Tender Slow-Cooked Lemon Chicken Wings
Nutritional value per serving
Calories280kcal
Carbs2gram
Fat18gram
Protein25gram
Ingredients
- Chicken wings (fresh, skin-on) - look for plump, fresh wings without odor1 kg
- Fresh lemon juice - freshly squeezed for best flavor2 tbsp
- Lemon zest - from fresh lemons, avoid waxed skins1 tsp
- Garlic cloves - peeled and minced3 pieces
- Olive oil - extra virgin for best taste2 tbsp
- Honey - raw or regular1 tbsp
- Dried thyme - fresh is great if available1 tsp
- Salt - prefer sea salt or kosher salt1 tsp
- Black pepper - freshly ground0.5 tsp
- Fresh parsley - chopped for garnish (optional)2 tbsp
Enjoy juicy and tender chicken wings infused with fresh lemon and aromatic herbs, slow-cooked to perfection. This recipe uses common ingredients and simple steps perfect for any home cook. Total cost for ingredients is approximately $8 USD, €7, £6, and ₹600, with the dish serving 4. The meal provides about 280 kcal per serving, fitting well into a balanced diet. Difficulty is easy, with about 6 hours and 15 minutes total time including slow cooking and prep. Safe cooking practices and internal temperature guidelines are clearly highlighted to ensure perfect, safe results every time.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the marinade
1In a mixing bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, honey, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to mix all ingredients thoroughly. This marinade will tenderize the wings and infuse them with bright, aromatic flavors.
Marinate the chicken wings
2Add the chicken wings to the bowl with the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
Arrange wings in slow cooker
3Lightly grease the slow cooker pot to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken wings evenly in the pot, spreading them out for consistent cooking.
Cook the chicken wings
4Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook the wings for 4 to 5 hours. Ensure the wings reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the wing without touching bone to check the temperature. This guarantees the wings are safe to eat and juicy.
Optional: crisp the wings
5For crispy skin, preheat your oven broiler on high. Transfer the cooked wings to a baking sheet lined with foil. Broil for 3-5 minutes per side until skin is golden and crisp. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Garnish and serve
6Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the wings for freshness and color. Serve hot with lemon wedges if desired. Enjoy your flavorful, tender slow-cooked lemon chicken wings!
Cooking Tips
1Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw chicken and other ingredients.
2Always check the internal temperature with a reliable instant-read thermometer to ensure safety.
3Marinating the wings longer than 4 hours is possible but not necessary. Don't exceed 24 hours to prevent texture change.
4If you don't have a slow cooker, you can bake the wings covered at 150°C (300°F) for about 1.5 hours, then uncover and broil for crisping.
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Garlic mincer or knife
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs
- Baking sheet and foil (optional for broiling)
Shopping List
- [ ] Chicken wings (1 kg) – Choose fresh wings that are plump and have no unpleasant smell.
- [ ] Fresh lemons (2, for juice and zest) – Buy firm lemons with smooth skin.
- [ ] Garlic cloves (3) – Select firm and unblemished garlic bulbs.
- [ ] Olive oil (extra virgin) – Use a good quality bottle for best flavor.
- [ ] Honey (1 tbsp) – Raw or regular honey works well.
- [ ] Dried thyme (1 tsp) – Alternatively, fresh thyme can be used.
- [ ] Salt (1 tsp) – Prefer sea salt or kosher salt for better texture.
- [ ] Black pepper (0.5 tsp) – Freshly ground pepper offers the best aroma.
- [ ] Fresh parsley (optional, 2 tbsp) – For garnish, select bright green leaves.
Total estimated cost: Approximately $8 USD. Costs may vary slightly depending on your location and store.
FAQ
What internal temperature should I cook chicken wings to be safe?
Chicken wings should reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) to be safe to eat. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the temperature.
Can I marinate the wings overnight?
Yes, you can marinate the wings overnight for more flavor, but avoid marinating for more than 24 hours as this can affect texture.
Can I cook these wings without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can bake the marinated wings at 150°C (300°F) for about 1.5 hours, covered, then broil for crispiness.
How do I ensure the wings don't stick to the slow cooker?
Lightly grease the slow cooker pot before placing the wings to prevent sticking and make cleaning easier.
Can I freeze cooked chicken wings?
Yes, once cooled, you can freeze cooked wings in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.