Finger-Licking Slow Cooker Chicken Wings Recipe for Game Day

Crispy slow cooker chicken wings bring a mouthwatering twist to your weeknight dinner lineup.

Forget complicated cooking methods that drain your energy.

Succulent meat practically falls off the bone with minimal effort.

Seasoning options range from tangy barbecue to zesty asian-inspired marinades.

Kitchen novices and pro chefs alike can nail this simple technique.

Salt, pepper, and your favorite spices create magic in the slow cooker.

You’ll be the hero of any casual gathering with these irresistible wings that everyone will devour.

Why Slow Cooker Chicken Wings Are Juicy and Flavorful

• Effortlessly create mouthwatering chicken wings with minimal prep and hands-off cooking in a slow cooker.
• Blend multiple seasonings and sauces for a rich, complex taste that transforms ordinary chicken wings into a gourmet experience.
• Perfect for game day, family gatherings, or casual weekend meals that satisfy everyone from kids to adults.
• Easily adjust spice levels by modifying cayenne pepper and hot sauce to match individual preferences and heat tolerance.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Wings

• Chicken Wings: Protein-packed base for the recipe's star dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic flavor enhancers for the wings.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Aromatic seasonings that add depth.
• Smoked Paprika, Cayenne Pepper: Spices that bring warmth and complexity.

• Buffalo Sauce, Hot Sauce: Provides signature spicy kick.
• Honey: Adds sweetness to balance the heat.
• Soy Sauce: Brings umami and depth to the sauce.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes rich, savory undertones.

• Minced Garlic: Intensifies the overall flavor profile.
• Fresh Parsley, Sesame Seeds: Optional garnish for visual appeal.

• Ranch Dressing, Blue Cheese Dressing: Cool, creamy dipping options.

How to Prepare Tender Slow Cooker Chicken Wings

Step 1: Massage Wing Seasonings

Gently rub chicken wings with a powerful blend of spices.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper

Use your hands to ensure every wing gets coated with the tantalizing spice mixture.

Step 2: Arrange Wings in Slow Cooker

Carefully place wings in a single layer inside the slow cooker.

No need to stack or overcrowd.

Select your cooking tempo – low setting for 3-4 hours or high setting for 2 hours.

Step 3: Whip Up Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Buffalo sauce
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Apple cider vinegar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Hot sauce
• Minced garlic

Blend ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Drench Wings in Sauce

During the final cooking hour, generously pour sauce over wings.

Use a gentle stirring motion to ensure every wing gets completely coated.

Step 5: Crisp Up the Wings

Optional but recommended crispy finish:

Preheat oven broiler to high.

Transfer wings to a wire rack-lined baking sheet.

Brush with extra sauce.

Broil for 3-5 minutes, flipping midway to ensure even browning.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Sprinkle fresh parsley or sesame seeds on top.

Serve alongside ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Prepare for a flavor adventure!

Tips for Bold and Juicy Chicken Wings

• Pat chicken wings completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy exterior and lock in juicy flavors.
• Layer wings carefully without overcrowding to guarantee even cooking and prevent soggy texture.
• Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to blend flavors and create a smooth, consistent coating for maximum taste absorption.
• Broiling at the end transforms slow-cooked wings from soft to delightfully crispy, giving restaurant-quality results at home.
• Let wings marinate in seasonings for 30 minutes before cooking to intensify the depth of spices and enhance overall taste profile.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Chicken Wings

• Store leftover wings in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap wings individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for 2-3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Preheat to 350°F. Spread wings on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Place wings on a microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Chicken Wings

• Brew Bold Beer Pairing: Complement the spicy, tangy wings with a hoppy IPA or crisp amber ale that cuts through the richness and matches the buffalo sauce's intensity.
• Chill with Cool Dips: Serve ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side to balance the heat, providing a creamy counterpoint that soothes the palate and enhances wing enjoyment.
• Create Veggie Sidekick: Add fresh celery and carrot sticks to provide a crunchy, refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate between spicy wing bites and adds nutritional balance.
• Match with Zesty Cocktail: Mix a classic margarita or spicy bloody mary to echo the wings' bold flavors, with citrus and heat that harmonize perfectly with the dish's complex profile.

Variations on Slow Cooker Chicken Wings Recipes

• Keto-Friendly Wings: Replace honey with sugar-free sweetener and use low-carb hot sauce to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining bold flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap soy sauce for tamari sauce and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Oven-Baked Alternative: Skip slow cooker method and arrange wings on parchment-lined baking sheet, cooking at 425°F for 45-50 minutes while periodically brushing with sauce.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Incorporate fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage into initial wing seasoning for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired version with subtle herbal undertones.

FAQs

• Why pat the chicken wings dry before seasoning?

Patting wings dry helps seasonings stick better and promotes crispier skin by removing excess moisture, ensuring more even flavor and texture.

• Can I use frozen chicken wings?

No, always use thawed wings to ensure safe and even cooking. Frozen wings can create uneven cooking temperatures and potential food safety risks in the slow cooker.

• How do I know the wings are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the wing. This guarantees the chicken is safe to eat and fully cooked.

• Is it necessary to broil the wings after slow cooking?

Broiling is optional but recommended for achieving a crispy exterior. If you prefer a softer texture, you can skip this step and serve directly from the slow cooker.

Slow Cooker Chicken Wings Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delectable slow cooker chicken wings promise a mouthwatering journey through savory goodness. Crispy, succulent wings emerge effortlessly, inviting you to savor each irresistible bite of this crowd-pleasing culinary delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) chicken wings (drums and flats)

Spices:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly cleanse chicken wings using paper towels, ensuring complete dryness. Season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, massaging spices into the meat.
2. Position wings in a single, uncrowded layer within the slow cooker. Program the appliance to low temperature for 3-4 hours or high temperature for 2 hours, allowing gradual tenderization.
3. Craft a robust sauce by combining buffalo sauce, soy sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and minced garlic in a mixing bowl. Whisk ingredients until harmoniously blended.
4. During the final cooking hour, delicately cascade prepared sauce over wings. Gently maneuver wings to ensure complete and even coating.
5. For enhanced texture, activate oven broiler to high temperature. Carefully transfer wings onto a wire rack-lined baking sheet. Generously brush additional sauce and broil for 3-5 minutes, rotating midway to achieve crispy exterior.
6. Elevate presentation by sprinkling fresh parsley or sesame seeds across wings. Accompany with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Perfectly pat the chicken wings bone-dry to help seasonings stick and achieve maximum crispiness during cooking.
• Consider using a low-sodium soy sauce if watching salt intake, which provides flavor flexibility without compromising taste.
• For a gluten-free version, swap traditional soy sauce with tamari and ensure all other sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours (low) or 2 hours (high)
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg