Slow Cooker Carolina Gold Chicken Wings Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For those who enjoy a bit of extra heat, consider adding a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the mustard barbecue sauce before pouring it over the wings. This adds a nice kick that complements the tanginess of the mustard. You can also toast the smoked paprika in a dry pan for a few seconds before adding it to the wings to unlock a deeper, more aromatic flavor profile that enhances the overall smokiness of the dish.

If you prefer a slightly charred appearance, you can transfer the cooked wings to a foil-lined baking sheet and place them under a preheated broiler for 2 to 3 minutes after they come out of the slow cooker. Keep a close watch to ensure the sauce caramelizes without burning. This step provides a nice textural contrast to the soft, braised skin and adds an extra layer of complexity to the final presentation of the wings before serving them to your guests.

Variations

• Spicy Gold Wings: Incorporate 1 tablespoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of habanero sauce into the mustard base to increase the heat level for those who prefer a spicier profile.
• Honey Gold Wings: Stir in 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup to the sauce before cooking to add a touch of sweetness that perfectly balances the sharp tang of the mustard.

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 in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the wings are heated through and the sauce is bubbling.

If you have leftovers, allow them to cool to room temperature for no more than 2 hours before transferring them to an airtight container. Keep the wings in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When storing, try to include as much of the leftover sauce as possible, as this will help keep the meat moist during the reheating process. Label the container with the date so you can track how long the wings have been stored, ensuring they are consumed within the recommended timeframe for safety.

These wings are excellent for making ahead, as the flavors often deepen after sitting in the refrigerator for a day. Simply follow the cooking instructions as written, let the wings cool, and store them in the refrigerator.

When you are ready to serve, reheat them gently in the oven or on the stovetop until they are heated through. This makes them a stress-free option for hosting, as you can complete the cooking process well in advance and focus on other aspects of your gathering.

Serving ideas

Serve these wings warm on a large platter as the centerpiece of your appetizer spread. They pair beautifully with cooling sides that balance the tanginess of the mustard sauce, such as celery sticks, carrot batons, or a crisp coleslaw.

Having a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing can also provide a creamy contrast to the bold flavors of the Carolina Gold glaze, allowing your guests to customize their eating experience according to their personal preferences for heat and creaminess.

For a more substantial presentation, consider serving these wings alongside a side of corn muffins or crusty bread to soak up the extra mustard sauce left on the plate. Because these wings are quite flavorful, they work well as part of a larger buffet, standing up against other bold dishes.

Ensure you provide plenty of napkins, as these wings are best enjoyed by hand, and the sauce is intentionally generous to ensure every bite is packed with the signature tang of the recipe.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Carolina Gold Chicken Wings

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

Ingredients

• 2 lb chicken wing flats and drumettes
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 cup mustard barbecue sauce

Instructions

1. Place the chicken wing flats and drumettes into the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Add the minced garlic and smoked paprika over the wings.
2. Pour the mustard barbecue sauce over the chicken wings. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours until the wings are tender and fully cooked through.
3. Carefully remove the wings from the slow cooker and transfer them to a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the bottom of the cooker over the wings before serving.

Contains: mustard

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

24 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

19 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

8 g

Sodium

750 mg

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