Oh, you’re going to absolutely love this Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe! I discovered this gem a while back when I wanted something comfortingly rich but effortless to make, and it quickly became a favorite in my house. The wings come out tender, juicy, and perfectly infused with garlicky goodness, then topped with that irresistible parmesan that melts right on. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is really just simple slow cooking magic.
This recipe works amazingly well when you have a busy day ahead but still want to serve up something delicious that everyone will rave about. I often throw the wings in my slow cooker in the morning and by dinner time, the whole house smells like a cozy Italian kitchen. Plus, the broiling step crisps them up just right—a total game changer that you’ll want to add every time you make these wings. Trust me, this Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe is one worth bookmarking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-Off Cooking: Pop everything in the crock pot and forget about it until dinner time.
- Perfect Garlic-Parmesan Flavor: A rich, buttery garlic sauce paired with nutty parmesan cheese makes these wings irresistible.
- Juicy Yet Crispy: Slow cooking locks in moisture, and the final broil gives the wings a perfect crispy finish.
- Family Favorite: My family literally goes crazy for these wings, and I bet yours will too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe works together beautifully to give you rich flavors with minimal effort. I like to use fresh garlic for that authentic punch and good-quality parmesan to really boost the umami.
- Chicken wings: Use fresh or fully thawed wings split into flats and drumettes for even cooking.
- Sea salt: Enhances the natural flavors without being too harsh.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick without overpowering the garlic flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Melting it lets the garlic infuse beautifully and keeps things nice and saucy.
- Garlic cloves: You want these minced fresh — the star of the show.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly shredded is best for melting over the wings.
- Green onions or chives (optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor when garnishing.
Variations
I love how flexible the Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe is. You can easily switch up the flavors depending on your mood or what you have on hand, making it a great base to experiment with.
- Buffalo Style: Toss the slow-cooked wings in buffalo sauce before broiling for a spicy kick; my family can’t get enough of this twist!
- BBQ Lover’s Version: Add your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes in the slow cooker, then broil for sticky, tangy wings I crave all summer.
- Herb Infused: Mix in some dried Italian herbs or fresh rosemary with the garlic butter for more depth—subtle but super tasty.
- Make It Spicy: Sprinkle in chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the garlic butter if you want a little heat without overpowering the garlic parmesan base.
How to Make Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe
Step 1: Season and Arrange Your Wings
First things first, spread your chicken wings in the bottom of the crock pot. Sprinkle them evenly with sea salt and black pepper, then toss gently with your hands or spatula to make sure every piece gets a little love. This step might seem basic, but don’t skip it—seasoning upfront really makes the flavor pop as the wings slow cook.
Step 2: Make That Delicious Garlic Butter Sauce
While the wings sit, melt the butter—either in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Once melted, stir in the freshly minced garlic and let it get cozy in the butter for about a minute if you’re on the stove; this step mellows the garlic’s sharpness and enriches the flavor. Pour this luscious mixture evenly over the wings in the slow cooker, then toss gently again so every wing is smothered.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it to High for 2.5 to 3 hours, or Low for 5 to 6 hours if you prefer a longer cook. You’ll want the wings to be fall-off-the-bone tender, juicy, and infused with that garlicky butter goodness. When you smell that aroma swirling around your kitchen, you’ll know they’re almost ready.
Step 4: Broil for Crispy Goodness
Here’s the trick I learned that took this recipe from great to unforgettable: once the wings are cooked through, preheat your oven’s broiler. Line a sheet pan with parchment or foil and grease it well. Lay your wings out in a single layer and broil them for 5 minutes per side, watching carefully so they crisp up beautifully without burning. This finishes them off with a perfect golden skin while keeping the inside juicy.
Step 5: Cheese It Up and Garnish
Once golden, pull the wings out, sprinkle them generously with shredded parmesan, then pop them back under the broiler for just 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts. Finally, garnish with fresh green onions or chives for a pop of color and a mild freshness that balances the rich butter and cheese. Serve hot for the best experience — your family and friends are going to ask for seconds!
Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe
- Even Cooking: Arrange wings in an even layer so they cook uniformly and all soak up the flavorful garlic butter.
- Garlic Infusion: Sauté the garlic briefly in butter before adding it to the slow cooker to mellow out harsh raw garlic tones.
- Broil Wisely: Keep a close eye on the wings under the broiler to avoid burning the parmesan and crispy skin.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and parmesan make a noticeable difference—you’ll taste the quality every bite.
How to Serve Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe
Garnishes
I always reach for sliced green onions for garnish—they add a lovely fresh crunch and color that offsets the richness of the butter and cheese. Sometimes I sprinkle a pinch of extra parmesan on top or toss a few chili flakes for a subtle heat boost. It’s simple but elevates the whole dish.
Side Dishes
I like to keep it casual and pair these wings with crunchy celery sticks and blue cheese dressing—classic comfort food vibes. Roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad also work nicely to balance the richness. If you want a heartier meal, creamy mashed potatoes or garlic bread are perfect companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For game days or parties, I’ve served these wings on a large platter lined with parchment, surrounded by colorful veggie sticks and small bowls of different dipping sauces—buffalo, ranch, and honey mustard. It adds a fun interactive element, and everyone loves the variety. I’ve even wrapped some fresh herbs around individual wings as a clever garnish for more elegant gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay tasty for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure you cool them completely before sealing the container to avoid sogginess. They reheat wonderfully and sometimes taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Freezing
Freezing these wings is super simple and a great way to have ready-made meals on hand. I like freezing them on a lined sheet pan to keep them from sticking together, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag once solid. They keep well for up to 3 months—just thaw and broil fresh before serving.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop the wings under the broiler or in a hot oven for a few minutes until they’re warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to make the skin rubbery. If you’re short on time, a quick sauté in a hot pan can also refresh the texture nicely.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken wings in this crock pot recipe?
Yes! You can start with frozen wings, but be sure to add extra cooking time—usually an additional hour on Low or 30 minutes on High—to make sure they cook through completely. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
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How do I make the wings extra crispy without frying?
Broiling the wings after slow cooking is my favorite method to get crispy skin without any frying. Just spread them on a lined pan and watch closely as they brown and crisp up in 5 minutes per side.
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Can I prepare the wings ahead of time?
Definitely! You can fully cook the wings in the crock pot ahead of time and refrigerate them. When ready to serve, just broil them to bring back that delicious crispness and finish with parmesan and garnish.
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Is this recipe spicy?
Nope, it’s gentle and rich with buttery garlic and parmesan flavors. But you can spice it up easily by adding chili flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce in the garlic butter mixture.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe has become my go-to when I want that perfect balance of juicy, tender chicken with a treat-yourself crispy finish. I love how straightforward it is yet feels so special — it’s like having a restaurant-worthy dish with barely any fuss. If you give it a try, I know these wings will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation just like they did in mine. Go ahead, throw them in your slow cooker and smell that amazing aroma fill your home—you won’t regret it!
PrintCrock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings recipe delivers tender, flavorful wings slow-cooked to perfection and finished under the broiler for a crispy, cheesy crust. Featuring a rich garlic butter sauce and topped with freshly shredded Parmesan and green onions, these wings are an irresistible appetizer or meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
Wings
- 4 lb Chicken wings (separated into flats and drumettes)
- 1 tsp Sea salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (melted)
- 6 cloves Garlic (minced)
Garnish
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
- Green onions or chives (optional; sliced thinly for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Wings: Place the chicken wings into the bottom of a slow cooker. Season evenly with sea salt and black pepper, tossing well to coat all pieces thoroughly.
- Make the Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl or saucepan, combine melted butter with minced garlic. Optionally, melt the butter over low heat on the stove and sauté garlic for about 1 minute to enhance the flavor before removing from heat.
- Coat the Chicken Wings: Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the wings in the slow cooker. Stir to ensure each wing piece is fully coated with the savory sauce.
- Slow Cook: Set your slow cooker to High and cook the wings for 2.5 to 3 hours, or alternatively on Low for 5 to 6 hours. The wings should become tender and nearly falling off the bone when ready.
- Crisp in the Oven: Towards the end of slow cooking, preheat your oven’s broiler. Prepare a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil greased well. Arrange the wings in a single layer and broil for 5 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Add Parmesan: Remove wings from the oven and generously sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese over them. Return wings under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions or chives if desired. Serve the wings hot and enjoy the flavorful garlic Parmesan goodness!
Notes
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the entire recipe, approximately 5 chicken wings.
- Flavor Variations: Customize with buffalo, BBQ, or teriyaki sauce, or use dry seasonings like paprika or chili flakes for different tastes.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked wings for up to 3 months. To prevent sticking, freeze wings first on a sheet pan, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
- Meal Prep Tip: Cook wings fully in the slow cooker and refrigerate. Broil fresh before serving to crisp up.
- Using Frozen Wings: Increase slow cooker time to accommodate frozen wings.