Print

BBQ Paleo Chicken Wings in the Slow Cooker Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 119 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Cook wings: Cover the slow cooker and cook the wings on low heat for 3 to 4 hours until cooked through and tender.
  6. 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.
  7. 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