Crockpot Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Prepare the Wings: Place the chicken wings directly into your slow cooker without overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
