Peach Hickory BBQ Chicken Wings: Easy Slow Cooker Dinner Step-by-step instructions

Before you start

Before you start, make sure the chicken wings are thawed if they were frozen. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Measure out the sliced peaches and have the BBQ sauce ready.

No other prep is needed—this is a true dump-and-go recipe. Place the chicken in the slow cooker first, then add the peaches and sauce. You don’t need to stir; the ingredients will combine as they cook.

Instructions

Layer and Go

1. 1Layer the Ingredients
   Place the chicken wingettes and drumettes in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker in a single layer if possible. Scatter the sliced peaches evenly over the chicken. Pour the hickory BBQ sauce over everything, using a spatula to scrape out every last bit from the bowl.
   Look for The chicken and peaches should be evenly coated with sauce, with some peaches nestled between the wings.
   Tip If the wings are piled too high, give the pot a gentle stir after adding the sauce to help distribute the flavor.

At the end of this phase, the slow cooker contains raw chicken wings, sliced peaches, and BBQ sauce layered in the pot. The sauce should be evenly distributed over the chicken and peaches. The raw chicken should be well coated with sauce, and the peaches should be nestled among the wings. The slow cooker is covered and ready to cook.

Slow Simmer

2. 2Slow Cook Until Tender
   Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The sauce will thicken and become glossy as the peaches break down.
   Look for The wings should be fork-tender and the sauce bubbling around the edges. The internal temperature of the thickest wing should read 165°F (74°C).
   Safe temperature 165°F (74°C) internal temperature (poultry)
   Tip Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to keep the heat steady. If the sauce seems thin at the end, remove the chicken and simmer the sauce on the stovetop for a few minutes.

After 4-5 hours on low, the kitchen will be filled with a sweet, smoky aroma. The sauce should be bubbling gently around the edges, and the chicken should look glossy and tender.

The peaches will have softened and started to break down, thickening the sauce. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Plate and Serve

3. 3Serve and Enjoy
   Using tongs, transfer the chicken wings and peaches to a serving platter. Spoon some of the thickened sauce from the slow cooker over the top. Serve hot, with steamed rice or your favorite sides.
   Look for The wings should be glistening with sticky sauce, and the peaches soft and syrupy.
   Tip For extra caramelization, place the cooked wings under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching closely, until the edges char slightly.

The wings are plated on a serving dish with the peaches and extra sauce spooned over the top. The dish looks sticky, glossy, and appetizing. The chicken is fork-tender, and the sauce clings to every piece. Serve hot with rice or your favorite sides, and enjoy the sweet-savory flavor.

Common mistakes

One common mistake is lifting the lid to check on the food, which lets out heat and extends cooking time. Trust the recipe and keep the lid on. Another mistake is using bone-in wings that are not split; split wings cook more evenly and are easier to eat.

Also, avoid overcooking, as the wings can become too soft and fall apart. Finally, don’t skip the resting time—letting the wings sit for a few minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, keeping them moist.

How to tell it’s done

The chicken is done when it is cooked through and tender. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the wing should reach 165°F (74°C) as measured with an instant-read thermometer.

The meat should easily pull away from the bone, and the sauce should be thick and glossy. If the sauce is too thin, remove the chicken and simmer the sauce on the stovetop for 5-10 minutes to thicken it before serving.

• Poultry: 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part