There is something mighty comforting about a supper that asks so little of you and still comes out tasting like you fussed all afternoon. This 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Poor Man's Starry Night Supper leans on a bag of frozen whole chicken wings, a bottle of barbecue sauce, and a spoonful of grape jelly for that old-fashioned sweet-smoky flavor so many Midwestern home cooks have loved for generations. It is the sort of thrifty crock pot meal that feels right at home on a busy weeknight, a church potluck table, or any evening when you need supper to take care of itself.
Serve these tender wings with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, rice, or a scoop of creamy coleslaw to catch all that sticky sauce. For a true supper spread, add green beans, corn, or a pan of simple biscuits, and if you are setting these out for game day or a casual gathering, a plate of carrot sticks, celery, and ranch on the side fits just right.
3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Poor Man's Starry Night Supper
Servings: 4 to 6
Ingredients
3 pounds frozen whole chicken wings
1 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 cup grape jelly
Directions
1. Place the frozen whole chicken wings in the slow cooker, spreading them out as evenly as you can.
2. In a small bowl, stir together the barbecue sauce and grape jelly until mostly smooth, then pour the mixture over the wings.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and very tender.
4. Gently stir the wings in the sauce, then serve hot with plenty of sauce spooned over the top.
Variations & Tips
Use your favorite sauce: If your family likes a little smoke, spice, or extra sweetness, swap in a honey barbecue, hickory, or spicy barbecue sauce. This little change gives the same easy method a fresh personality every time.
Finish under the broiler: If you want a little more color and a stickier finish, transfer the cooked wings to a sheet pan and broil them for 2 to 3 minutes after slow cooking. Keep a close eye on them so the sauce does not burn.
Keep food safety in mind: Since slow cookers can vary, make sure the wings reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F at the thickest part before serving. If your cooker runs cool, give them a bit more time and avoid overfilling the pot.
Make it a party dish: These wings hold well on the warm setting for casual suppers and gatherings. Set out plenty of napkins and let folks help themselves, because this is one of those sticky, cheerful dishes that disappears in a hurry.