There’s just something about a big platter of finger-licking BBQ chicken wings that makes people hang out around the table, napkins in hand, chatting between bites. These crock pot chicken wings are my favorite for stress-free hosting because they’re tender, sticky, and packed with saucy flavor. With only a few simple ingredients and hardly any hands-on time, they’re perfect for game day chicken wings, Sunday potlucks, or an easy family dinner when you want something a little extra special.
BBQ Chicken Wings in the Crock Pot
These sticky BBQ wings are tender, juicy, and loaded with flavor that clings to every bite. The slow cooker does most of the work, which makes this recipe easy BBQ chicken wings that anyone can master. You’ll only spend a few minutes prepping, then let the crock pot work its magic while you visit with family or cheer on your team. They’re budget-friendly, too, since they use just 3 ingredients. And if you want to plan ahead, you can prep the wings the night before and have them ready to cook the next day.If you want to try other fun flavors, my Lemon Pepper Wings is another slow-cooked favorite, or go bold with the Best Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe.
Ingredients
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Chicken wings: Use fresh or fully thawed frozen wings, drumettes and flats both work.
- BBQ sauce: Pick your favorite, sweet and smoky works well. Swap with buffalo sauce or garlic butter if you want a different flavor.
- Dr. Pepper: Adds sweetness and depth. Diet Dr. Pepper works great if you want fewer calories.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika give the wings a savory backbone.
- Optional sweetener: Honey or brown sugar helps the wings turn into sticky BBQ wings.
How to Make Sticky BBQ Wings in the Crock Pot
Prep the Wings
Wash fresh or thawed wings in a colander under cold water. Look through the wings and remove any pin feathers that are still attached. Using kitchen scissors, trim off any fat or extra skin. Blot the wings dry with a paper towel. If you’re buying whole wings, here’s How To Cut Chicken Wings: Step-By-Step Guide & Tips to help.
Fill the Crock Pot
Layer wings in a 6-quart crock pot. Pour in one cup of Dr. Pepper and half a cup of BBQ sauce. Stir gently so every wing gets coated.
Add Sauce and Cook
Add one-half cup of barbecue sauce and gently stir so each wing is coated. Cover and cook on high for 2½–3 hours. The wings should be tender and cooked through. I always check with a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Drain and Sauce Again
Using tongs or a slotted spoon, remove the wings from the crock pot. Carefully drain and discard the cooking liquid. Return the wings to the crock pot and pour over the remaining one half cup of barbecue sauce. Gently stir or brush the sauce on so every bite is flavorful.
Final Heating Before Serving
Cover and cook on high for another 15 minutes. This helps the sauce set and cling to the wings.
If I am hosting, I sometimes move them to the broiler or air fryer for a few minutes at this stage to add a little caramelized finish before serving.
A little sauce during cooking helps flavor the meat, but save most for after cooking and crisping for the best texture.
Yes. However, when the wings are done cooking, set them to warm for up to 4 hours. Stir occasionally and cover with a lid. Keeping the wings on low would make them too tender, and the meat would fall off the bones.
For food safety and texture, always thaw wings before slow cooking.
Variations, Substitutions, and Recipe Tips
Dietary Modifications: Use sugar-free BBQ sauce and diet soda for low-carb or keto wings.
Flavor Enhancements: Add cayenne for heat, brush with honey for extra stickiness, or toss with fresh herbs after cooking.
Add In Options: Try teriyaki glaze, bourbon BBQ, or honey-lime sauce for variety.
Simple Substitutions: Swap BBQ for buffalo sauce or garlic butter for the last layer of sauce when the wings are cooked.
Tips for Success: Don’t overcrowd the crock pot; crisp in an air fryer or broiler after slow cooking for the best texture.
Hospitality Challange
Host a relaxed game day get together where the crock pot does the work and you do the welcoming. Put the BBQ wings on warm, set a big stack of napkins and wipes by the platter, and make a simple plan to notice the newcomer. Aim to introduce each guest to two people, and during the first commercial break, ask an easy question everyone can answer, like a favorite childhood snack or best underdog moment. As the conversation opens, be ready to share in a gentle way how Christ gives you steady hope. “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Colossians 4:6, ESV). Before kickoff, say a quick prayer over the food and the friendships forming, then slide that saucy platter a little closer and say, Help yourself, you are among friends.
These sticky BBQ wings in the crock pot are everything you need for easy entertaining—saucy, flavorful, and perfect for game day hosting. Have any questions, ask in the comments below.
Sticky BBQ Chicken Wings Crock Pot Style
Print recipes anytime as part of 🍍Intentional Hospitality family! Sign up once, and you’ll always have recipe printing at your fingertips. No need to join our newsletter but would love to have you!
You can add any recipe from Intentional Hospitality to your shopping list to plan a full menu!
Ingredients
- 3 pounds chicken wings, drumettes and flats, trimmed and cleaned
- 1 cup Dr. Pepper, regular or diet (you could also use Coke or Pepsie)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce, (Sweet Baby Ray’s recommended), divided into two ½-cup portions
Instructions
Prep the Wings
- Rinse the wings under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.3 pounds chicken wings
- Use kitchen scissors to trim off any excess skin or fat.
- Check for and remove any leftover pin feathers.
Layer in the Slow Cooker
- Place the wings in a single layer in a 6-quart oval crockpot.
- Pour in 1 cup of Dr. Pepper.1 cup Dr. Pepper
- Add ½ cup of barbecue sauce and gently stir to coat the wings.1 cup barbecue sauce
Cook Low and Slow
- Cover and cook on high for 2½ to 3 hours.
- Check for doneness with a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Drain and Sauce Again
- Remove the wings with tongs or a slotted spoon.
- Drain and discard the liquid from the crockpot.
- Return the wings to the crockpot and pour over the remaining ½ cup of barbecue sauce.
- Gently stir or brush the sauce onto the wings.
- Cover and cook on high for 15 more minutes.
Gina’s Notes and Tips
Lower Calorie Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Wings
For this recipe, you can choose to make a lower-calorie sauce. I used Diet Dr. Pepper and no sugar added Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce. The flavor is just as good. The only thing missing are some calories.How can I tell if chicken wings are done?
When cooking chicken wings in a slow cooker, there are a few ways to tell if they are done:- Check the internal temperature: The internal temperature of chicken wings should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the thickest part of the wings.
- Check the meat texture: When chicken wings are fully cooked, the meat should be tender and easily come off the bone.
- Check the color: Fully cooked chicken wings will have no pink or red meat.
Storage and Reheating
- Room Temperature: Keep wings out no more than 2 hours.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Use the oven or air fryer to bring back crispness. Avoid microwaving unless you don’t mind softer skin.
