Get ready for the easiest, most flavorful crockpot chicken wings you’ve ever made! This recipe delivers tender, fall-off-the-bone wings with minimal effort and maximum taste. We leverage the slow cooker for incredible juiciness, then finish them under the broiler for that irresistible crispy skin everyone craves. Say goodbye to messy frying and hello to stress-free, delicious wings perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love These Crockpot Chicken Wings
- Effortless Preparation: Simply combine ingredients, and let your slow cooker do all the hard work.
- Super Tender & Juicy: Understanding the science behind slow cooking reveals how it contributes to perfectly moist and tender chicken every time. The science of slow cooking meat explains how it breaks down tough fibers.
- Crispy Skin Finish: A quick broil after slow cooking gives you that desirable golden-brown, crispy exterior without deep frying.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Ideal for game nights, casual gatherings, easy dinners, or party appetizers.
- Customizable Flavors: Easily adapt the sauce to your family’s taste preferences, from mild to extra spicy.
Ingredients
Gather your simple ingredients to create these fantastic slow-cooked chicken wings. We are making a classic Buffalo flavor profile, but you can easily adapt it!
- 4 pounds chicken wings (fresh or frozen)
- 1 ½ cups Buffalo sauce (plus additional for finishing)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ onion (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- For serving: carrots, celery, ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)
Notes & Substitutions
You can use either fresh or frozen chicken wings for this recipe; just adjust the cooking time as noted in the instructions. Different Buffalo sauce brands offer varying spice levels, so pick your favorite or even make your own. For sweeteners, honey or maple syrup can replace brown sugar. If you are short on time, use garlic powder and onion powder (about 1 teaspoon each) instead of fresh. Feel free to use a mix of wingettes and drumettes, or all of one type, based on your preference.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for these delicious crockpot chicken wings.
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Baking sheet with foil
- Pastry brush
- Meat thermometer
Instructions
Making perfect crockpot chicken wings is incredibly simple with these step-by-step instructions. You’ll achieve tender, flavorful wings every time.
- First, prepare your delicious Buffalo wing sauce mixture. In a medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups Buffalo sauce, brown sugar, diced onion, and minced garlic. Stir everything together until it is well combined.
- Next, place your chicken wings directly into the 6-quart slow cooker. Ensure they are distributed evenly.
- Pour the prepared Buffalo sauce mixture over the wings. Use tongs or a spoon to gently stir and coat all the wings thoroughly with the flavorful sauce.
- Cook the wings based on whether they are fresh or frozen. For frozen wings, cook on HIGH for 2 ½ – 3 hours. For fresh wings, cook on LOW for 3 hours.
- To ensure proper cooking and safety, the USDA recommends that all poultry, including chicken wings, reach a specific internal temperature. Always check for doneness using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken wings should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the tender wings from the slow cooker and arrange them in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet. Discard any excess liquid remaining in the slow cooker.
- Preheat your oven broiler to high. Brush the cooked wings with additional Buffalo sauce to enhance their flavor and help with crisping.
- Broil the wings until they are lightly browned and crisp, typically about 5 minutes per side. Watch them closely to prevent burning.
- Flip the wings over and broil the other side for another 5 minutes, or until similarly crisp.
- Serve your perfectly cooked slow-cooked chicken wings immediately with crisp celery, carrot sticks, extra Buffalo sauce, and ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- For Crispy Skin: Do not skip the broiler step! This is essential for achieving that desirable crispy texture after slow cooking.
- Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the wing to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Frozen Wings: You can place frozen wings directly into the slow cooker; no need to thaw them beforehand.
- Overcrowding: Avoid overloading your slow cooker. For best results, ensure the wings fit comfortably, ideally in a single layer, allowing heat to circulate evenly.
- Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce for tossing, carefully transfer the leftover sauce from the slow cooker to a saucepan. Simmer on the stovetop over medium heat until it reduces and thickens to your desired consistency.
- Spice Level: Adjust the quantity of Buffalo sauce to suit your taste. Use less for a milder flavor or more for extra heat.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
These versatile crockpot chicken wings are perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these delicious wings with classic celery and carrot sticks for a refreshing crunch. Offer creamy ranch or tangy blue cheese dressing for dipping, as they perfectly complement the Buffalo flavor. Serve them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or as the star of your main course alongside a simple side salad or rice.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover slow-cooked chicken wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat and maintain crispness, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven or an air fryer until heated through. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can make the skin soggy and diminish the texture.
Flavor Variations
Get creative with your crockpot chicken wings by trying different sauces:
- BBQ Wings: Substitute Buffalo sauce with your favorite smoky or sweet BBQ sauce.
- Teriyaki Wings: Use a blend of soy sauce, grated ginger, honey, and a splash of rice vinegar.
- Honey Garlic: Mix honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of apple cider vinegar.
- Lemon Pepper: Simply season your cooked wings generously with lemon pepper seasoning before broiling.
- Spicy Garlic Parmesan: Add grated Parmesan cheese and extra minced garlic to the Buffalo sauce, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of these tasty crockpot chicken wings.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Total Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 100mg |
| Sodium | 850mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Protein | 22g |
Please note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.
FAQ
- Can I use fresh or frozen wings for this recipe? Yes, both fresh and frozen chicken wings work wonderfully. Just adjust the cooking time as specified in the instructions for optimal results.
- How long do I cook chicken wings in a Crock Pot? For fresh wings, cook on low for 3 hours. If using frozen wings, cook on high for 2.5-3 hours until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Do I need to broil the wings after slow cooking? While not strictly necessary for doneness, we highly recommend broiling the crockpot chicken wings for a few minutes. This step creates that desired crispy skin.
- Can I make these ahead of time for a party? Absolutely! You can slow cook the wings entirely ahead of time. Then, just before serving, pop them under the broiler to crisp up and warm through for perfect party wings.
- What size slow cooker is best for this amount of wings? A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for preparing 4 pounds of chicken wings, allowing them to cook evenly without overcrowding.
Conclusion
You’ve just discovered the ultimate recipe for easy, tender, and crispy crockpot chicken wings! This method takes the stress out of cooking, delivering mouthwatering results that are perfect for any gathering or a simple family dinner. Enjoy fall-off-the-bone tenderness combined with that irresistible broiler-crisped skin. Go ahead, give this simple recipe a try and watch these wings become your new go-to. Get ready to enjoy your perfect wings with minimal effort!