Slow Cooker Dr Pepper Wings Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for those who want a quick and easy meal that packs a punch of flavor. The Dr. Pepper in the sauce gives the wings a unique sweetness that blends beautifully with the garlic and BBQ sauce. The slow cooking process ensures that the wings come out tender and juicy, while the optional broiling step adds a nice caramelized glaze. These wings are simple, hands-off, and delicious, making them perfect for both a family dinner or a party snack.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• ¾ cup brown sugar

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup BBQ sauce

• 1 cup Dr. Pepper

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 4 pounds frozen chicken wings

Directions

1. Place all the frozen chicken wings into your slow cooker.

2. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, BBQ sauce, Dr. Pepper, red pepper flakes, and cornstarch.

3. Reserve ¼ cup of the sauce mixture for later use.

4. Pour the remaining sauce over the wings in the slow cooker.

5. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the wings are tender.

6. Optional: After cooking, transfer the wings to a foil-lined baking sheet, brush them with the reserved sauce, and broil for 3-5 minutes until they are glossy and slightly crispy.

7. Sprinkle with parsley if desired, then serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 servings

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 4-6 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

• Total time: 6 hours 5 minutes (including prep and cooking time)

Variations

• Spicy Wings: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for an extra kick of heat.

• Different BBQ Sauces: Use different varieties of BBQ sauce to customize the flavor—try smoky, spicy, or sweet BBQ sauces for a unique twist.

• Crispy Wings: For an extra crispy texture, after slow cooking, toss the wings in a little flour and then broil them until golden brown.

• Honey Dr. Pepper Wings: Add a couple of tablespoons of honey to the sauce mixture for a sweeter version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the wings in the microwave or on the stovetop. To maintain crispiness, broil them for a few minutes before serving.

FAQs

How do I make the wings more crispy?

For extra crispy wings, after slow cooking, transfer the wings to a baking sheet, brush with reserved sauce, and broil them until golden and crispy.

Can I use fresh chicken wings instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh wings, but the cook time may be slightly shorter—around 3-4 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high.

Can I make Dr. Pepper Wings ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these wings in advance and store them in the fridge. Just reheat and broil them for a few minutes before serving.

What type of BBQ sauce should I use?

Any BBQ sauce you like will work! For a sweet and tangy flavor, go for a classic sweet BBQ sauce. For more spice, opt for a smoky or hot BBQ sauce.

Can I use chicken drumsticks instead of wings?

Yes, you can substitute chicken drumsticks for wings. Just adjust the cook time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, you can add a little extra cornstarch or let it simmer on the stovetop after cooking to reduce and thicken.

Can I make Dr. Pepper Wings in the oven?

Yes, you can bake the wings in the oven. Coat the wings in the sauce, place them on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What sides go well with Dr. Pepper Wings?

Dr. Pepper Wings pair wonderfully with sides like coleslaw, fries, cornbread, or a fresh green salad.

How spicy are these wings?

The heat from the wings depends on how much red pepper flakes you add. For a mild flavor, use the recommended amount; for a spicy version, add more red pepper flakes or some hot sauce.

Can I freeze these wings?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked wings for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.

Conclusion

These Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Wings are a must-try for anyone who loves easy, flavorful meals. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, they deliver big flavor with little effort. Whether you're hosting a party, enjoying a family dinner, or craving a snack, these wings are sure to satisfy. Don't forget to try out the variations and make them your own!

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Slow Cooker Dr Pepper Wings Recipe

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These Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Wings are an easy, flavorful meal with a sweet and tangy sauce made from garlic, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, and Dr. Pepper. Perfect for busy nights or as a crowd-pleasing snack.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Appetizer, Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooker, Broiling
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

¾ cup brown sugar

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup BBQ sauce

1 cup Dr. Pepper

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 tablespoon cornstarch

4 pounds frozen chicken wings

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Instructions

1. Place all the frozen chicken wings into your slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, BBQ sauce, Dr. Pepper, red pepper flakes, and cornstarch.
3. Reserve ¼ cup of the sauce mixture for later use.
4. Pour the remaining sauce over the wings in the slow cooker.
5. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the wings are tender.
6. Optional: After cooking, transfer the wings to a foil-lined baking sheet, brush them with the reserved sauce, and broil for 3-5 minutes until they are glossy and slightly crispy.
7. Sprinkle with parsley if desired, then serve and enjoy!

Notes

• For spicier wings, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Experiment with different BBQ sauces for unique flavors, such as smoky or sweet.
• For crispy wings, toss in a little flour and broil them after slow cooking.
• Add honey to the sauce for a sweeter flavor.
• Leftover wings can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or broiled for crispiness.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4 wings)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg