Crockpot Garlic Butter Herb Chicken Wings Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For extra flavor, marinate the wings in the garlic, Italian seasoning, and butter for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. This allows the seasonings to penetrate the meat more deeply. You can also add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. The slow cooker will mellow the heat, so don't be afraid to add a bit more than you think you need.

To make the wings even more indulgent, after they are cooked, you can toss them in a mixture of melted butter and hot sauce for a buffalo-style twist.

Or, for a sweet and savory version, add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup during the last 30 minutes of cooking. These variations are easy and add a new dimension to the dish. Remember to always cook chicken to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Variations

• Spicy Buffalo: Add 2-3 tablespoons of hot sauce and a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the butter mixture for a spicy kick. Toss the cooked wings in extra hot sauce before serving.
• Honey Garlic: Stir in 2 tablespoons of honey along with the butter. This adds a sweet note that complements the garlic and herbs beautifully.
• Lemon Herb: Add the zest of one lemon and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the butter mixture. This brightens the flavor and adds a fresh citrus note.
• Smoky BBQ: Replace the Italian seasoning with 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Add 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce to the slow cooker for a smoky, tangy flavor.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Freezer

Freeze cooked wings in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat wings in the microwave, in a skillet over medium heat, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will solidify when chilled, but it will reheat well. To reheat, place the wings in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

You can prepare the wings up to a day in advance by placing the seasoned raw wings in the slow cooker insert and storing it in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, place the insert in the slow cooker and cook on low as directed.

Alternatively, you can cook the wings completely and then reheat them in the slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours before serving. This makes them perfect for parties or busy weeknights.

Serving ideas

Serve the wings as a main dish with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or creamy coleslaw. They also pair well with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious butter sauce. For a game-day spread, serve them alongside other finger foods like celery sticks, carrot sticks, and your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch or blue cheese.

These wings are best enjoyed fresh out of the slow cooker when they are warm and tender. Garnish generously with chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

If you prefer a crispy skin, you can finish them under the broiler for a few minutes, but be careful not to overcook them. The wings are versatile enough to be served as an appetizer or a main course, and they are sure to please everyone at the table.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crockpot Garlic Butter Herb Chicken Wings

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 2 lb chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish), to taste

Instructions

1. Place the raw chicken wings in the slow cooker base in a single layer if possible. Pat them dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick.
2. Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the wings. Then sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the garlic, covering all the wings.
3. Pour the melted butter evenly over the seasoned wings. Make sure every wing gets some butter for flavor and moisture.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the wings are tender and cooked through. Do not open the lid during cooking to keep the heat steady.
5. Using tongs, carefully transfer the cooked wings to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

22 g

Carbohydrates

2 g

Fat

31 g

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