Slow-Cooker Hickory BBQ Chicken Wings with Garlic and Scallions Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best texture, choose chicken wingettes and drumettes that are similar in size so they cook evenly.

If you have larger wings, you may need to add 30 minutes to the cooking time. Always check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer to ensure safety.

The garlic cloves are a hidden gem in this dish — they become sweet and spreadable. Don’t skip them.

If you want a more intense garlic flavor, add a few extra cloves during the last hour. For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and reduce the sauce on the stovetop before serving.

Variations

• Spicy Sriracha Wings: Replace half the BBQ sauce with sriracha or your favorite hot sauce for a fiery kick. Add a tablespoon of honey to balance the heat. Proceed with the recipe as directed.
• Honey Garlic Wings: Use a honey garlic BBQ sauce instead of hickory. Add an extra 2 tablespoons of honey and 4 minced garlic cloves for a sweeter, more aromatic flavor.
• Smoky Chipotle Wings: Stir 2 tablespoons of chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce into the BBQ sauce for a smoky, spicy depth. Reduce the amount of sauce to 1 cup to avoid overpowering the dish.
• Pineapple BBQ Wings: Add 1 cup of crushed pineapple (drained) to the slow cooker along with the BBQ sauce. The pineapple adds sweetness and a tropical tang that pairs beautifully with the smoky sauce.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken; add a splash of water or broth when reheating.

Freezer

Freeze cooked wings in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a little water or chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The wings will keep well and the flavors will continue to meld.

Reheat gently in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance. Place the chicken, garlic, scallions, and BBQ sauce in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate.

When ready to cook, place the insert in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours. You may need to add 30 minutes if starting from cold.

Serving ideas

Serve these wings over steamed jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of coleslaw or a simple green salad adds freshness and crunch. For a game-day spread, offer them with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing, though the wings are delicious on their own.

The garlic cloves are a treat — spread them on crusty bread or mash them into the rice. For a complete meal, add a vegetable side like roasted broccoli or sautéed greens. The sweet-smoky sauce pairs well with cornbread or grilled corn on the cob.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow-Cooker Hickory BBQ Chicken Wings with Garlic and Scallions

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 2 lb chicken wingettes and drumettes
• 12 peeled whole garlic cloves
• 4 scallions, sliced
• 1 1/2 cups hickory brown-sugar BBQ sauce

Instructions

1. Place the chicken wingettes and drumettes in the slow cooker in a single layer if possible. Scatter the whole garlic cloves and sliced scallions over the chicken, distributing them evenly.
2. Pour the hickory brown-sugar BBQ sauce over the chicken and aromatics. Use a spoon or spatula to gently toss everything so the sauce coats the wings, garlic, and scallions.
3. 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 tender and cooked through. The sauce will bubble and thicken as the wings cook.
4. Check that the thickest part of a wing reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using an instant-read thermometer. The meat should pull away from the bone easily.
5. Spoon the chicken wings and garlic cloves over steamed jasmine rice, if desired. Drizzle with extra sauce from the slow cooker and garnish with extra sliced scallions.

Contains: gluten, milk, soy

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

480

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

40 g

Fat

20 g

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