Garlic-Infused Slow Cooked Chicken Wings
Nutritional value per serving
Calories450kcal
Carbs5gram
Fat28gram
Protein30gram
Ingredients
- Chicken wings (whole, with tips) - look for fresh, firm wings with no off smell1 kg
- Garlic cloves, minced or finely chopped - choose fresh garlic without any green sprouts6 pieces
- Olive oil - extra virgin for best flavor2 tbsp
- Soy sauce - low sodium to control saltiness2 tbsp
- Honey - adds a touch of sweetness and helps caramelize1 tbsp
- Salt - use sparingly, as soy sauce adds sodium1 tsp
- Black pepper, freshly ground - for aroma and mild heat0.5 tsp
- Dried thyme or oregano (optional) - adds herbal flavor1 tsp
This recipe for slow cooked chicken wings infused with garlic is perfect for home cooks looking for a simple, flavorful dish with minimal effort. Slow cooking ensures the wings become incredibly tender and juicy, while the garlic adds a delicious aroma and taste. Total cost of ingredients is approximately $10 / €9 / £8 / ₹800, making it affordable. Each serving contains about 450 kcal, suitable for a balanced diet. The recipe is easy to follow, requiring about 15 minutes prep time and 4 hours cooking time in a slow cooker or oven at low temperature. Food safety is prioritized with clear internal temperature guidelines and handling tips throughout.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the chicken wings
1Rinse the chicken wings under cold running water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Dry wings will brown better. Set aside.
Make the garlic marinade
2In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, honey, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
Marinate the wings
3Place the wings in a large bowl or zip-lock bag. Pour the garlic marinade over the wings and toss until they are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3-4 hours, to let flavors infuse.
Set up your slow cooker or oven
4If using a slow cooker, lightly grease the insert. Set your slow cooker to LOW heat. Alternatively, preheat your oven to 120°C (250°F) and use a roasting pan covered with foil.
Cook the wings
5Place the marinated wings in the slow cooker or baking dish in a single layer. Cook on LOW in the slow cooker for 3.5 to 4 hours. If baking, cover the pan with foil and cook for about 3 hours, checking occasionally to ensure moisture.
Check the internal temperature and finish
6Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of a wing, avoiding bone. Chicken wings are safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F). For a crispier skin, you can place wings under a broiler for 3-5 minutes after slow cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Cooking Tips
1Always wash your hands and clean any surfaces that come into contact with raw chicken to prevent cross-contamination.
2Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) to avoid foodborne illness.
3If you don't have a slow cooker, low heat in the oven works well but check moisture and cover to keep wings from drying out.
4Marinating longer enhances flavor but even 1 hour is sufficient if short on time.
5Feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary or smoked paprika for different flavors.
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker or oven with roasting pan
- Meat thermometer
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs or spoon for mixing and turning wings
Shopping List
- [ ] Chicken wings, 1 kg (~$6) - Choose fresh wings with firm skin, not slimy.
- [ ] Garlic cloves, 6 pieces (~$0.50) - Fresh with no green shoots.
- [ ] Olive oil, 2 tbsp (~$0.50 from bottle) - Use extra virgin for best flavor.
- [ ] Soy sauce, 2 tbsp (~$0.50 from bottle) - Low sodium preferred.
- [ ] Honey, 1 tbsp (~$0.50 from bottle) - Pure honey gives best taste.
- [ ] Salt, 1 tsp (~$0.10) - Use iodine or sea salt.
- [ ] Black pepper, 0.5 tsp (~$0.10) - Freshly ground if possible.
- [ ] Dried thyme or oregano, 1 tsp (optional) (~$0.30) - Optional but adds aroma.
Total approximate cost: $8.50
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen wings. Make sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.
How do I know when the chicken wings are fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach at least 75°C (165°F) to be safe to eat.
Can I add other seasonings or sauces?
Absolutely! Feel free to add spices like smoked paprika, cayenne, or a splash of hot sauce to customize the flavor to your liking.
Is it necessary to marinate the wings?
Marinating enhances flavor and tenderness but it's not mandatory. If short on time, even a brief 30-minute marinade can add good taste.