Introduction

These Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Wings are a perfect blend of tender, flavorful chicken and a rich, cheesy garlic sauce. Easy to prepare and ideal for game day or casual gatherings, they offer a delicious twist on classic wings with minimal effort.

Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe - Recipe Image

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 black pepper. Mix well.
Step 2: Place the chicken wings in the crockpot and sprinkle with the seasoning mix. Stir to coat all the wings evenly.
Step 3: Cover with the lid and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 5-6 hours.
Step 4: Preheat your oven to 425˚F. Remove the wings from the crockpot and transfer them to a large bowl. Try to remove as much liquid as possible to help the sauce stick better.
Step 5: Whisk together the butter, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and pressed garlic. Pour this mixture over the wings and toss to coat thoroughly.
Step 6: Arrange the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake on the top rack for 15-18 minutes. Brush with extra sauce from the bowl partway through baking and garnish with additional Parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

For crispier wings, pat them dry before tossing with the sauce and use a wire rack on your baking sheet to allow air circulation.
Swap fresh parsley for chopped basil or cilantro for a different herbal note.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
If you don’t have a slow cooker, bake the wings at 400˚F for 35-40 minutes, turning halfway through.

Storage

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350˚F until warmed through to maintain crispness. 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 straight from the freezer?

Yes, you can cook frozen wings in the slow cooker using this recipe. Just expect a slightly longer cooking time when set on high or low.

Is it necessary to bake the wings after slow cooking?

Baking the wings after slow cooking helps to crisp up the skin and caramelize the sauce, enhancing both texture and flavor. Skipping this step will leave the wings soft and less flavorful.

Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 55 reviews

These Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Wings are the perfect combination of tender, juicy chicken wings cooked low and slow, then finished with a crispy, garlicky Parmesan glaze. The wings are seasoned with a smoky and flavorful spice blend, slow-cooked for hours, and then baked to perfection in the oven, making them irresistible for game days, parties, or cozy dinners.

Author: Elias
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Seasoning Mix

1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Wings and Sauce

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

Prepare the seasoning mix: In a small bowl, combine the salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly blend all the spices together.
Season the wings: Place the chicken wings in the slow cooker and sprinkle the prepared seasoning mix over them. Toss or stir gently to ensure all wings are coated evenly with the spices.
Slow cook the wings: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook the wings on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, or alternatively, cook on low heat for 5 to 6 hours until wings are tender and cooked through.
Preheat the oven: Once the slow cooking is complete, preheat your oven to 425˚F (220˚C). Remove the wings from the crockpot and place them into a large bowl. Tip: Try to remove as much liquid as possible from the wings to help the sauce stick better.
Make the garlic Parmesan sauce: Whisk together the salted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and pressed garlic cloves in a separate bowl until well combined. Pour this sauce over the wings in the bowl, tossing them thoroughly to coat each wing.
Bake the wings: Arrange the coated wings in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake on the top rack of the oven for 15 to 18 minutes to develop a crispy skin and caramelize the sauce.
Final touch and serving: After baking, brush the wings again with any remaining sauce from the bowl for extra flavor. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired, then serve hot.

Notes

For best results, remove as much liquid from the wings after slow cooking before tossing with the sauce to ensure the coating adheres better.
You can use fresh or frozen wings, but adjust the slow cook time slightly if wings are frozen.
If you prefer extra crispy wings, broil them for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Parsley can be substituted with fresh basil or chives depending on your flavor preference.
Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: garlic parmesan wings, slow cooker chicken wings, crispy chicken wings, game day wings, easy party appetizers