Slow cooked chicken wings served with thick savory gravy in a bowl

Succulent Slow Cooked Chicken Wings with Rich Gravy

Succulent Slow Cooked Chicken Wings with Rich Gravy
easystar
3 hour 30 mintime

Nutritional value per serving

Calories450kcal

Carbs10gram

Fat25gram

Protein35gram

Ingredients

Quantity
  • Chicken wings (fresh or thawed)12 pieces
  • Salt1 tsp
  • Black pepper0.5 tsp
  • Garlic powder1 tsp
  • Onion powder1 tsp
  • Paprika (smoked or sweet)1 tsp
  • Olive oil or vegetable oil2 tbsp
  • Chicken broth (low sodium preferably)2 cups
  • All-purpose flour2 tbsp
  • Butter2 tbsp
  • Fresh parsley (optional, chopped)1 tbsp

Experience the delight of tender and juicy chicken wings slowly cooked to perfection and served with a luscious homemade gravy. This beginner-friendly recipe ensures your wings are flavorful, safe to eat, and complemented by a rich gravy made from simple ingredients. The wings are cooked in low and slow heat to make the meat fall off the bone while retaining moisture. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $12 USD, €11, £9, and ₹900. This comforting dish contains around 450 kcal per serving, suitable for a balanced diet. The recipe is easy in complexity and takes about 4 hours total, most of which is slow cooking hands-off time, perfect for busy days.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the chicken wings

1Rinse the chicken wings under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Drying helps the skin crisp up better. Season the wings evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Set aside.

Sear the chicken wings

2Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the seasoned wings and sear each side for 2 minutes until they turn golden brown. This step enhances flavor through browning. Transfer the wings to the slow cooker.

Add chicken broth and start slow cooking

3Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker over the wings. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. The low heat ensures the meat becomes tender and safe - the internal temperature of chicken wings must reach at least 75°C (165°F) to be safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check this before serving.

Make the gravy

4Once the wings are cooked, remove them from the slow cooker and keep warm. Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan. Over medium heat, melt butter and then whisk in the flour to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the cooking liquid and simmer until thickened to a gravy consistency, about 5 minutes. Stir continuously to avoid lumps.

Serve the wings with gravy

5Place the wings on a serving plate. Pour the rich gravy over them or serve on the side. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a fresh touch and color.

Cooking Tips

1Always use a clean meat thermometer to check that chicken wings have reached an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) for safety.

2Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw chicken and other ingredients.

3If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add a little more flour when making the roux, but add gradually to avoid lumps.

4Slow cooking time can vary depending on your slow cooker model; start checking after 3 hours.

5For added flavor, consider marinating the wings in sauces or spices for up to 2 hours before seasoning and cooking.

Equipment

  • Slow cooker or crockpot
  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Meat thermometer
  • Measuring spoons
  • Whisk
  • Saucepan
  • Serving plate or bowl
  • Paper towels

Shopping List

  • [ ] Chicken wings (around 12 pieces) - Approx. $6 - Choose fresh or well-thawed wings from a reliable butcher.
  • [ ] Salt - Approx. $0.50 - Use iodized salt or sea salt.
  • [ ] Black pepper - Approx. $0.50 - Freshly ground is best for flavor.
  • [ ] Garlic powder - Approx. $0.75 - Check that it's pure garlic powder.
  • [ ] Onion powder - Approx. $0.75 - A common spice, fresh is better but powder works well.
  • [ ] Paprika - Approx. $0.75 - Smoked paprika adds smoky flavor; sweet paprika is milder.
  • [ ] Olive oil or vegetable oil - Approx. $1 - Extra virgin olive oil is healthier.
  • [ ] Chicken broth (2 cups) - Approx. $2 - Low sodium broth is healthier and more versatile.
  • [ ] All-purpose flour - Approx. $0.30 - Standard flour from any supermarket.
  • [ ] Butter (2 tbsp) - Approx. $0.50 - Unsalted butter preferred for precise salt control.
  • [ ] Fresh parsley (optional) - Approx. $1 - Choose fresh, vibrant leaves.

Total Approximate Cost: $12

Tips: When buying chicken wings, look for pinkish flesh without any unpleasant odor. For herbs and spices, freshness impacts flavor so check expiration dates or buy small quantities from spice shops.

FAQ

How do I know when chicken wings are fully cooked and safe to eat?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken wings should reach at least 75°C (165°F) to be safe. The juices should run clear, not pink.

Can I cook chicken wings on high instead of low?

Yes, but cooking on low for 3–4 hours results in more tender meat. High settings usually take 1.5 to 2 hours but may cook less evenly.

Can I prepare the gravy without slow cooking liquid?

The gravy gets its flavor from the slow cooking liquid. If you don’t have it, you can use chicken broth and add seasonings, but the flavor will be different.

Is it safe to cook frozen chicken wings in a slow cooker?

It's best to thaw chicken wings before slow cooking. Cooking from frozen may lead to uneven cooking and food safety risks.

Can I freeze the cooked chicken wings and gravy?

Yes, store in airtight containers and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw thoroughly before reheating to safe temperatures.