Let the slow cooker work its magic on these easy BBQ Paleo chicken wings! A crave-worthy appetizer that’s perfect for game day or any gathering!

Chicken wings have long been a beloved staple of American finger food, often devoured during football games, sports gatherings and weekend parties. At my house, no Super Bowl Sunday was complete without a heaping platter of wings. My mother would whip up batch after batch, each one disappearing faster than the last. The moment she set down those saucy, spicy delights, we descended like a pack of ravenous wolves. Personally, I couldn’t care less about which team won or lost—the game was just the background to what really mattered: the food, or more specifically, the wings.
Now, I’ll admit, my mom’s chicken wings were often made with store-bought sauce—delicious, but not exactly the healthiest option. That’s why I set out to create a recipe that delivers all the flavor we love, but without any questionable ingredients. Enter my tender, juicy chicken wings made with a flavorful dry rub and a finger-licking BBQ sauce crafted from real food. No artificial stuff here! Just that classic sticky-sweet goodness that keeps everyone coming back for more.
What really takes these wings to the next level is the slow cooker. It ensures every bite is melt-in-your-mouth tender and bursting with flavor, without the hassle of standing over the stove. It’s as easy as can be—just set it and forget it. These wings are perfect for busy days or when you want to spend more time enjoying the party and less time in the kitchen. Trust me, these wings will be the highlight of your game-day spread!

Are BBQ Paleo Chicken Wings In the slow Cooker Healthy?
Generally, these BBQ Paleo chicken wings can be considered a healthier version of traditional wings. Instead of using store-bought sauces that may be loaded with additives and sugars, this recipe calls for natural, Paleo-approved ingredients, making it a more wholesome option. That said, they’re still a snack food that’s relatively high in saturated fat and should be enjoyed in moderation. Feel free to reduce the amount of salt if you’re watching your sodium intake.

The slow Cooker is a Game-Changer
Why use a slow cooker for chicken wings, you ask? The answer is simple: unbeatable texture and unparalleled convenience. Slow cooking ensures the wings stay tender and moist, with meat so succulent it practically falls off the bone. Unlike oven-baked wings, which can dry out if you’re not vigilant, the slow cooker uses a gentle, low-heat environment that locks in moisture and allows the BBQ flavors to penetrate every bite. The result? Wings that are irresistibly flavorful, with the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Another reason I love the slow cooker is for the freedom it gives me. Once I’ve prepped my wings, the hard work is over. I toss them into the slow cooker, set the timer, and let it work its magic while I go about my day. Oh, and for that perfect balance of tender meat and crispy skin, finish the wings under the broiler for ten minutes or so after they’re done cooking. The slow cooker locks in the juiciness, and the broiler gives them that crave-worthy, golden-brown finish!

How to make ahead and store
You can make the rub and the sauce ahead of time, storing the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week and the rub in a jar for up to 2 months. If you have any leftover wings, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they will keep for up to 3 days. To freeze, let the wings cool completely and then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed.

Serving Suggestions
If you’re serving these wings for game day, I recommend that you also make my Crock-Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip With Cauliflower and Almond-Crusted Chicken Bites. And don’t forget the dips! Sneak in some deliciousness AND some veggies with Greek Yogurt-Spinach Dip and this tangy Pickle Dip. Serve with carrot and celery sticks and these easy Air-Fryer Tortilla Chips. Oh, and don’t forget to serve up the Blended Lemon Raspberry Mojitos (obviously), with refreshing Strawberry Lemonade as a non-alcoholic drink option.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 20 bone-in chicken wings
- 1 1/2 tablespoons BBQ dry rub seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 1/2 -2 cups BBQ sauce
For the rub:
- 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
For the 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:
- Mix all rub ingredients in an airtight container. Shake well.
Make the sauce:
- Whisk all ingredients together in a small saucepan and simmer for 30 minutes.
For the wings:
- Rub the chicken with the 1 1/2 tablespoons of rub and salt.
- 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.
- Preheat the oven broiler. Transfer the wings to a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil. Broil for about 10 minutes on high, until the wings begin to turn golden brown in spots.
- Warm the remaining BBQ sauce if it's cold. Toss 1 cup of sauce with the wings. Add the rest of the sauce on the side.
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