Slow Cooker Apple Butter Barbecue Chicken Wings Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To achieve a slightly charred exterior, transfer the cooked wings to a foil-lined baking sheet and place them under a broiler for 2 to 3 minutes per side after they come out of the slow cooker. This adds a lovely texture contrast to the tender meat. Keep a close eye on them while broiling to prevent the sugars in the barbecue sauce from burning, as they can caramelize very quickly under high heat.

If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper when sprinkling the onion powder. This will balance the sweetness of the apple butter.

You can also garnish the final dish with thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added visual appeal and a fresh flavor contrast that cuts through the richness of the barbecue sauce.

Variations

• Spicy Apple Butter Wings: Add 2 teaspoons of hot chili paste or your favorite hot sauce to the barbecue mixture. This variation provides a sharp contrast to the sweetness of the apple butter, creating a sophisticated flavor profile that lingers on the palate.
• Savory Garlic Apple Wings: Incorporate 3 cloves of minced fresh garlic along with the onions. The garlic adds an earthy, aromatic depth that complements the sweetness of the apple butter, making the wings even more savory and complex.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

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

Reheat

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until the wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), or use a microwave on medium power.

Allow the wings to cool completely to room temperature for no more than two hours before storing. Place any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them from drying out. Properly stored, these wings will maintain their quality in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, ensure they are heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to maintain food safety and quality.

These wings are an excellent candidate for making ahead. You can prepare the ingredients and assemble them in the slow cooker insert, then store the insert in the refrigerator overnight.

Simply set the insert into the base and start the cooking process the next day. Note that if you are cooking from a cold start, you may need to add an extra 30 to 45 minutes to the total cooking time to allow the cooker to reach the appropriate temperature.

Serving ideas

Serve these wings hot on a large platter as a centerpiece for your table. Because they are quite sticky and flavorful, they pair wonderfully with cooling sides like a crisp celery and carrot slaw or a simple cucumber salad.

A side of ranch or blue cheese dressing can also provide a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet and savory glaze. Ensure you provide plenty of napkins, as these wings are best enjoyed with your hands.

For a more formal presentation, arrange the wings in a circular pattern on a large white plate, leaving space in the center for a small bowl of extra sauce. This keeps the presentation clean and allows guests to add more sauce if desired.

Whether serving as an appetizer or a main course, these wings are sure to be a hit. Consider serving them with a side of crusty bread to soak up any remaining delicious sauce left on the platter.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Apple Butter Barbecue Chicken Wings

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

Ingredients

• 3 lb chicken wings, separated into drums and flats
• 1 medium red onion, diced
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 2 cups spiced apple butter barbecue sauce

Instructions

1. Place the raw chicken wings into the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Ensure they are arranged in an even layer to promote consistent cooking throughout the process. Sprinkle the diced red onion directly over the chicken wings.
2. Sprinkle the onion powder evenly over the chicken and onion mixture. Pour the spiced apple butter barbecue sauce over the top, ensuring that all pieces are well-coated. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to cook on high for four hours.
3. Continue cooking until the wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as verified by a meat thermometer. Once cooked, let the wings rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. Carefully transfer the wings to a platter and serve immediately while hot and glossy.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

28.5 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

24 g

Fiber

1.5 g

Sugar

18 g

Sodium

850 mg

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