Yes, it is absolutely okay to cook chicken winglets in a crock pot or slow cooker. Slow cooking chicken winglets can result in tender, flavorful, and juicy wings.
To do this, you can follow these general steps:
Prepare the chicken winglets: Rinse the chicken winglets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. You can also season them with your preferred spices or marinade for added flavor.
Preheat the slow cooker: Turn on your crock pot and set it to the desired cooking temperature. Most slow cookers have low, high, and sometimes medium settings.
Add the chicken to the slow cooker: Place the seasoned chicken winglets in the slow cooker. You can layer them, but try not to stack them too high to ensure even cooking.
Cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and let the chicken winglets cook for the appropriate amount of time. Cooking times can vary depending on the size of the winglets and your crock pot's settings. Typically, it can take 2-3 hours on high or 4-6 hours on low.
Check for doneness: The chicken winglets are done when they reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked.
Optional step - Crisping the wings: While slow-cooked chicken winglets will be tender, they might not have a crispy skin. If you prefer crispy wings, you can transfer them to a baking sheet and broil them in the oven for a few minutes until the skin crisps up.
Remember to follow food safety guidelines, and avoid overcooking the chicken, as it can result in dry and less flavorful meat. With proper seasoning and cooking times, slow-cooked chicken winglets can turn out to be delicious and a hit at gatherings or as a simple meal.