Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make these juicy Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Wings with Cola.
- 3–4 lbs chicken wings: Fresh or thawed chicken wings work best. Separate whole wings into drumettes and flats if necessary.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce: Use your favorite barbecue sauce for a rich, smoky, and tangy flavor.
- 1 cup cola: Regular cola adds sweetness and helps create the flavorful cooking sauce.
- 1 packet onion soup mix: Provides concentrated savory flavor and enhances the barbecue seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a sticky caramelized finish.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings a deep, savory, slightly tangy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds aromatic garlic flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Provides a subtle smoky taste and beautiful color.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle warmth and balances the sweetness.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings
Pat the chicken wings thoroughly dry using paper towels. Remove any excess moisture from the surface and arrange the wings in an even layer inside your slow cooker.
If you’re using whole chicken wings, you can separate them into drumettes and flats before cooking. This makes serving easier and helps create convenient portions.
Step 2: Prepare the BBQ Cola Sauce
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, cola, onion soup mix, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
Whisk everything together until the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the onion soup mix is evenly distributed.
The mixture should have a smooth, rich consistency with a deep barbecue color.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Wings
Pour the BBQ cola mixture evenly over the chicken wings in the slow cooker.
Use a spoon or tongs to gently toss the wings so that they are coated with the sauce.
Make sure the sauce is distributed throughout the chicken for the best flavor.
Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook according to your preferred setting:
- LOW: 4–5 hours.
- HIGH: 2–3 hours.
Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the wings and your slow cooker. Check that the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a food thermometer.
The wings should be tender and fully cooked before moving to the next step.
Step 5: Transfer the Wings to a Baking Sheet
Carefully remove the cooked chicken wings from the slow cooker using tongs.
Place them in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet. Be gentle because the wings will be very tender after slow cooking.
Reserve the cooking sauce for coating the wings.
Step 6: Brush With BBQ Sauce
Generously brush the chicken wings with the thick barbecue sauce from the slow cooker.
Make sure each wing receives an even coating. This sauce will help create the delicious sticky exterior during broiling.
For food safety, if you want to use reserved cooking liquid as a finishing sauce, bring it to a full boil first. Never reuse sauce that has contacted raw chicken without proper cooking.
Step 7: Broil Until Sticky and Caramelized
Preheat your oven broiler.
Place the baking sheet under the broiler for approximately 3–5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
The barbecue sauce should become glossy, sticky, and lightly caramelized around the edges.
If desired, turn the wings and brush them with another layer of sauce before briefly broiling the other side.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the wings from the oven and allow them to rest briefly.
Arrange them on a serving platter and brush with additional properly cooked BBQ sauce if desired.
Serve hot with your favorite sides, dipping sauces, and fresh vegetables.