BBQ Paleo Chicken Wings in the Slow Cooker Recipe
Introduction
These BBQ Paleo Chicken Wings are tender, flavorful, and perfectly smoky thanks to a homemade dry rub and a rich BBQ sauce. Slow cooking them ensures juicy meat that falls off the bone, while a quick broil adds a crispy finish. Perfect for a weekend gathering or a tasty snack!
Ingredients
- 20 bone-in chicken wings
- 1 1/2 tablespoons BBQ dry rub seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3/4 cup apple cider vinegar (unfiltered and unsweetened)
- 1 1/3 cups tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 3/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Make the rub: Combine chili powder, black pepper, cumin, 1 tablespoon sea salt, coconut sugar (if using), onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, chipotle powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper in an airtight container. Shake well to mix thoroughly.
- Make the sauce: In a small saucepan, whisk together apple cider vinegar, tomato sauce, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, honey, minced garlic, 3/4 teaspoon chili powder, cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season the wings: Rub the chicken wings evenly with 1 1/2 tablespoons of the prepared BBQ dry rub and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon sea salt.
- Cook in slow cooker: Place the wings in a 4-quart slow cooker. Pour 1/2 cup of the BBQ sauce over the wings. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours until the wings are tender.
- Broil for crispiness: Preheat your oven broiler. Transfer the cooked wings to a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil. Broil on high for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Toss and serve: Warm the remaining BBQ sauce if it has cooled. Toss 1 cup of sauce with the wings to coat evenly. Serve the wings with the remaining sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- For extra spice, add more cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to the dry rub.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of chili powder and cayenne.
- Use coconut sugar to keep this recipe paleo-friendly and add subtle sweetness.
- For a smokier flavor, try adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce.
- Serve wings with a crisp side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Storage
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through to retain crispiness. You can also reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use boneless wings or chicken drumettes?
Yes, you can substitute with boneless wings or drumettes, but adjust cooking time accordingly since smaller pieces may cook faster.
Can I make the BBQ sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. The BBQ sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just rewarm gently before using.
PrintBBQ Paleo Chicken Wings in the Slow Cooker Recipe
Delicious and easy-to-make BBQ Paleo Chicken Wings cooked low and slow in a slow cooker, then finished under the broiler for a crispy, golden exterior. The wings are coated in a flavorful homemade BBQ dry rub and simmered in a rich, tangy paleo-friendly BBQ sauce featuring apple cider vinegar, tomato sauce, and natural sweeteners like honey and maple syrup. Perfect for a healthy paleo-friendly appetizer or main dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 20 bone-in chicken wings
- 1 1/2 tablespoons BBQ dry rub seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
BBQ Dry Rub Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
BBQ Sauce
- 3/4 cup apple cider vinegar (unfiltered and unsweetened)
- 1 1/3 cups tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 3/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Make the rub: Combine all rub ingredients—chili powder, black pepper, ground cumin, sea salt, coconut sugar (if using), onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, chipotle powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper—in an airtight container. Shake well to mix thoroughly.
- Make the sauce: In a small saucepan, whisk together apple cider vinegar, tomato sauce, Dijon mustard, pure maple syrup, honey, minced garlic, chili powder, cinnamon, and salt. Simmer the mixture gently over low heat for 30 minutes to blend and thicken the flavors.
- Season wings: Rub the chicken wings evenly with 1 1/2 tablespoons of the prepared BBQ dry rub and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon sea salt to enhance the flavor.
- Add wings to slow cooker: Place the seasoned wings into a 4-quart slow cooker. Pour 1/2 cup of the prepared BBQ sauce over the wings to coat them.
- Cook wings: Cover the slow cooker and cook the wings on low heat for 3 to 4 hours until cooked through and tender.
- Broil wings: Preheat your oven’s broiler. Transfer the cooked wings to a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil. Broil on high for about 10 minutes, watching carefully until the wings develop golden brown spots and a slightly crispy texture.
- Toss wings with sauce: Warm the remaining BBQ sauce if chilled. Toss 1 cup of the sauce with the broiled wings to coat thoroughly and serve the remaining sauce on the side as a dip.
Notes
- Optional coconut sugar in the rub adds a hint of sweetness but can be omitted for lower sugar content.
- Cooking times may vary based on the slow cooker; check wings for doneness after 3 hours.
- Broiler timing is crucial; keep an eye to prevent burning while achieving crispiness.
- Use unfiltered, unsweetened apple cider vinegar for best flavor in the BBQ sauce.
- For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or chipotle powder in the rub.
Keywords: Paleo Chicken Wings, Slow Cooker Chicken Wings, BBQ Chicken Wings, Gluten Free BBQ Wings, Healthy Wings
