Easy Crockpot Grape Jelly BBQ Chicken Wings Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce before cooking if you enjoy a subtle hint of heat.

This small addition can help cut through the sweetness of the grape jelly, providing a more complex flavor profile that appeals to a variety of palates during parties.

If you are serving these for a larger group, you can easily double the recipe as long as your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra wings. Just ensure that the wings are not piled too high, as this can affect the cooking time and the consistency of the final sauce coating.

Variations

• Spicy Grape BBQ Wings: Add two tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the barbecue sauce mixture before cooking to introduce a welcome kick of heat.
• Garlic Herb Wings: Incorporate a tablespoon of dried thyme or rosemary alongside the garlic powder to add an earthy, aromatic dimension that pairs beautifully with the sweet grape glaze.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven until warmed through, or use the microwave on medium power.

Allow any leftover wings to cool for no more than two hours at room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container.

Keep the wings in the refrigerator for up to three days. When storing, try to keep as much of the sauce with the wings as possible to prevent them from drying out during storage.

These wings are excellent for making ahead, as the flavors often improve after sitting in the sauce for a few hours. You can prepare the entire dish and keep it warm in the slow cooker for up to two hours before serving, or reheat them gently on the stovetop or in the oven before your guests arrive.

Serving ideas

Serve these wings hot directly from the slow cooker or transfer them to a decorative platter for a more polished look.

Provide small appetizer plates and plenty of napkins, as these wings are inherently sticky and meant to be enjoyed with your hands. They pair wonderfully with cooling sides like celery sticks or a light coleslaw.

For a complete appetizer spread, consider serving these alongside other finger foods like potato skins or vegetable crudités. The contrast between the sweet, sticky wings and crisp, fresh vegetables creates a balanced experience for your guests.

If you have extra sauce remaining in the slow cooker, you can drizzle it over the wings just before serving for an extra glossy finish.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Crockpot Grape Jelly BBQ Chicken Wings

Prep 5 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 5 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 3 lb chicken wings, flats and drumettes
• 1 cup grape jelly
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce

Instructions

1. Place the raw chicken wings into the base of the slow cooker, ensuring they are arranged in an even layer. If the wings are very large, consider trimming any excess skin for a cleaner presentation.
2. Dollop the grape jelly over the wings, then sprinkle the garlic powder evenly across the surface. Pour the barbecue sauce over the top, ensuring it covers the wings as much as possible to create the braising liquid.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours. Ensure the chicken wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured with a meat thermometer. Carefully remove the wings from the sauce and transfer them to a clean serving plate.

Contains: gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

22 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

10 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

32 g

Sodium

650 mg

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