Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe
Introduction
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Wings are the perfect combination of tender chicken wings and rich, flavorful sauce. This easy recipe uses a slow cooker for hands-off cooking and finishes the wings in the oven for a crispy, cheesy crust. Great for game day or a delicious snack anytime.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 pounds chicken wings (fresh or frozen)
- ½ cup salted butter
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 4 cloves garlic (pressed)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper. Mix well to create the seasoning blend.
- Step 2: Place the chicken wings in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the wings and stir gently to coat all sides thoroughly.
- Step 3: Cover with the lid and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 5-6 hours, until the wings are tender and fully cooked.
- Step 4: Preheat the oven to 425˚F. Carefully remove the wings from the slow cooker and transfer them into a large bowl. Try to remove as much liquid as possible to help the sauce stick better.
- Step 5: Whisk together the melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and pressed garlic. Pour this mixture over the wings and toss gently to coat them evenly.
- Step 6: Arrange the coated wings in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake on the top rack of the oven for 15-18 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the wings develop a crispy edge.
- Step 7: Optional: Brush the wings with extra sauce leftover in the bowl and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispy skin, pat the wings dry with paper towels before seasoning to remove excess moisture.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the Parmesan garlic butter mixture.
- Fresh parsley can be substituted with dried parsley; just reduce the quantity by half.
- Use ghee or olive oil instead of butter for a different flavor profile.
Storage
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350˚F oven for 10-15 minutes to keep them crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the skin soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen wings directly in the slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook frozen wings in the slow cooker; just increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through. Avoid thawing for easier prep.
Can I make these wings without Parmesan cheese?
While Parmesan adds rich flavor and texture, you can omit it if needed. Consider adding a bit of nutritional yeast or extra garlic butter to compensate for the cheesiness.
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Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
These Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Wings are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack. Tender chicken wings are slow-cooked with a flavorful blend of spices, then tossed in a buttery garlic Parmesan sauce and finished in the oven for a crispy, cheesy coating. Perfect for game day or any gathering!
Ingredients
Seasoning Mix
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Main
- 4 pounds chicken wings (fresh or frozen)
Sauce
- ½ cup salted butter
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 4 cloves garlic (pressed)
Instructions
- Prepare the seasoning mix: In a small bowl, combine salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper. Mix well to create a balanced spice blend.
- Coat the wings: Place the chicken wings in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the wings and stir to coat all pieces thoroughly.
- Slow cook the wings: Cover with the lid and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 5-6 hours until the wings are tender and cooked through.
- Preheat the oven: When the wings are done cooking, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Carefully remove the wings from the slow cooker and transfer them to a large bowl. Try to remove excess liquid so the sauce adheres better.
- Make the garlic Parmesan sauce: Whisk together the melted salted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and pressed garlic in a separate bowl to form a flavorful sauce.
- Toss wings in sauce: Pour the garlic Parmesan sauce over the wings in the large bowl and toss them to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Crisp in the oven: Arrange the coated wings in a single layer on a baking sheet placed on the top rack. Bake for 15-18 minutes to crisp the wings and melt the sauce into a golden finish.
- Finish and garnish: Remove wings from the oven, brush with any remaining sauce from the bowl, and garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- For crispier wings, thoroughly pat dry the wings before seasoning and slow cooking if using fresh wings.
- You can prepare the seasoning mix ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for future use.
- If preferred, substitute salted butter with unsalted butter and adjust salt accordingly.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and texture.
- These wings can be served with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-6 hours (depends on slow cooker setting) + 15-18 minutes oven crisping
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: slow cooker wings, garlic parmesan wings, easy chicken wings, party appetizer, game day wings, slow cooker recipes
