Slow Cooker Chicken Wings Recipe

Nothing quite adds a spark to a party like a platter full of flavorful, sticky, and delicious chicken wings. Slow-cooked to perfection and drenched in a sweet and spicy sauce, these party wings are sure to be a hit. The slow cooker does all the work, making it a hassle-free recipe, perfect for any get-together.

Photos of Slow Cooker Party Wings Recipe

Most ingredients for this slow cooker party wings recipe should be readily available in your kitchen. However, you might need to pick up a bottle of Kraft Sweet & Spicy Barbecue Sauce from the supermarket if it's not a staple in your pantry. Also, you'll need to source fresh chicken wings from the meat section.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Party Wings

Chicken wings: The main ingredient of this recipe, choose fresh and clean wings from the market.

Kraft sweet & spicy barbecue sauce: This barbecue sauce adds the right blend of sweet and spicy flavor to the wings.

Orange juice: Orange juice adds a citrusy tang to the wings, balancing the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.

Honey: Honey enhances the sweet flavor in the sauce, and gives the wings a glossy finish.

One reader, Janaye Hennessey says:

These slow cooker party wings were a hit at my last gathering! The chicken was so tender and flavorful, and the sauce had the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Plus, the convenience of using the slow cooker made it a stress-free dish to prepare. I'll definitely be making these again!

Janaye Hennessey

Essential Techniques for Perfect Slow Cooker Party Wings

How to bake the chicken wings: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and place the chicken wings on a foil-covered rimmed baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray. Bake for 30 minutes until they are golden and crispy.

How to transfer the chicken to the slow cooker: After baking, carefully transfer the chicken wings to the slow cooker, discarding the foil along with any drippings.

How to mix the sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the sweet & spicy barbecue sauce, orange juice, and honey until well blended. This will create a delicious and flavorful sauce for the chicken wings.

How to coat the chicken wings with the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken wings in the slow cooker and stir to evenly coat the wings with the flavorful mixture.

How to cook in the slow cooker: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook the chicken wings on low for 5 to 6 hours, or on high for 2½ to 3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender and juicy.

How To Make Slow Cooker Party Wings

Easy 4-ingredient slow cooker wings recipe. Chicken wings are coated with KRAFT Barbecue Sauce with an additional kick of orange juice and honey.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 5 hours

Total: 5 hours 5 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

3lbschicken wings,split at joints, tips removed
1cupKRAFT Sweet & Spicy Barbecue Sauce
¼cuporange juice
2tbsphoney

Instructions

Heat oven to 400 degrees F.
Place chicken on a foil-covered rimmed baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray.
Bake for 30 minutes.
Transfer chicken to slow cooker; discard foil with any drippings.
Mix remaining ingredients until blended. Pour over chicken; stir to evenly coat. Cover with lid.
Cook on Low for 5 to 6 hours or on High for 2½ to 3 hours.

Nutrition

Calories: 541.10kcal
Fat: 30.17g
Saturated Fat: 9.23g
Trans Fat: 0.16g
Monounsaturated Fat: 14.17g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 6.56g
Carbohydrates: 26.28g
Fiber: 0.46g
Sugar: 22.46g
Protein: 40.22g
Cholesterol: 251.74mg
Sodium: 680.43mg
Calcium: 42.23mg
Potassium: 559.00mg
Iron: 1.40mg
Vitamin A: 26.69µg
Vitamin C: 5.49mg

Expert Technique Tip for Slow Cooker Party Wings

To ensure your chicken wings are crispy and not too soggy, it's crucial to bake them first before adding to the slow cooker. This step helps to render out some of the fat and gives the wings a nice texture. Also, when adding the barbecue sauce, orange juice, and honey mixture, make sure to stir well so that each wing is evenly coated. This will help the flavors to penetrate the meat and make your wings more delicious.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Slow Cooker Party Wings

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and marinate meats the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

Use a slow cooker: Utilize a slow cooker to cook the wings while you focus on other party preparations.

Buy pre-cut wings: Save time by purchasing pre-cut chicken wings to skip the step of cutting and preparing them yourself.

Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you cook to save time and avoid unnecessary stress.

Multi-task: While the wings are cooking, use the time to prepare other dishes or set up the party space.

Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Party Wings Recipe

chicken wings - Substitute with chicken drumsticks: Chicken drumsticks can be used as a substitute for chicken wings in this recipe, as they have a similar texture and can absorb the flavors of the sauce and orange juice well when cooked in a slow cooker.
kraft sweet & spicy barbecue sauce - Substitute with homemade barbecue sauce: If you prefer to make your own barbecue sauce, you can substitute the store-bought one with a homemade version using ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices to control the sweetness and spiciness according to your preference.
orange juice - Substitute with pineapple juice: Pineapple juice can be used as a substitute for orange juice to add a tangy and sweet flavor to the dish, complementing the barbecue sauce and honey.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a substitute for honey to add a rich, sweet flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste of the wings.

How to Present Slow Cooker Party Wings for Maximum Appeal

Elevate the plating: Arrange the wings in a circular pattern on a large, elegant platter, ensuring they are evenly spaced and visually appealing.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley and chives over the wings to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the dish.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Place the wings on a bed of crisp lettuce leaves to provide a textural contrast and enhance the overall presentation.
Add a touch of citrus: Grate a hint of lemon zest over the wings to infuse a subtle citrus aroma and elevate the flavor profile.
Serve with elegant dipping sauces: Offer a selection of gourmet dipping sauces, such as a tangy sriracha aioli or a creamy blue cheese dressing, in small, individual ramekins alongside the wings.
Use high-quality serving ware: Present the wings on sleek, modern platters or slate boards to create a sophisticated and upscale presentation.
Incorporate edible flowers: Garnish the platter with delicate, colorful edible flowers to add a touch of elegance and a visually stunning element to the dish.
Consider the color contrast: Pair the wings with vibrant, seasonal vegetable crudites to create a visually striking and balanced presentation.
Highlight the glaze: Brush an additional layer of the sweet and spicy barbecue glaze over the wings just before serving to create a glossy, irresistible sheen.
Emphasize symmetry and balance: Arrange the wings in a symmetrical pattern, ensuring that the platter is visually balanced and aesthetically pleasing.

Essential Tools for Making Delicious Slow Cooker Wings

Oven: An essential appliance for baking and roasting foods, providing consistent and even heat distribution.
Rimmed baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal pan with raised edges, designed to contain food items while baking or roasting in the oven.
Slow cooker: A countertop electrical cooking appliance used for simmering at low temperatures, ideal for slow-cooking dishes such as stews, soups, and meats.
Foil: Aluminum foil is used to line baking sheets and pans, providing a non-stick surface and easy cleanup.
Cooking spray: A non-stick cooking spray used to coat baking sheets and pans to prevent food from sticking during baking or roasting.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining and mixing ingredients, available in various sizes and materials such as stainless steel, glass, or ceramic.
Measuring cup: A kitchen tool used to measure liquid or dry ingredients accurately for cooking and baking recipes.

Storing and Freezing Slow Cooker Party Wings: A Guide

Let the chicken wings cool completely before storing or freezing.
To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled wings in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They will keep for up to 4 days in the fridge.
For longer storage, freeze the wings:
- Arrange the cooled wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 1-2 hours, or until the wings are frozen solid. This initial freezing step prevents the wings from sticking together.
- Transfer the frozen wings to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Frozen chicken wings will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
To reheat frozen wings, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, you can reheat them in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop until they are heated through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
If you want to reheat the wings in the slow cooker, place the thawed wings in the slow cooker and cover with the reserved barbecue sauce. Cook on low for 1-2 hours, or until heated through.

How To Reheat Leftover Slow Cooker Party Wings

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover chicken wings on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the wings are heated through and the skin is crispy.
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place the wings on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high for 1-2 minutes, or until they're heated through. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the meat to dry out.
If you have an air fryer, this is a great way to reheat your slow cooker party wings. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and place the wings in the basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they're heated through and crispy.
For a stovetop method, place the wings in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to the pan to help keep the wings moist. Cover the skillet and heat the wings for 5-7 minutes, or until they're heated through.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your reheated wings, try tossing them in a fresh batch of barbecue sauce or hot sauce before serving. This will give them a nice glaze and a burst of flavor.

Interesting Trivia About Slow Cooker Party Wings

Chicken wings are a popular party food and are often associated with sports events and gatherings. They are a versatile dish that can be prepared in a variety of ways, from spicy to sweet and tangy. They are also a good source of protein and can be a delicious addition to any party menu.

Is Making Slow Cooker Party Wings at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this slow cooker party wings recipe is quite high, as it uses affordable ingredients and yields a substantial amount of food. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-20, making it a budget-friendly option for a delicious and satisfying meal. The overall verdict for this recipe would be an 8/10, considering its affordability, ease of preparation, and crowd-pleasing flavor.

Are Slow Cooker Party Wings Healthy or Unhealthy?

This slow cooker party wings recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:

Chicken wings are high in fat, particularly saturated fat, which can contribute to heart disease and other health issues when consumed in excess.
The recipe uses a store-bought barbecue sauce, which likely contains added sugars and preservatives.
Honey, while a natural sweetener, still adds to the overall sugar content of the dish.

However, there are some positive aspects:

The recipe uses a slow cooker, which can help retain nutrients and moisture in the chicken.
Orange juice provides some vitamin C and natural flavor.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Use skinless chicken breasts or thighs instead of wings to reduce the fat content.
Make your own barbecue sauce using tomato paste, vinegar, spices, and a small amount of natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup to control the sugar and sodium content.
Increase the amount of orange juice and decrease the amount of honey to reduce added sugars.
Add some chopped vegetables like onions, garlic, or bell peppers to the slow cooker for added nutrients and fiber.
Serve the chicken with a side salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the meal.

By making these adjustments, you can enjoy a tasty and more nutritious version of slow cooker chicken that still satisfies your cravings for sweet and savory flavors.

Editor's Opinion on This Slow Cooker Party Wings Recipe

This slow cooker party wings recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and spicy flavors. The use of orange juice and honey adds a unique twist to the traditional barbecue sauce, creating a tantalizing glaze for the chicken wings. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in tender, juicy wings that are perfect for any gathering. The initial baking step adds a nice texture to the wings before they are slow-cooked to perfection. Overall, this recipe is a winner and is sure to be a hit at any party or gathering.

Enhance Your Slow Cooker Party Wings Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic and chives, topped with melted butter.

Roasted Vegetables: Colorful medley of roasted vegetables, drizzled with balsamic glaze and sprinkled with fresh herbs.

Fruit Salad: Refreshing fruit salad with a mix of seasonal fruits, tossed in a light citrus dressing.

Garlic Bread: Warm and crispy garlic bread, brushed with garlic-infused butter and sprinkled with parmesan cheese.

Delicious Alternatives to Slow Cooker Party Wings

Savory Beef Stew: This hearty beef stew is packed with tender chunks of beef, carrots, and potatoes in a rich and flavorful broth. It's the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in.

Zesty Lemon Chicken: This zesty lemon chicken recipe is bursting with bright and tangy flavors. The chicken is marinated in a refreshing lemon and herb mixture, then grilled to perfection for a light and delicious meal.

Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake: Indulge in this creamy and decadent strawberry cheesecake. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a luscious strawberry topping, it's the ultimate dessert for any special occasion.

Perfect Main Courses and Desserts to Pair with Slow Cooker Party Wings

Main Courses:

Grilled Salmon: Marinate the salmon in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before grilling. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a healthy and flavorful main course.

Beef Stroganoff: Sear the beef in a hot pan before simmering it in a rich and creamy mushroom sauce. Serve over a bed of egg noodles for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. This elegant dessert is perfect for a dinner party or a romantic evening in.

Apple Crisp: Savor the warm, comforting flavors of apple crisp, with tender baked apples and a crispy oat topping. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate fall dessert.

Why trust this Slow Cooker Party Wings Recipe:

This recipe guarantees succulent chicken wings infused with the perfect blend of sweet & spicy barbecue sauce, orange juice, and honey. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld, resulting in tender, finger-licking wings that are perfect for any gathering. Trust the combination of these high-quality ingredients to deliver a mouthwatering experience that will elevate your party to the next level. With the slow cooker method, you can be assured of consistent, delicious results every time.

Share your thoughts on this Slow Cooker Party Wings Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know how your wings turned out!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of barbecue sauce for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use a different type of barbecue sauce if you prefer. Feel free to experiment with your favorite barbecue sauce to customize the flavor to your liking.

Can I use chicken drumsticks instead of wings for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken drumsticks for the wings in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the drumsticks are fully cooked.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance and reheat it later?

Yes, you can prepare the wings in advance and reheat them later. Simply store the cooked wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat them in the oven or microwave when you're ready to serve.

Can I double the recipe if I'm serving a larger crowd?

Certainly! You can easily double the ingredients to make a larger batch of party wings. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased quantity of wings.

Can I use fresh orange juice instead of store-bought?

Using fresh orange juice is a great option if you have it available. It can add a vibrant, fresh flavor to the sauce. Just make sure to strain out any pulp before using it in the recipe.