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These Crockpot Chicken Wings are wonderfully tender and flavored deeply by slow cooking, making them the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer or game day snack. You get all the deliciousness of classic wings with minimal hands-on time thanks to the slow cooker. For a touch of crispiness, finishing them off under the broiler adds that irresistible texture everyone loves.
I first tried making these wings during a busy weekend gathering and the ease combined with how much everyone loved them instantly made this a go to recipe in my rotation.
Ingredients
- Three pounds chicken wings: fresh wings deliver the best texture but frozen work fine especially if thawed a bit
- One cup Buffalo sauce: a classic spicy wing sauce but you can easily swap for any barbecue or sweet sauce you prefer for more variety
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Not needed for this recipe so you can skip right to prepping the wings
- Prepare the Chicken Wings:
- Add the wings to the base of your slow cooker. Toss them with half of the Buffalo sauce until well coated. This ensures the wings absorb the flavor during cooking.
- Slow Cook the Wings:
- Cover your slow cooker and set it to high. Cook fresh wings for about two to three hours or frozen wings for three to four hours. You want the wings to be fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. They will look white and the skin will be soft at this stage.
- Broil for Crispiness:
- Remove the wings from the slow cooker and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet or simply a lined baking sheet. Brush the wings with the remaining Buffalo sauce. Put them under a hot broiler for five to ten minutes. Keep an eye on them and flip halfway to get crispiness on both sides. This step is optional but highly recommended for that traditional wing texture.
- Serve Right Away:
- After broiling, you can toss the wings with more sauce if you like and serve immediately. They are best enjoyed hot and crispy with your favorite dips and sides.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. I remember a family Super Bowl party where we made half the wings with classic Buffalo sauce and the other half with a sweet CocaCola BBQ sauce. Both disappeared so fast! The broiling step is absolutely worth it if you want that perfect wing experience every time.
Storage Tips
Store cooked wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To retain crispiness on reheating, place wings on a baking sheet and warm them in a hot oven or under the broiler briefly. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the skin from becoming soggy.
Ingredient Substitutions
If Buffalo sauce is not your favorite you can substitute any barbecue sauce, honey mustard, teriyaki, or even a spicy garlic sauce. Using a pre-made wing sauce cuts down on prep time but making a simple homemade Buffalo sauce is easy with hot sauce and melted butter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these wings alongside crunchy celery sticks and carrot sticks with a side of Ranch or Blue Cheese dressing. For a party, add a platter of pickles or a fresh coleslaw to balance the rich flavors. These wings also pair well with simple potato wedges or corn on the cob.
These Crockpot Chicken Wings are an easy crowd pleaser and well worth the brief broil for extra crispiness. Serve them hot with your favorite dips.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, frozen wings work well but may release more liquid. Cooking time may extend slightly and broiling becomes helpful to crisp the skin.
- → Is broiling necessary after slow cooking?
Broiling adds a crispy texture to the skin and enhances flavor, but it is optional if you prefer softer wings.
- → What sauces work best with these wings?
Buffalo, barbecue, or sweet Coca-Cola sauces complement the wings nicely. You can customize based on your taste preferences.
- → How do I know when wings are done?
Check the internal temperature; wings are safely cooked at 165ºF. The meat should be opaque and tender.
- → Can I keep wings warm after cooking?
Yes, you can place cooked wings back in the crockpot on warm setting to serve later, but discard any excess cooking liquid first.
- → What sides pair well with these wings?
Carrot and celery sticks with ranch or creamy garlic dressings are popular accompaniments for these wings.