Description

These BBQ Paleo Chicken Wings are tender, flavorful, and slow-cooked to perfection using a slow cooker. Coated in a smoky, spicy paleo-friendly BBQ sauce made from natural ingredients like apple cider vinegar, tomato sauce, and various spices, they offer a delicious grain-free and refined sugar-free option for wing lovers. Finished under the broiler for a crispy golden exterior, these wings are perfect for a healthy snack, game day, or casual dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Wings

20 bone-in chicken wings
1 1/2 tablespoons BBQ dry rub seasoning
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

BBQ Dry Rub Seasoning

2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon sea salt
1 tablespoon coconut sugar (optional)
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon chipotle powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

BBQ Sauce

3/4 cup apple cider vinegar (unfiltered and unsweetened)
1 1/3 cups tomato sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
3 tablespoons honey
1 clove garlic (minced)
3/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Make the rub: In an airtight container, combine all the BBQ dry rub seasoning ingredients including chili powder, black pepper, cumin, sea salt, coconut sugar (if using), onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, chipotle powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Shake well to mix thoroughly.
Make the sauce: In a small saucepan, whisk together apple cider vinegar, tomato sauce, Dijon mustard, pure maple syrup, honey, minced garlic, chili powder, cinnamon, and salt. Simmer this mixture gently for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and thicken slightly.
Season wings: Rub the chicken wings evenly with 1 1/2 tablespoons of the prepared dry rub seasoning and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon sea salt.
Add wings to slow cooker: Place the seasoned wings into a 4-quart slow cooker. Pour 1/2 cup of the prepared BBQ sauce over the wings to coat.
Cook wings: Cover the slow cooker and cook the wings on low heat for 3 to 4 hours, until the wings are tender and cooked through.
Broil wings: Preheat your oven broiler. Transfer the cooked wings onto a rimmed baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Broil on high for about 10 minutes until golden brown and starting to crisp up, turning the wings halfway if needed for even browning.
Toss wings: Warm the remaining BBQ sauce if it has cooled down. Toss the broiled wings with 1 cup of the warm sauce to coat thoroughly. Serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

Using a slow cooker helps keep the wings tender while infusing them with rich BBQ flavors without added fat.
Broiling at the end crisps the skin, giving the wings a perfect texture contrast.
Coconut sugar is optional in the dry rub for those who want a slightly sweeter rub but can be omitted for stricter paleo adherence.
Make sure to use unfiltered, unsweetened apple cider vinegar for an authentic tang and health benefits.
Adjust cayenne pepper quantity for preferred spice level.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: BBQ chicken wings, paleo chicken wings, slow cooker wings, healthy chicken wings, gluten-free wings, grain-free BBQ sauce, tender chicken wings, smoky BBQ sauce