Slow Cooker Chicken Wings
Feb 06, 2025
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
My recipe for slow cooker chicken wings is the ultimate game-day snack or easy dinner. They are full of flavor and so simple to make with the help of a slow cooker. This chicken wing recipe is sure to become a go-to when you are craving a crowd-pleasing, finger-licking dish.
In my opinion, no game day spread is complete without a big batch of chicken wings. There is something about cheering on your team and digging into saucy, finger-licking wings. They are easy to eat, full of flavor, and always a crowd favorite.
For years, I typically would make chicken wings in the oven but once I discovered how easy it was to make slow cooker chicken wings, I was hooked. The crockpot does all the work, letting the chicken become nice and tender. I just toss the wings under the broiler at the end to crisp up the skin.
I love how you can place all of the ingredients in the crockpot and then set it and forget it. That gives me time to make other tasty appetizers like bacon wrapped water chestnuts or our popular crack dip.
These wings aren’t just for game days. My kids love these wings so much I will even make them for an easy dinner. I serve them with some dipping sauce and a side of veggies for a meal that everyone loves.
Table of Contents
Why you should make this recipe for chicken wings in a slow cooker
- Easy cooking. Just add everything in the slow cooker for simple cooking.
- Super tender. Cooking wings this way makes the chicken fall of the bone tender.
- Great for a crowd. You can cook a big batch of wings perfect to feed a group.
- Can make them crispy. Finish cooking these under the broiler for a crispy skin.
Ingredients
You won’t believe how easy this recipe is to prepare.
- Chicken wings – I typically use fresh chicken wings but you can use frozen chicken wings.
- Buffalo sauce – Use your favorite bottled buffalo sauce or you can make your own homemade buffalo sauce.
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
How to make slow cooker chicken wings
Step one: Combine the garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper in a bowl.
Step two: Pat dry the chicken wings with a paper towel. Place them in a large bowl with the seasoning mixture. Toss to fully coat.
Step three: Place the wings in a slow cooker. Pour 1 cup of buffalo sauce on the wings.
Step four: Toss the wings to coat with the sauce. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 4 hours.
Step five: Place the chicken wings on a foil lined baking sheet that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
Step six: Brush remaining buffalo sauce on the chicken wings. Broil for 5 minutes. Carefully flip the wings and coat with more sauce. Broil another 4-5 minutes.
Variations
You can use this method for cooking slow cooker chicken wings and adjust the sauce or seasonings to your taste. Here are a few suggestions:
- Sauce – Substitute buffalo sauce with BBQ sauce, honey BBQ sauce, and more.
- Seasoning – Try using a cajun seasoning, lemon pepper seasoning, or a brown sugar rub.
Heather’s recipe tips
- Pat the wings dry. Don’t skip this step. It helps to remove any extra moisture so that the wings can absorb the seasonings better.
- Check the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal chicken wings reaches 165 degrees F. Be sure to stick the thermometer in the meat and not by the bone.
- Broil for crispy skin. If you like a crispy skin, make sure to broil the chicken wings after they cook in the slow cooker.
How to store
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for crispy skin.
What to serve with chicken wings
Wondering what to serve with chicken wings? I have a whole list of delicious sides like macaroni and cheese, slaw, fries, and more.
I also love serving dipping sauce for chicken wings. A few of my favorites include Wingstop ranch recipe and blue cheese dipping sauce.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can cook frozen chicken wings in a slow cooker. You will need to cook them a little longer if cooking straight from frozen.
Yes, you can substitute with BBQ sauce.
Yes, after they cook in the slow cooker, you can crispy them in the air fryer at 400 for about 5 minutes.
You can keep the wings in the slow cooker on warm setting for a party. They should be good for 2-3 hours.
I have made a post on how to reheat chicken wings for the best results.
More game day food
Let me know if you tried this Slow Cooker Chicken Wings recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a star rating and a comment below.
Slow Cooker Chicken Wings
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker
Ingredients
- 2-3 pounds chicken wings
- 1 ¼ cup buffalo sauce
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Pat dry the chicken wings with a paper towel. Place them in a large bowl.
- Stir together the garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Sprinkle over the chicken wings. Toss to coat.
- Spray the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Place the chicken wings in the slow cooker.
- Pour 1 cup of buffalo sauce over the wings. Toss to coat.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 3-4 hours. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
- Preheat the oven broiler. Line a baking sheet with foil. Spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place the chicken wings on the baking sheet in a single layer. Brush the remaining buffalo sauce on the wings. Broil for 4-5 minutes.
- Carefully flip the wings and broil another 4-5 minutes.
Notes
- Pat the wings dry. Don’t skip this step. It helps to remove any extra moisture so that the wings can absorb the seasonings better.
- Check the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal chicken wings reaches 165 degrees F. Be sure to stick the thermometer in the meat and not by the bone.
- Broil for crispy skin. If you like a crispy skin, make sure to broil the chicken wings after they cook in the slow cooker.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
