Crockpot Sticky Maple Bacon Chicken Wings Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more pronounced smoky flavor, consider adding a tiny dash of liquid smoke to the barbecue sauce before pouring it over the wings. This enhances the effect of the smoked paprika without requiring additional ingredients. If you prefer a bit of heat, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce can be added during the assembly phase. These small adjustments allow you to customize the profile of the wings to suit your personal preferences while still maintaining the core structure of the recipe.

If you are serving these wings as a main course, consider pairing them with a cooling side dish, such as a crisp celery and carrot slaw or a light cucumber salad. The freshness of these sides provides a nice contrast to the richness of the sticky barbecue sauce and the savory bacon.

For a more casual presentation, serve the wings directly from the slow cooker on the 'warm' setting, allowing guests to help themselves throughout the meal. This keeps the wings at the perfect temperature and ensures the sauce remains sticky and delicious.

Variations

• Spicy Maple Bacon Wings: Add two tablespoons of hot sauce or one finely minced jalapeño to the barbecue sauce mixture before cooking to introduce a spicy kick that balances the sweetness of the maple.
• Garlic Maple Wings: Stir in three cloves of minced garlic or one teaspoon of garlic powder into the sauce to provide a savory, aromatic depth that pairs perfectly with the smoky paprika.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool to room temperature within 2 hours before refrigerating.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or in a microwave-safe dish until heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F.

If you have leftovers, allow them to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring them to an airtight container. Properly stored, the wings will remain safe in the refrigerator for up to three days.

When storing, try to keep the wings in a single layer or use parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together too much, which can make reheating more difficult. Always ensure the container is tightly sealed to maintain the quality of the sauce and prevent the wings from drying out.

These wings are an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often deepen after sitting in the refrigerator overnight. You can prepare the entire dish, cook it as directed, and then store it in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, simply reheat the wings gently in the oven or on the stovetop. This makes them a perfect option for hosting, as it reduces the amount of active cooking time needed on the day of your event, allowing you to focus on other preparations.

Serving ideas

Serve these wings warm, arranged on a large platter to showcase the sticky, glistening sauce. For an added touch of freshness, you can sprinkle some finely chopped fresh chives or green onions over the top just before serving.

This adds a pop of color and a mild, oniony bite that complements the sweetness of the maple barbecue sauce. Offer plenty of napkins, as these are meant to be enjoyed with your hands. The combination of the sticky glaze and the crispy bacon bits makes them a standout choice for any casual gathering or game day celebration.

When planning your menu, consider the number of wings per person. Generally, allow for 4 to 6 wings per guest if serving as an appetizer, or 8 to 10 if serving as a main course. Because these wings are quite rich, they pair well with simple side dishes that cleanse the palate.

A side of lightly dressed greens or some roasted vegetables can round out the meal without competing with the bold flavors of the wings. Ensure that you have a serving spoon or tongs available for guests to easily transfer the wings from the platter to their own plates.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crockpot Sticky Maple Bacon Chicken Wings

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 2 lb chicken wings, separated into drums and flats
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 cup maple barbecue sauce

Instructions

1. Arrange the chicken wings evenly at the base of the slow cooker to ensure uniform cooking. Ensure the wings are not overcrowded to allow the heat to circulate properly during the long cooking process.
2. Scatter the crumbled bacon over the chicken wings. Sprinkle the smoked paprika evenly across the top, then pour the maple barbecue sauce over the entire mixture to coat the wings thoroughly.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the wings carefully to a serving plate and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Contains: gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

18 g

Fat

26 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

14 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.