flavour profile. For a spicier kick, add some hot sauce to the mix. Alternatively, try a dry brine for at least 4 hours before cooking.

Once the wings are seasoned and sauced, it's time to cook them in the crockpot. Set the crockpot to high and let the wings cook for 2-3 hours. Keep an eye on them to ensure they are thoroughly cooked but not falling off the bone. The crockpot cooking time gives you the flexibility to walk away and attend to other tasks while your wings cook to perfection.

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Making the sauce

If you want to make your own sauce, a simple combination of ingredients will do the trick. Start by pouring 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce into a bowl. You can also add honey, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce to taste. Mix the ingredients together until they are well combined. If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can add some hot sauce to the mixture. For a milder option, you can substitute honey and garlic for the hot sauce. This will give your wings a mild, flavorful kick with a sticky texture.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even experiment with different types of Asian sauces. Try using teriyaki or hoisin sauce for a unique twist on traditional barbecue wings. Sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for a little extra crunch and flavor.

Once you've made your sauce, it's time to toss the chicken wings. Sprinkle the wings with salt and pepper, then place them in a crockpot. Pour your desired amount of sauce over the wings and toss until they are evenly coated. You can also reserve some sauce for basting the wings after they have finished cooking.

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Cooking methods and timings

There are several methods for cooking barbecue wings in a crock pot, with slight variations in timing depending on the desired level of crispness and the specific crock pot model. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Preparation:

Firstly, prepare the wings by cutting off and discarding the wing tips. Then, cut each wing at the joint to create two sections. For a dry rub, coat the wings with your chosen seasoning. You can also dry brine the wings for at least four hours before cooking.

  • Place the seasoned wings in the crock pot and add your chosen barbecue sauce. You can also add other ingredients like honey, mustard, or Worcestershire sauce.
  • Secure the lid and cook the wings on low heat for three to four hours or on high heat for one to two hours. The wings are cooked when the juices run clear, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • For crispier wings, transfer the cooked wings to a broiler pan or baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Brush the wings with additional barbecue sauce and broil on high for two to three minutes, or until the sauce is sticky and caramelized.
  • Alternatively, you can use an air fryer or a fryer set at 375 degrees Fahrenheit to crisp the raw wings for two to three minutes before placing them in the crock pot.
  • For a keto or low-carb option, use a keto barbecue sauce and dry rub to reduce the carb intake.
  • If you're short on time or prefer a simpler approach, you can choose to cook the wings directly in the crock pot without broiling them afterward. However, this may result in a less crispy texture.

With these methods and timings, you can create delicious and tender barbecue wings in your crock pot, adjusting the cooking time and broiling process to suit your taste preferences.

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Keto/low-carb options

There are several keto/low-carb options for cooking barbecue wings in a crock pot. Here are some detailed instructions for a few of them:

Option 1:

  • Pat thawed wings dry and place them in a slow cooker.
  • Season the wings with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  • Mix BBQ sauce and Buffalo wing sauce together.
  • Pour 1 cup of the mixed sauce over the wings and stir to coat.
  • Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 3 hours.
  • When nearing the 3-hour mark, set the oven to broil.
  • Remove the wings from the slow cooker and place them on a baking sheet.
  • Broil the wings for 4-5 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of crispness.
  • Place the wings back in the slow cooker and brush or toss them with another 1/2 cup of sauce.

Option 2:

  • Add the chicken wing pieces to a 6-quart slow cooker.
  • Sprinkle the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  • Add the chicken broth and cover.
  • Cook on high for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
  • Remove the fully cooked chicken from the slow cooker and place it in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
  • Place the chicken under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to allow the skin to crisp. Keep a close eye on the chicken as it can burn easily.
  • In a small bowl, stir together ketchup and Italian salad dressing until smooth.
  • Brush the mixture evenly among the chicken pieces.
  • Place the coated chicken under the broiler and watch carefully for the sauce to caramelize, about 2 minutes.

Option 3:

  • Add fresh chicken wings to the crockpot.
  • Sprinkle them with BBQ seasoning and use tongs to mix to coat.
  • Add 1/3 cup of BBQ sauce and toss the wings to coat.
  • Cook on high for 2 hours.
  • Remove the wings from the crockpot and place them in a single layer on an aluminum foil-lined broiler-safe baking sheet.
  • Brush the wings with 1/3 cup of barbecue sauce.
  • Broil on high for 2-3 minutes to char the wings and crisp the skin.
  • Brush with more sauce before serving.

For all of these options, you can use a keto BBQ sauce and keto brown sugar BBQ dry rub to keep the recipe low-carb and keto-friendly. You can also use a sugar-free BBQ sauce, such as G Hughes brand, and Frank's Buffalo Wing Sauce.

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Serving suggestions

Barbecue chicken wings cooked in a crock pot are a great appetizer, especially when hosting a party. They can be served as a game-day snack, along with sides like jalapeno popper dip and loaded potato skins. They can also be served as a main course with sides like collard greens and keto cornbread.

For a crispy texture, the wings can be placed under the broiler for a few minutes after being cooked in the crock pot. This will also help to caramelize the sauce. If you want to save time, the wings can be cooked ahead and refrigerated, then grilled or placed back in the crock pot and set to warm before serving.

For a low-carb or keto option, you can use a keto BBQ sauce and dry rub. You can also swap out the BBQ sauce for a richer flavor by using a sauce like BBQ Hennessy. If you want to add some extra crunch, you can try coating the wings with a mixture of half flour and half corn starch before cooking.

Some people also like to serve crock pot BBQ wings with a dipping sauce. You can use a store-bought sauce like Frank's Red Hot, or make your own buffalo sauce.

Frequently asked questions

It is recommended to cook barbecue wings in a crockpot for 2-3 hours.

You can cook barbecue wings on a high setting for 2-3 hours or on a low setting for 3-4 hours.

After removing the wings from the crockpot, grill or broil them to crisp up the skin.

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