There’s just something magical about wings that fall right off the bone, coated in rich, buttery garlic sauce and finished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. These Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Wings are a flavor-packed, no-fuss crowd-pleaser that feel a little indulgent but are secretly so easy to make. Imagine your kitchen filled with the mouthwatering scent of garlic and butter, with juicy chicken wings slowly soaking in all that goodness. Mmm—trust me, this one’s a keeper.
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Whether you’re prepping for game day, movie night, or just want a dinner that feels a little special, these wings deliver big flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Wings
Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the hard work for you—just set it and forget it.
Irresistible Flavor: Garlicky, buttery, cheesy goodness in every bite. It’s the perfect balance of savory and rich.
Tender, Juicy Wings: The low and slow cook time guarantees fall-apart tender meat that’s still crispy where it counts (especially if you give them a quick broil at the end).
Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve them as an appetizer, a main dish, or a party snack—these wings are always a hit.
Low Carb & High Protein: If you’re watching carbs or just want something more wholesome, these wings check both boxes.
Ingredients in Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Wings
Chicken Wings – The star of the show. Use fresh or thawed wings—drums, flats, or a mix of both.
Butter – Melted butter creates a rich base for the garlic and helps coat the wings in flavor.
Garlic – Lots of fresh minced garlic (or garlic paste) for that bold, punchy flavor.
Parmesan Cheese – Grated Parmesan melts into the sauce and adds that irresistible salty, cheesy kick.
Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs to round out the flavor profile.
Salt and Pepper – Essential seasoning that enhances everything else.
Parsley – Optional, but it adds a fresh, vibrant finish to the dish.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional) – For those who love a little heat with their wings.
Instructions
Prep the Wings: Pat the wings dry with paper towels (this helps them cook up nice and tender, not soggy).
Make the Sauce: In a bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Toss to Coat: Add the wings to the slow cooker and pour the garlic Parmesan sauce over them. Toss to make sure every wing is coated.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours or high for 2–2.5 hours, until the wings are fully cooked and tender.
Optional Crisping: For crispier wings, transfer them to a baking sheet and broil for 3–5 minutes until golden and slightly crispy.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with extra Parmesan, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Wings
– Perfect with celery sticks and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing
– Serve over a bed of greens or cauliflower rice for a low-carb dinner
– Add to a party platter with other finger foods for a flavorful spread
– Pair with a cold drink on game day or movie night
– Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for a picture-perfect finish
Additional Tips
Dry Wings First: Drying the wings before cooking helps them absorb more flavor and prevents sogginess.
Use Fresh Garlic: While garlic powder works in a pinch, fresh minced garlic gives the richest, boldest flavor.
Double the Batch: Feeding a crowd? This recipe scales easily—just layer the wings in the slow cooker and add more sauce.
Crispy Finish: A quick broil after slow cooking is optional but highly recommended for added texture.
Reheat Like a Pro: Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 420
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours (low) or 2 hours (high)
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen wings?
A: Yes, just make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
Q: Do I need to flip the wings in the slow cooker?
A: Not necessary—just make sure they’re coated well in the sauce before you start.
Q: Can I make them spicier?
A: Definitely! Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mix.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
Q: Can I freeze cooked wings?
A: Yes! Freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven.
Q: Can I skip the broil step?
A: Of course—the wings will still be tender and flavorful without it. Broiling just adds that crispy finish.
Q: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
A: Yes! It’s low in carbs and high in flavor, making it great for a keto lifestyle.
Q: What sides go best with these wings?
A: Think celery sticks, cucumber salad, coleslaw, or even roasted veggies.
Q: Can I use boneless wings or thighs?
A: Yes, though bone-in wings hold up better in the slow cooker. Adjust cook time slightly for boneless cuts.
Q: What kind of Parmesan should I use?
A: Freshly grated Parmesan melts best and has the boldest flavor—skip the green can if you can!
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Wings are your go-to for a no-fuss, high-flavor dish that’s just as welcome at parties as it is on weeknights. With buttery garlic sauce and tender wings that practically melt in your mouth, this recipe is comfort food made easy. Try it once, and it might just become your signature dish!
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Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Wings
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Snack
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
These slow-cooked garlic parmesan wings are tender and full of rich flavors, with a crispy finish after broiling. Perfect for parties, game days, or an easy weeknight dinner, these wings are simple to make yet packed with deliciousness.
Ingredients
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4 pounds fresh, frozen, or thawed chicken wings
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1 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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6 to 8 cloves garlic, minced
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1 stick unsalted butter (8 tbsp), sliced
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1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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Freshly chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
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Add the chicken wings to your slow cooker.
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Top the wings with butter, grated parmesan, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
To Cook Frozen Wings:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.To Cook Fresh or Thawed Wings:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours.
Check that the chicken is tender, fully cooked through, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part. -
Preheat the oven broiler.
Line a baking sheet with foil and grease it to prevent sticking. -
Arrange the wings on the prepared baking sheet and brush the remaining garlic parmesan butter over them.
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Broil for about 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are crispy.
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Serve the wings garnished with fresh parsley and more grated parmesan.
Notes
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If you like your wings extra crispy, broil them a bit longer, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
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For more parmesan flavor, sprinkle extra parmesan on the wings right after broiling.
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You can also prepare the wings ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator to broil later.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 428
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg