Slow-Cooked Tender and Juicy Chicken Wings
Nutritional value per serving
Calories280kcal
Carbs2gram
Fat15gram
Protein30gram
Ingredients
- Chicken wings, fresh (look for firm texture and pink color)1 kg
- Barbecue sauce (choose your favorite brand or homemade)1/2 cup
- Honey (for sweetness, use pure honey)2 tbsp
- Garlic powder (adds flavor)1 tsp
- Salt (fine sea salt recommended)1 tsp
- Black pepper (freshly ground for best taste)1/2 tsp
This slow-cooked chicken wings recipe yields tender, juicy, and flavorful wings with minimal effort. Ideal for busy home cooks wanting a delicious meal without fuss. The total ingredient cost is approximately $10 USD, €9 EUR, £8 GBP, and ₹800 INR, depending on local prices. Each serving contains about 280 calories, suitable for a balanced diet. The recipe complexity is easy, with a total cooking time of about 3 hours and 15 minutes.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the chicken wings
1Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Pat dry the chicken wings with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps them absorb the flavors better.
Season the wings
2In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken wings, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat the wings evenly with the seasonings.
Add the sauce
3Pour the barbecue sauce and honey into the bowl with the wings. Mix until all wings are well coated in the sauce, enhancing flavor and moisture.
Arrange in slow cooker
4Place the coated wings evenly in the slow cooker. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. Cover with the lid securely.
Cook the wings
5Set the slow cooker on low heat and cook for 3 hours. This slow cooking tenderizes the meat thoroughly.
Check doneness and safety
6Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the wings. Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). Confirm juicy, no pink inside.
Serve
7Once cooked, turn off the slow cooker. Gently remove the wings with tongs and serve hot. Enjoy your flavorful slow-cooked chicken wings!
Cooking Tips
1To avoid cross-contamination, always use separate utensils and cutting boards for raw chicken.
2If you like crispy skin, briefly broil the cooked wings in the oven at 220°C (425°F) for 3-5 minutes before serving.
3Substitute barbecue sauce for buffalo sauce or teriyaki sauce to vary flavors.
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs
- Serving plate
Shopping List
- [ ] 1 kg fresh chicken wings (~$6) - Choose fresh, firm wings with no off smell.
- [ ] Barbecue sauce, 1/2 cup (~$1.50) - Pick your favorite or a well-reviewed brand.
- [ ] Honey, 2 tbsp (~$1) - Use pure, local honey for best taste.
- [ ] Garlic powder, 1 tsp (~$0.50) - Check expiration date for freshness.
- [ ] Salt, 1 tsp (~$0.10) - Fine sea salt recommended.
- [ ] Black pepper, 1/2 tsp (~$0.20) - Freshly ground for better flavor.
Total approximate cost: $9.30
FAQ
Can I cook the wings on high setting instead of low?
Yes, you can cook on high for about 1.5 to 2 hours, but slow cooking on low yields more tender wings.
How do I know when the chicken wings are safe to eat?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). The juices should run clear, and the meat should not be pink inside.
Can I prepare the wings in advance?
Yes, you can toss the wings in the sauce and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking for enhanced flavor.
How can I make the wings crispy after slow cooking?
Place the cooked wings on a baking sheet and broil them in your oven at 220°C (425°F) for 3-5 minutes to crisp the skin.