If you’re on the hunt for a uniquely sweet and spicy chicken wing experience that will have everyone begging for more, look no further than this irresistible Dr Pepper Wings Recipe. The magic of Dr Pepper combined with brown sugar and BBQ sauce creates a sticky, flavorful glaze that perfectly complements tender, slow-cooked wings. This recipe is an absolute game-changer for wing nights, casual gatherings, or anytime you want to impress with minimal fuss yet maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are surprisingly simple but each one plays a crucial role in building the unforgettable flavor profile of the Dr Pepper Wings Recipe. From the sweetness of brown sugar to the spicy kick of red pepper flakes, every item contributes to making these wings a true crowd-pleaser.
- Brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramelized sweetness that balances the spicy heat perfectly.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Provides savory depth and a subtle aromatic punch.
- BBQ sauce: Brings tangy, smoky richness that coats the wings beautifully.
- Dr Pepper: The star ingredient that infuses wings with a unique blend of fruity and spicy notes.
- Red pepper flakes: Adds warmth and a touch of heat to brighten the flavor.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce for a glossy, clingy finish on the wings.
- Frozen chicken wings: The perfect canvas for soaking up all the luscious sauce.
How to Make Dr Pepper Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Wings
Begin by placing your frozen chicken wings directly into the slow cooker. No need to thaw them first, which makes this recipe super convenient for last-minute wing cravings.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, BBQ sauce, Dr Pepper, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and cornstarch. This mixture is your secret weapon, blending sweetness, spice, and thickness to create that iconic Dr Pepper Wings Recipe glaze.
Step 3: Save Some Sauce
Set aside about ¼ cup of the sauce mixture. You’ll use this reserved sauce later to give the wings an extra shiny and flavorful finish when broiling.
Step 4: Coat the Wings
Pour the rest of the sauce over the wings in the slow cooker, making sure they’re thoroughly covered. This step ensures every wing is infused with those bold flavors during cooking.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cook the wings on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This low-and-slow approach guarantees tender, fall-off-the-bone goodness packed with flavor.
Step 6: Broil for a Glazy Finish
For that classic sticky wing texture, transfer the cooked wings to a foil-lined baking sheet, brush them generously with the reserved sauce, and broil until beautifully glazy and caramelized. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Step 7: Add a Fresh Touch
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the wings to add a burst of color and a subtle earthy flavor that balances the richness of the sauce.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Now comes the fun part — grab your favorite napkins, plate up these irresistible Dr Pepper Wings, and watch everyone dive in with joy.
How to Serve Dr Pepper Wings Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a simple yet elegant touch that adds both color and a fresh flavor contrast to these bold wings. You could also offer a side of crisp celery sticks to add crunch and coolness.
Side Dishes
These wings pair wonderfully with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, crispy French fries, or a light cucumber salad. Each side brings a different texture and flavor that complements the sticky, sweet, and spicy wings brilliantly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, serve the Dr Pepper Wings on a wooden platter lined with parchment paper. Add small bowls of ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping. You can also skewer the wings with colorful toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Dr Pepper Wings in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick snacks or meals during the week.
Freezing
If you want to save some wings for later, you can freeze cooked wings in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your leftover wings back to life, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. For that extra sticky finish, brush with a bit more reserved sauce before warming.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken wings instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh wings will work perfectly in this recipe and may even cook a little faster. Just keep an eye on the cooking time and adjust as needed to ensure they’re tender and fully cooked.
Is Dr Pepper necessary for the flavor?
Dr Pepper is what gives this recipe its signature complex sweetness with hints of cherry and spice, creating a one-of-a-kind glaze. While you could experiment with other sodas, the classic Dr Pepper Wings Recipe truly shines with that specific soda.
Can I make this recipe spicy for those who love heat?
Definitely! You can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to amp up the spice. Just keep in mind that the sweetness of the sauce will help mellow out intense heat.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can bake the wings in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with the sauce for about 45-60 minutes, turning halfway through. Finish by broiling to get that sticky glaze. Slow cooking just makes the wings super tender with less attention required.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, the Dr Pepper Wings Recipe scales up wonderfully. Just make sure your slow cooker can accommodate the increased volume or cook in batches to maintain even cooking and delicious results.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about these Dr Pepper Wings Recipe that turns any ordinary meal into a celebration. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll create tender, flavorful wings that are sweet, spicy, and downright addictive. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become a go-to favorite for game days, get-togethers, or any time you want to share something delicious with friends and family.
Print
Dr Pepper Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes to 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Dr Pepper Wings are a flavorful and tender slow-cooked chicken wing recipe that combines the sweetness of Dr Pepper and brown sugar with a spicy kick from red pepper flakes. Perfect for any occasion, these wings are cooked low and slow in a slow cooker to achieve juicy, fall-off-the-bone texture, then optionally broiled for a sticky, glazed finish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pounds frozen chicken wings
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup Dr Pepper
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Wings: Place all the frozen chicken wings into your slow cooker in an even layer.
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, minced garlic, BBQ sauce, Dr Pepper, red pepper flakes, and cornstarch. Mix well until smooth.
- Reserve Sauce: Set aside 1/4 cup of the prepared sauce for later use.
- Add Sauce to Wings: Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the wings in the slow cooker, ensuring all wings are coated.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the wings are tender and fully cooked through.
- Optional Broil: For a glossy finish, place the cooked wings on a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush them with the reserved sauce and broil on high for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning, until the wings are sticky and caramelized.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the wings for a pop of color and serve immediately.
Notes
- Using frozen wings eliminates the need to thaw before cooking and they cook well directly in the slow cooker.
- Broiling the wings after slow cooking is optional but adds a desirable caramelized texture.
- The cornstarch helps thicken the sauce during cooking for a nice glaze.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Make sure to monitor the wings under the broiler carefully to prevent burning as sugars caramelize quickly.
