Crockpot Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe

Introduction

These Crockpot Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings are tender, juicy, and packed with bright citrus flavor. Slow-cooked to perfection and finished under the broiler for a crispy skin, they make a delicious and easy appetizer or meal.

Ingredients

• 4 pounds chicken wings (fresh or thawed)
• 2 large lemons (juiced)
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Lemon pepper seasoning (to add when basting)
• Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the wings straight into your slow cooker.
2. Step 2: Pour over the lemon juice and zest, then add the butter, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
3. Step 3: Pop the lid on and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the wings are fall-apart tender and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
4. Step 4: Once the wings are ready, preheat your broiler. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking oil or brush with butter to prevent sticking.
5. Step 5: Transfer the wings to the sheet and brush them with the lemony, buttery sauce left in the slow cooker. Sprinkle lemon pepper seasoning generously on both sides.
6. Step 6: Broil for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is golden and crispy around the edges.
7. Step 7: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and lemon slices. Serve with your favorite dip such as ranch or lemon aioli.

Tips & Variations

• For extra zest, add more lemon zest to the butter sauce before cooking.
• Use smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor; sweet paprika works well too if preferred.
• To make these wings spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the slow cooker.
• Serve with celery sticks and carrot sticks for a classic wing pairing.

Storage

Store leftover chicken wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or air fryer to help maintain crispy skin. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these wings ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the wings and sauce ingredients ahead and store them in the fridge. Cook them in the slow cooker when ready, then finish under the broiler before serving.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can bake the wings in a covered dish at 325°F for 1.5 to 2 hours until tender, then broil as instructed to crisp up the skin.

Crockpot Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 140 reviews

This Crockpot Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings recipe delivers tender, flavorful wings slow-cooked with fresh lemon juice, zest, and butter, finished under the broiler for a beautifully crispy, golden skin. Perfectly seasoned with lemon pepper and smoked paprika, these wings make a zesty, crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Wings

• 4 pounds chicken wings (fresh or thawed)

Seasonings and Sauce

• 2 large lemons (juiced)
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Lemon pepper seasoning (to add when basting)
• Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Wings: Place the chicken wings directly into your slow cooker without overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
2. Add Flavorings: Pour over the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest. Add the butter, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika, which adds a subtle warmth to the wings.
3. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours until the wings are tender and thoroughly cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
4. Prepare for Broiling: When the wings are done, preheat your oven broiler. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it with cooking oil or brush with butter to prevent sticking.
5. Baste and Season: Transfer the cooked wings to the baking sheet. Brush them with the lemony, buttery sauce left in the slow cooker. Sprinkle lemon pepper seasoning generously on both sides of each wing.
6. Broil Wings: Place the wings under the broiler for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin turns golden and crisp around the edges.
7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and lemon slices. Serve hot with your favorite dip such as ranch or lemon aioli for a perfect pairing.

Notes

• Ensure wings are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F before broiling.
• If you prefer less crispiness, you can skip the broiling step and serve straight from the slow cooker.
• Use fresh lemons for best flavor; bottled lemon juice may alter the taste.
• Butter can be substituted with olive oil for a dairy-free option, but it may slightly change the flavor profile.
• Adjust lemon pepper seasoning according to your taste preference when broiling.

Keywords: lemon pepper chicken wings, crockpot wings, slow cooker chicken wings, easy chicken wing recipe, lemon wings, party appetizers