Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Tax Day Wings

These budget-friendly, effortless chicken wings are cooked low and slow in a brilliantly simple two-ingredient sweet and savory glaze. Finished under the broiler for perfectly caramelized edges, they are the ultimate party appetizer or easy weeknight meal!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours 5 minutes

Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Servings: 4–6

Ingredients

3 to 4 pounds frozen chicken wings (unthawed, flats and drumettes)
1 cup bottled barbecue sauce (any basic pantry brand)
1/2 cup grape jelly (or similar purple jelly)

Instructions

1. Prep Wings

Place the frozen chicken wings in the bottom of a slow cooker, spreading them out as evenly as possible. They can be slightly stacked, but aim for an even layer for uniform cooking.

2. Mix Sauce

In a medium bowl, stir together the barbecue sauce and grape jelly until mostly smooth and combined. It does not need to be perfect.

3. Coat Wings

Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the wings. Use a spatula to scrape out all the sauce, then gently toss or turn the wings to coat them.

4. Cook

LOW: 5–6 hours
HIGH: 3–4 hours

Cook until the chicken is very tender and the sauce is bubbling. Stir once or twice if possible.

5. Thicken Sauce (Optional)

Remove the lid and cook on HIGH for an additional 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to thicken the sauce.

6. Prep for Broiling

Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly coat with cooking spray. Transfer wings using tongs and spoon extra sauce over each piece.

7. Broil

Place under a preheated broiler for 3–5 minutes until edges are slightly charred and the glaze is sticky and glossy.

8. Serve

Transfer to a serving platter, drizzle with remaining sauce, and serve hot.

Notes

Pro Tip: Do not skip the broiler step! The direct heat caramelizes the sugars in the jelly, locking the sticky glaze onto the wings for the best flavor and presentation.