Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe

I absolutely love this Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe because it combines the convenience of slow cooking with the rich, comforting flavors of garlic and Parmesan—two of my all-time favorites. You’ll find that these wings turn out tender and juicy every time, with a sauce that’s buttery, garlicky, and perfectly cheesy, making them a total crowd-pleaser for game days, family dinners, or casual get-togethers.

One of the reasons this recipe is so special is how easy it makes your weeknight cooking—and yet it feels totally indulgent. I remember the first time I made these wings in my slow cooker; my family went crazy for them! You don’t even need to fuss over flipping or monitoring, and I love that you get that amazing broiled crispiness at the end which really elevates the whole dish.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients play nicely together to bring you that classic garlicky Parmesan flavor you can’t resist. A few pantry staples and fresh garlic are key here to keep the taste authentic and fresh.

• Chicken wings: Look for fresh wings, separated into flats and drumettes for even cooking and easier eating.
• Sea salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Black pepper: Adds just a hint of spice to balance the richness of the butter and cheese.
• Unsalted butter: Melted butter is the base of that luscious garlic Parmesan sauce; unsalted lets you control salt levels precisely.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic is a must—you’ll taste the difference with that punchy garlic flavor.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts beautifully on top—skip the pre-grated for best texture and taste.
• Green onions or chives: Optional but I love how the fresh green adds a pop of color and mild oniony crunch.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe is—you can make it exactly as written or tweak it to suit your mood or dietary needs. Feel free to customize the flavors or cooking method based on what you have on hand or who you’re cooking for.

• Buffalo Style: Add a splash of buffalo sauce to the garlic butter right before broiling for a spicy twist my family goes wild for.
• BBQ Flavor: Swap out garlic with your favorite BBQ sauce post slow-cook for a sweet, tangy glaze perfect for summer nights.
• Dry Rub: Use a smoky paprika and chili flake blend on the wings before slow cooking for a deep, savory edge without the sauce.
• Herb-Enhanced: Toss some fresh rosemary or thyme into the slow cooker with the butter mixture for an earthy, fragrant variation.

How to Make Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Wings

Start by laying your chicken wings at the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle on the sea salt and black pepper, then toss everything together gently to make sure each wing gets a nice even seasoning. I like to use my hands for this—there’s nothing like feeling that coating cover every nook and cranny.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

While the wings are waiting, melt your butter either in a saucepan on low or in the microwave. If you’re cooking on the stove, add in the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute to release those amazing aromas—but watch that it doesn’t brown, or it’ll turn bitter. Then pour this fragrant butter mixture over the wings, stirring gently again to coat all pieces evenly.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Wings

Cover your slow cooker and set it to High for 2.5 to 3 hours or on Low for around 5 to 6 hours if you’re prepping earlier in the day. I usually cook them on High when I want dinner ready by evening after work—it’s the perfect “hands-off” way to get tender wings that almost fall off the bone. You’ll know they’re done when the meat is soft but still holding shape when you nudge it.

Step 4: Broil for Crispy Perfection

Preheat your oven broiler when the wings are almost cooked through. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, then arrange your wings in a single layer. Broil for 5 minutes on one side, flip carefully, and broil another 5 minutes until golden and crispy. This step really brings out the texture contrast I adore—crispy outside, tender inside.

Step 5: Add Parmesan and Garnish

Remove the wings from the oven and sprinkle them generously with shredded Parmesan cheese. Pop them back under the broiler for just 1 to 2 minutes to melt the cheese beautifully. Finally, scatter some sliced green onions or chives on top for that fresh, bright finish before serving hot. Trust me, this little green garnish makes a big difference in flavor and presentation.

How to Serve Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my wings with sliced green onions—they add a mild crunch and fresh pop of flavor that balances the richness. Chopped fresh parsley or chives also work wonderfully if you want a slightly different herbal note. Plus, the green garnish makes your plate look vibrant and inviting.

Side Dishes

Pair these garlic Parmesan wings with crunchy celery sticks and a creamy ranch dip for that classic wing combo. Roasted veggies like broccoli or a crisp coleslaw also provide a fresh counterpoint. And if you want some carbs, garlic bread or buttery mashed potatoes round out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try stacking the wings in a pyramid on a large platter sprinkled with fresh parsley and Parmesan shavings. You can also serve them in mini cast-iron skillets or rustic wooden boards lined with parchment paper for a cozy, casual vibe. Adding a few lemon wedges on the side gives guests the option for a zesty squeeze on their wings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your wings, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. I like to lay them flat or in a single layer to avoid soggy spots. They reheat nicely with a quick broil or in the oven to bring back that crisp texture.

Freezing

If you end up with more wings than you can eat, freezing is an awesome option. First, freeze them spread out on a baking sheet so they don’t stick together, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. I’ve found this method keeps them tasting fresh and easy to reheat later.

Reheating

To reheat, I preheat the oven to 375°F and place the wings on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, and then pop them under the broiler for a minute or two to revive the crispiness. Avoid the microwave because it just makes the skin soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe is honestly one of my go-to comfort foods when I want something that feels special but requires minimal effort. It’s satisfying, flavorful, and guaranteed to get compliments whether you’re feeding family or entertaining friends. I encourage you to try it out and make it your own—you’ll love how easy it is to get restaurant-worthy wings right from your slow cooker!

Print