Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe

These Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings are a game-changer for anyone who loves wings but hates the hassle. They’re fall-off-the-bone tender on the inside with perfectly crispy skin on the outside, all infused with rich garlic butter and topped with melty Parmesan cheese. Best of all, your slow cooker does most of the work, making these perfect for game day gatherings, family dinners, or anytime you’re craving something incredibly delicious without standing over a hot stove.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-off cooking: Your slow cooker does the heavy lifting while you go about your day. Just set it and forget it until the final broiling step!
• Perfect texture: Achieves that magical combination of tender meat that nearly falls off the bone while still getting that desirable crispy exterior after a quick broil.
• Crowd-pleaser: These wings disappear fast at parties – the garlic-Parmesan flavor is universally loved and not too spicy for those with milder palates.
• Versatile: Works for casual weeknight dinners, game day spreads, or even as an impressive appetizer for guests.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken wings: The star of the show! Split wings (flats and drumettes) cook more evenly and are easier to eat.
• Sea salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the chicken’s natural flavor without overpowering the garlic and cheese.
• Butter: Creates that rich, luxurious coating that helps carry the garlic flavor throughout. The fat also helps the wings crisp up nicely during broiling.
• Garlic: Provides that irresistible aromatic flavor that makes these wings so addictive. Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor, but pre-minced works in a pinch.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory dimension and creates a delicious crust when broiled. Always go for freshly shredded rather than pre-packaged for better melting.
• Green onions or chives: Optional garnish that adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to balance the richness.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious alternatives:

• Buffalo style: Toss the wings in buffalo sauce instead of garlic butter for that classic spicy kick.
• BBQ wings: Substitute your favorite barbecue sauce for an easy, crowd-pleasing variation.
• Teriyaki twist: Brush with teriyaki sauce before the final broil for an Asian-inspired flavor profile.
• Lemon pepper: Add lemon zest and extra black pepper to the butter mixture for bright, zesty wings.
• Italian herbs: Mix dried oregano, basil, and thyme into the garlic butter for an herby Mediterranean version.

How to Make Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

Step 1: Prepare the Wings

Arrange the chicken wings in an even layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. Season them with sea salt and black pepper, then toss to ensure even coating.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl or saucepan, combine the melted butter with minced garlic. If using a saucepan, briefly sauté the garlic for about a minute to release its flavors (but don’t brown it).

Step 3: Slow Cook

Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the wings, making sure they’re all coated. Cover and cook on High for 2.5-3 hours or on Low for 5-6 hours, until the meat is tender but not quite falling off the bone.

Step 4: Crisp in the Broiler

Preheat your broiler. Transfer the wings to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or greased foil, arranging them in a single layer. Broil for about 5 minutes per side until the skin becomes golden and crispy.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish

Sprinkle the wings generously with shredded Parmesan cheese and return to the broiler for 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese melts and starts to bubble. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with sliced green onions or chives if desired. Serve hot while the cheese is still gooey.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Trim excess skin: If your wings have excess skin or fat, trim it before cooking for better results.
• Don’t overcrowd: Arrange wings in a single layer in the slow cooker if possible. If you need to stack them, rearrange halfway through cooking.
• Line your baking sheet: For easy cleanup, line your baking sheet with parchment or foil before broiling.
• Watch closely when broiling: Broilers can burn food quickly, so don’t walk away during this step.
• Pat dry before broiling: For extra crispiness, pat the wings dry with paper towels before placing them under the broiler.
• Use freshly grated cheese: Pre-packaged shredded Parmesan doesn’t melt as beautifully as freshly grated.

How to Serve

These wings are versatile enough to be served in various ways:

As an Appetizer

Arrange on a platter with celery and carrot sticks, with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.

As a Main Course

Pair with a fresh green salad and maybe some garlic bread for a complete meal that’s ready with minimal effort.

Game Day Spread

Serve alongside other finger foods like nachos, sliders, and dips for the ultimate sports-watching feast.

These wings are substantial enough to be a meal on their own but versatile enough to fit into any party spread!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavor actually improves after a day as the garlic and Parmesan continue to meld.

Freezing

These wings freeze beautifully! Arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. This method prevents them from sticking together in storage.

Reheating

For the best texture when reheating:

• Thaw frozen wings in the refrigerator overnight
• Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until hot throughout
• For extra crispness, finish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes

Meal Prep Option

For make-ahead convenience, complete the slow cooker portion of the recipe, then refrigerate the wings. When ready to serve, simply broil and add cheese as directed. This makes them perfect for planning ahead for parties.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken wings in the slow cooker?
Yes, but add an extra 30 minutes to your cooking time and be sure they’re fully thawed before the broiling step. For food safety reasons, it’s best to thaw them first, but in a pinch, frozen wings will work – just ensure they reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

What if I don’t have a broiler?
No problem! You can achieve similar results by baking the wings at 425°F for about 10-15 minutes, or using an air fryer at 400°F for 5-6 minutes. The goal is to crisp the skin after the slow cooking process.

Can I make these wings spicy?
Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture or brush the wings with your favorite hot sauce before adding the Parmesan cheese. Buffalo-Parmesan is an amazing flavor combination!

Why aren’t my wings getting crispy enough?
Make sure you’re patting the wings dry before broiling. Also, check that your broiler is fully preheated and that the wings aren’t too crowded on the baking sheet. They need space between them for the heat to circulate properly.

Final Thoughts

These Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings truly deliver the best of both worlds – the convenience of slow cooking with the satisfying crispiness we all crave in a chicken wing. The combination of rich garlic butter and savory Parmesan creates an irresistible flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just treating yourself to something special, give these wings a try – your taste buds will thank you!

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