Sweet & Sticky Grape Jelly BBQ Wings

thrivetogetheradhd
Feb 18
2 min read

(Slow Cooker + Broiled for Caramelized Perfection)

These wings are sweet, sticky, and dangerously easy. The slow cooker makes them fall-apart tender — and the broiler gives them that caramelized, slightly crispy finish that makes them actually irresistible.

Do not skip the broil. That’s where the magic happens.

Ingredients

2.5 lb frozen bone-in, skin-on party wings
1 cup grape jelly
1 cup sweet BBQ sauce (use your favorite — the sweeter the better)
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Pinch red pepper flakes or hot sauce (optional, for a little kick)

Instructions

1️⃣ Slow Cook

Add the frozen wings directly to your slow cooker.

In a bowl, whisk together the grape jelly, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional heat.

Pour the sauce over the wings and stir to coat.

Cover and cook:

Low: 6–7 hours
High: 3–4 hours

The wings will release a lot of liquid as they cook — this is normal.

2️⃣ Discard the Liquid

When the wings are fully cooked and tender, carefully remove them from the slow cooker with tongs.

Discard the remaining sauce/liquid in the slow cooker. It will be thin and watery from the chicken juices and is not ideal for serving.

3️⃣ Broil (This Is Not Optional 😌)

Preheat your oven to broil.

Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly spray it.

Arrange wings in a single layer.

Brush lightly with additional BBQ sauce if you want extra stickiness.

Broil for 4–6 minutes, flip, then broil another 3–5 minutes until the skin caramelizes and edges begin to darken slightly.

Watch closely so they don’t burn.

Why This Step Matters

The broiler:

Thickens and caramelizes the sauce
Tightens the skin
Creates those sticky, slightly crispy edges
Takes them from “slow cooker wings” to “why are these so good??”

Optional Garnish

Sprinkle with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for a little contrast and color.