Slow Cooker Coca-Cola BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe
Make delicious Slow Cooker Coca-Cola BBQ Chicken Wings with tender, juicy chicken cooked in a sweet and smoky Coca-Cola barbecue sauce. Finished under the broiler with a thick, sticky glaze, these easy crockpot wings are perfect for parties, game day, and family dinners!
Ingredients
For the chicken wings:
- 3 pounds chicken wings separated into drumettes and flats
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Coca-Cola BBQ sauce:
- 1 12-ounce can regular Coca-Cola
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cloves garlic minced
For thickening the glaze:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Optional garnish:
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the chicken wings. Pat the thawed chicken wings dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss the wings with the seasoning until evenly coated.
- Make the Coca-Cola barbecue sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together Coca-Cola, barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic.
- Add to the slow cooker. Arrange the seasoned wings in a greased 6-quart slow cooker. Pour the Coca-Cola BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken.
- Slow cook the wings. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F and is tender.
- Remove the wings. Carefully transfer the cooked wings to a foil-lined baking sheet. Arrange them in a single layer with the skin side facing up.
- Reduce the sauce. Pour approximately 1½ cups of the slow cooker cooking liquid into a saucepan. Bring to a full boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes to concentrate the flavor.
- Thicken the glaze. Whisk cornstarch and cold water together in a small bowl. Stir the mixture into the simmering sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until thick and glossy.
- Coat the wings. Preheat the oven broiler to high. Brush the thickened Coca-Cola BBQ glaze generously over the chicken wings.
- Broil the wings. Place the baking sheet approximately 6-8 inches below the broiler. Broil for 3-5 minutes, watching closely, until the glaze bubbles and begins to caramelize.
- Garnish and serve. Remove the wings from the oven. Brush with additional warm glaze if desired. Garnish with sliced green onions or parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Chicken wings: Use completely thawed, bone-in chicken wings. Drumettes and flats both work great.
Coca-Cola: Regular Coca-Cola is recommended for the best sweet flavor and sticky glaze. Another regular cola can be substituted.
Barbecue sauce: Use a thick, smoky or tangy barbecue sauce to balance the sweetness of the cola.
Cooking time: Wings generally cook for 3-4 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. Always confirm an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
Sticky glaze: Reduce the sauce on the stove before adding the cornstarch slurry for the best consistency. Bring the cooking liquid to a full boil before using it as a glaze.
Extra spicy: Add 1 tablespoon of hot sauce or ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the barbecue sauce.
Extra sweet: Add 2 tablespoons of honey while reducing the sauce.
Broiling: Watch the wings carefully because the sugar in the sauce can burn quickly.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Freeze fully cooked wings for up to 3 months for the best quality.
Reheating: Reheat wings in the oven or air fryer until they reach 165°F.
Serving suggestion: Serve with ranch dressing, celery sticks, mac and cheese, coleslaw, or crispy potato wedges.
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