If you’re craving a finger-licking, lip-smacking treat that will have everyone reaching for more, this Dr Pepper Wings Recipe is an absolute winner. Combining the deep caramel notes of Dr Pepper with the rich sweetness of brown sugar and the zing of red pepper flakes, these wings slow-cooked to tender perfection bring a symphony of flavors that explode on your taste buds. Whether you’re preparing for game day, a casual get-together, or simply a cozy night in, this recipe transforms humble chicken wings into something extraordinary and unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all you need to create magic with the Dr Pepper Wings Recipe. Each component plays a starring role from sweetness and spice to that essential saucy gloss that coats every wing beautifully.
- Brown sugar: Adds deep sweetness and helps balance the tang and spice, while caramelizing during cooking.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the sauce with an earthy aromatic kick that wakes up the flavor.
- BBQ sauce: Brings smoky richness and a smooth texture to coat the wings perfectly.
- Dr Pepper: The secret superstar, giving a unique cola sweetness with subtle hints of fruit and spice.
- Red pepper flakes: Provides a gentle heat that lifts the flavor without overpowering the palate.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce so it clings to the chicken wings in all the right ways.
- Frozen chicken wings: Your canvas for creating succulent, tender bites that soak up every drop of sauce.
How to Make Dr Pepper Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Wings
Start by placing your frozen chicken wings right into the slow cooker—no need to thaw first, which makes this recipe incredibly convenient for busy days.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
Combine the brown sugar, minced garlic, BBQ sauce, Dr Pepper, red pepper flakes, and cornstarch in a small bowl. This delicious blend is what will transform your wings into a sticky, flavorful masterpiece.
Step 3: Save Some Sauce
Set aside about ¼ cup of the mixed sauce. This will come in handy later to add a beautiful glaze to the wings once they finish cooking.
Step 4: Coat the Wings
Pour the remaining sauce over the wings in the slow cooker, making sure they’re fully coated. This ensures every bite is packed with that signature Dr Pepper Wings Recipe taste.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. During this time, the wings will become incredibly tender and absorb all the sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors of the sauce.
Step 6: Optional Broil for Glaze
If you love crispy edges and a glossy finish, transfer the wings to a foil-lined baking sheet, brush them generously with the reserved sauce, and broil for a few minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning—just enough to add a gorgeous glaze.
Step 7: Add a Fresh Touch
Sprinkle some fresh parsley over the wings for a pop of color and a hint of freshness that complements the rich sauce beautifully.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Now it’s time to dig in and enjoy the incredible layers of flavor that make this Dr Pepper Wings Recipe a family favorite.
How to Serve Dr Pepper Wings Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or even a sprinkle of sesame seeds add visual appeal and a slight aromatic lift. For a bit of extra zing, a squeeze of fresh lime or a dusting of smoked paprika can enhance the flavor without stealing the spotlight from the wings.
Side Dishes
These saucy wings pair wonderfully with crunchy celery sticks and cool ranch or blue cheese dip to balance the heat. For something heartier, creamy coleslaw or roasted sweet potato fries bring contrasting textures and flavors that round out your meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, set up a wing bar with different dipping sauces alongside the Dr Pepper Wings Recipe. You can also serve these wings on a rustic wooden board surrounded by colorful veggies, or stuff them into sliders for a fun twist that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftover wings and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The wings actually benefit from sitting in the sauce longer, absorbing even more flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep the magic longer, freeze the cooked wings in a sealed container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool completely before freezing to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can brush with extra reserved sauce to revive that fresh-off-the-slow-cooker glaze, then broil for a couple of minutes if you like your wings crispy on the outside again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh wings instead of frozen for this Dr Pepper Wings Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh wings will work just as well and might even cook a bit faster in your slow cooker. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they’re tender and fully cooked.
Is any other soda a good substitute for Dr Pepper?
While Dr Pepper offers a unique flavor, you can experiment with other colas or root beers for a similar sweet and spicy note, though the taste will vary slightly.
How spicy are these wings with red pepper flakes?
Just right for most palates! The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that enhances the flavor without overwhelming it, but you can always adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can bake the wings in a covered dish at 300°F (150°C) for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally and ensuring they remain coated in sauce. Finish under the broiler for that irresistible glaze.
What’s the best way to serve these wings at a party?
Serve them warm on a large platter with plenty of napkins, accompanied by a variety of dips and crunchy veggies. A self-serve wing station where guests can add their own sauces and toppings creates a fun and interactive experience.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way this Dr Pepper Wings Recipe brings together sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in one unforgettable bite. Whether you’re a wing veteran or new to slow cooker recipes, these wings are bound to impress everyone at your table. So go ahead, give them a try and watch how fast they disappear—your new favorite wing recipe is just a few simple steps away!
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 to 6.5 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and tender Dr Pepper Wings slow-cooked to perfection in a sweet and spicy sauce made with brown sugar, BBQ sauce, and Dr Pepper soda. These wings are easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings or casual meals, with an optional broil step to add a glossy, caramelized finish.
Ingredients
For the Wings
- 4 pounds frozen chicken wings
For the Sauce
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Wings: Place all the frozen chicken wings directly into your slow cooker in an even layer.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, minced garlic, BBQ sauce, Dr Pepper, red pepper flakes, and cornstarch. Stir well to integrate the cornstarch without lumps.
- Reserve Some Sauce: Set aside 1/4 cup of the prepared sauce for later use.
- Cook the 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 for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the wings are tender and flavorful.
- Optional Broil: If you prefer a glossy finish, place the cooked wings on a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush them with the reserved sauce and broil in your oven for 2 to 4 minutes until glazed and caramelized. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on the wings for an optional fresh, vibrant touch.
- Serve: Serve the wings hot and enjoy your sweet and spicy Dr Pepper Wings!
Notes
- Using frozen wings makes preparation easier, and slow cooking thoroughly cooks the wings while keeping them tender.
- The optional broil step adds a crispy, caramelized exterior but can be skipped for a softer wing texture.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spice level according to your taste.
- Reserve the broth left in the slow cooker as a flavorful dip or drizzle over the wings.
- Ensure you watch the wings carefully during broiling to avoid burning due to the high sugar content in the sauce.
