Nothing beats the comforting, irresistible flavor of wings cooked low and slow to juicy perfection. This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe brings together the richness of Parmesan cheese, the boldness of garlic, and a tangy, herby sauce that seeps deep into every bite. Whether you’re serving these at a casual get-together or just craving a cozy night in, these wings are the perfect combination of effortless cooking and exceptional taste that’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe stash.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple, wholesome ingredients that pack a punch of flavor and create a luscious texture. Each ingredient plays a key role—from the garlic’s aromatic warmth to the Parmesan’s savory depth, and the herbs and spices that add complexity without overwhelming.
- 2 pounds bone-in or boneless chicken wings: The foundation of the dish, wings cook succulent and tender in the crockpot.
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic: Brings a fragrant, savory punch that complements the cheese perfectly.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps marry all flavors together.
- 1 cup light mayonnaise: Provides creaminess that makes the sauce luxuriously smooth.
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup: Balances the savory with a touch of subtle sweetness.
- 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: The star ingredient for that nutty, umami flavor that elevates the wings.
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice: Adds a fresh, zingy acidity to brighten the whole dish.
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar: Deepens the tang and enhances the sauce’s complexity.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Infuses an earthy and slightly peppery backdrop.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a sweet, slightly minty flavor that pairs beautifully with garlic and cheese.
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes: Gives a gentle heat that wakes up the palate.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that bring out all other flavors.
How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together minced garlic, olive oil, light mayonnaise, corn syrup, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This creamy, flavorful sauce is what sets these wings apart and ensures every bite is packed with deliciousness.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken Wings
Spray your slow cooker with nonstick spray to prevent sticking, then pour half of the sauce on the bottom. Add the chicken wings and toss them gently to coat evenly with the sauce. This step ensures the wings absorb those wonderful flavors as they cook slowly.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Wings
Cover and cook the wings on high for 3 to 4 hours, or on low for about 7 hours. The long cooking process makes the wings tender and juicy, allowing the sauce to penetrate deeply for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Add More Sauce and Finish Cooking
After the wings are tender, pour the remaining sauce over them and cook uncovered for an additional 15 minutes. This final step helps thicken the sauce and perfectly glaze the wings with that irresistible garlic Parmesan coating.
Step 5: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Serve your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings hot, ideally with some buffalo sauce on the side if you love a little extra kick. They’re fantastic straight from the crockpot, juicy and bursting with flavor!
How to Serve Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley or basil sprinkled on top adds a vibrant green color and subtle herbaceous note that complements the wings beautifully. A dusting of extra grated Parmesan cheese also amps up the cheesy flavor for those who can’t get enough.
Side Dishes
Pair these wings with crisp celery sticks and crunchy carrot batons for a refreshing contrast. Creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing makes a perfect dip to mellow out the spice. For heartier options, garlic mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables balance the meal wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the wings on a rustic wooden platter with small bowls of buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and lemon wedges on the side. For parties, skewering a few wings at a time with colorful toothpicks adds a fun touch. You can also toss the wings into a warm pita with some fresh greens for a playful twist on a chicken wrap.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making them even tastier the next day. Just be sure to keep the sauce and wings together to maintain that luscious coating.
Freezing
Wings freeze very well! Place cooled wings in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, with as much sauce as possible. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or a bit more Parmesan sauce during reheating helps keep the wings juicy and prevents dryness.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken wings for this recipe?
Absolutely! Both bone-in and boneless wings work well. Bone-in tend to stay juicier and have more flavor, but boneless wings cook faster and are great if you prefer bite-sized pieces.
Is it possible to make this recipe spicy?
Yes! You can increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper while whisking the sauce. This will give your wings an extra fiery kick without compromising the garlic Parmesan flavor.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely. The sauce can be mixed up to a day in advance and kept refrigerated. This actually allows the flavors to meld even better. Just whisk again before using to combine any separated ingredients.
What can I substitute for light mayonnaise?
If you want a lighter option, Greek yogurt can be used instead of light mayonnaise. It adds creaminess and a slight tang but may alter the texture slightly. Full-fat mayo works too for a richer sauce.
How do I prevent the wings from sticking to the crockpot?
Spraying your slow cooker insert with nonstick spray before adding the sauce and wings is key. You can also line the crockpot with a slow cooker liner for an even easier clean-up and less sticking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about preparing a meal that requires minimal hands-on time and delivers maximum flavor. This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe fits that bill perfectly—rich, juicy wings infused with garlic and cheese, wrapped in a tangy, herby sauce. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to wing recipe for every occasion. So fire up your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to delight your taste buds with this incredible dish!
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Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings recipe offers tender, flavorful wings cooked low and slow in a rich, garlicky parmesan sauce. Perfectly coated with a creamy, zesty dressing and slow-cooked until juicy, these wings make a delicious and comforting meal or party appetizer.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds bone-in or boneless chicken wings
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup light mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
- 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together minced garlic, olive oil, light mayonnaise, corn syrup, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
- Coat the Slow Cooker with Sauce: Spray the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick spray. Pour half of the prepared sauce at the bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavorful base.
- Add Chicken Wings: Place the chicken wings into the slow cooker and stir to evenly coat them with the sauce already in the crockpot.
- Cook the Wings: Cover and cook the wings on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for about 7 hours until the wings are cooked through and tender.
- Add Remaining Sauce: Pour the remaining half of the sauce over the cooked wings and cook for an additional 15 minutes to allow the sauce to meld perfectly with the chicken.
- Serve: Serve the wings hot as is, or with buffalo sauce on the side for dipping, making them an irresistible appetizer or main dish.
Notes
- You can use either bone-in or boneless chicken wings depending on your preference.
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or serve with extra hot buffalo sauce.
- Light mayonnaise helps reduce calories while preserving creaminess.
- Nonstick spray prevents the wings from sticking to the slow cooker during cooking.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste before serving.
- If you prefer crispy wings, you can briefly broil the cooked wings in the oven before serving.
