Slow Cooker Cherry Barbecue Chicken Wings Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a slightly caramelized finish, you can transfer the cooked wings to a baking sheet and place them under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes before serving. Watch them closely to ensure the sugars in the barbecue sauce do not burn, as this can happen very quickly. This extra step adds a nice textural contrast to the tender, slow-cooked meat, providing a bit of crispness that many people enjoy with their wings.

If you are serving these for a party, keep the slow cooker on the 'warm' setting for up to two hours. This keeps the wings at a safe and pleasant serving temperature without continuing to cook them significantly.

You can provide extra napkins and a bowl for the bones, as these wings are best enjoyed by hand. Consider pairing them with a cooling side dish to balance the richness of the barbecue sauce and provide a refreshing contrast to the meal.

Variations

• Spicy Cherry Wings: Add two tablespoons of hot sauce or a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the barbecue sauce before pouring it over the wings to introduce a spicy kick that balances the sweetness.
• Garlicky Cherry Wings: Incorporate two cloves of minced fresh garlic or a teaspoon of garlic powder into the sauce mixture for an aromatic depth that complements the cherry and smoky flavors perfectly.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure they 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 the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use a microwave on medium power until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the wings have cooled to room temperature within 2 hours of cooking before placing them in the fridge to maintain food safety. When storing, try to keep the wings and any excess sauce together, as the sauce helps prevent the meat from drying out during the storage period and keeps the flavors vibrant for when you decide to reheat them later.

These wings can be prepared ahead of time by assembling the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, covering it, and keeping it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

When you are ready to cook, simply remove the insert from the fridge and place it directly into the slow cooker base. Note that you may need to add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time to account for the cold temperature of the ingredients at the start.

Serving ideas

Serve the wings hot directly from the slow cooker, garnished with an extra sprinkle of fresh green onions for color and a bright, oniony bite. They pair beautifully with classic sides like celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a crisp coleslaw, which provide a crunchy and refreshing contrast to the sticky, savory wings.

If you prefer, a side of creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing can offer a cooling element that complements the tangy cherry notes in the barbecue sauce.

For a complete meal, consider serving these wings alongside roasted potatoes or a simple green salad. The versatility of the barbecue flavor makes them an excellent main dish for casual gatherings or a quick, satisfying dinner.

Ensure there are plenty of napkins available, as the sticky nature of the sauce is part of the experience. The combination of the sweet cherry and the smoky paprika makes these wings a standout choice that will surely impress your guests or family members.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Cherry Barbecue Chicken Wings

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

Ingredients

• 2 lb chicken wings, cut into flats and drumettes
• 2 tbsp green onions, chopped
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 cup cherry barbecue sauce

Instructions

1. Place the raw chicken wings into the bottom of the slow cooker ceramic insert. Ensure they are arranged in an even layer to promote uniform cooking throughout the process.
2. Scatter the chopped green onions over the chicken wings. Sprinkle the smoked paprika evenly over the top, then pour the cherry barbecue sauce over all ingredients to coat thoroughly.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once finished, let the wings rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

350

Protein

22 g

Carbohydrates

18 g

Fat

20 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

15 g

Sodium

650 mg

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