Crockpot Dr. Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe
Introduction
These Crockpot Dr. Pepper Chicken Wings are an easy and flavorful dish perfect for game day or casual dinners. The sweet and tangy sauce, made with Dr. Pepper and barbecue sauce, creates sticky, tender wings that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds frozen chicken wings
- 1 cup Dr. Pepper
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the frozen chicken wings in your crockpot in an even layer.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, BBQ sauce, Dr. Pepper, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and cornstarch until well combined.
- Step 3: Reserve ¼ cup of the sauce for later, then pour the remaining sauce over the wings in the crockpot.
- Step 4: Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the wings are tender and fully cooked.
- Step 5: (Optional) For a glossy finish, place the wings on a foil-lined baking sheet, brush with the reserved sauce, and broil briefly until the wings are glazy and slightly caramelized.
- Step 6: Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired, then serve and enjoy your flavorful wings!
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh wings if you prefer, but frozen wings work well and save prep time.
- Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat or substitute with smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Broiling at the end adds a great crispy texture, but you can also crisp them in a hot oven or air fryer.
- Leftover sauce can be reheated and served as a dipping sauce on the side.
Storage
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Avoid overcooking when reheating to keep them tender.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken wings instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh wings work great. Adjust cooking time slightly—fresh wings may take less time to cook thoroughly, so check for doneness earlier.
Do I need to thaw the frozen wings before cooking?
No need to thaw. You can place the frozen wings directly into the crockpot, which makes this recipe convenient and quick to prepare.
PrintCrockpot Dr. Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe
These Crockpot Dr. Pepper Chicken Wings are tender, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Slow-cooked to perfection in a sweet and tangy sauce made from Dr. Pepper, brown sugar, and BBQ sauce, these wings are perfect for game day or a tasty dinner. The optional broiling step adds a delicious glazed finish to elevate this comforting dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 4 pounds frozen chicken wings
Sauce
- 1 cup Dr. Pepper
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Garnish (Optional)
- Parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Wings: Place the frozen chicken wings directly into the crockpot, spreading them evenly for consistent cooking.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, BBQ sauce, Dr. Pepper, red pepper flakes, garlic, and cornstarch until well combined to create the flavorful sauce base.
- Pour Sauce Over Wings: Reserve ¼ cup of the sauce for later use, then pour the remaining sauce evenly over the chicken wings in the crockpot.
- Slow Cook the Wings: Cover and cook the wings on Low for 4 to 6 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours, until the wings are tender and cooked through.
- Optional Broil for Glaze: For a glazed finish, preheat the broiler. Place the cooked wings on a foil-lined baking sheet, brush them generously with the reserved sauce, and broil for 3-5 minutes until they develop a shiny, caramelized glaze. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the wings for a fresh touch, then serve hot and enjoy your delicious crockpot Dr. Pepper chicken wings.
Notes
- For best results, thaw wings slightly if very thickly frozen before cooking.
- You can adjust the red pepper flakes to control the heat level according to preference.
- The optional broiling step adds a delightful caramelized finish but can be skipped if you prefer just slow-cooked wings.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Leftover wings keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Keywords: chicken wings, crockpot wings, Dr. Pepper wings, slow cooker wings, BBQ wings, party appetizer
