Slow-Cooker Spicy Chicken Wing & Winter Veg Stew

There’s something wonderfully comforting about tossing a bunch of winter vegetables and a pile of spicy chicken wings into the slow cooker and letting the house fill with that warm, savoury smell all afternoon. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a small act of self-care — the weather might be frosty outside, but inside you’ve got a gently bubbling pot promising a hearty, feel-good dinner. This recipe is one of those “use what you’ve got” miracles: earthy mushrooms, cheerful red peppers, sweet carrots, a slightly rebellious kohlrabi, and those wings that somehow always taste better when they’ve had all day to get cosy. By the time you lift the lid, everything will have softened, mingled and turned into a bowlful of pure winter happiness. So pull on your slippers, let the slow cooker do the work, and look forward to the kind of meal that warms you right down to your socks.

  • 1–1.2 kg chicken wings
  • 1 onion, sliced (optional if you have it)
  • 250 g mushrooms, halved
  • 2 potatoes, diced
  • 1 red pepper, chopped
  • 1 kohlrabi, peeled & cubed
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1–2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Aleppo pepper or chilli flakes (more if you like heat)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp turmeric (optional but warming)
  • Salt & pepper
  • 400 ml chicken stock (or water + stock cube)
  • 1–2 tbsp soy sauce or Worcestershire (depth)
  • 1 tbsp honey (balances the heat)
  • A squeeze of lemon to finish
  • Heat a pan, add a splash of oil.
  • Brown the chicken wings until golden.
    This adds flavour, but you can skip it if in a rush.

Add into the slow cooker:

  • Browned wings
  • Mushrooms, potatoes, kohlrabi, carrots, peppers
  • Garlic, spices, salt & pepper
  • Tomato paste
  • Soy/Worcestershire, honey
  • Pour over the stock

Give it a gentle mix.

  • LOW for 6–7 hours
    or
  • HIGH for 3–4 hours

The wings will become tender and the veg beautifully soft.

  • Taste and adjust seasoning.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
  • If you want it thicker, mash a few potato cubes into the sauce.
  • With crusty bread
  • Or spoon over rice
  • Or simply in a bowl as a hearty stew
  • A dollop of yoghurt or crème fraîche is very good

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