Crock Pot Chicken Wings Recipe (2024)

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Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Wings recipe takes all of the work out of traditional chicken wings. The slow cooker makes it effortless and you get the most tender and delicious buffalo chicken wings. Make them for parties, potlucks, game day and more.

Crock Pot Chicken Wings Recipe (1)

Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Wings

We love chicken wings around here and anything with buffalo flavor is always a hit. Our family never gets tired of buffalo chicken. The flavor is incredible and it is just so easy.

Chicken wings are the perfect game day snack or appetizer at parties but it can be hard to keep them warm. Plus, I rarely have time to stand by the stove and fry chicken wings.

What is the solution? Making chicken wings in the crock pot. It is a winning recipe and one I think you will really enjoy. Serve with celery sticks, carrots and ranch dipping sauce for an amazing appetizer.

If you prefer boneless wings, check out Boneless Chicken Wings Recipe.

Crock Pot Chicken Wings Recipe (2)

Can you Cook Chicken Wings in a Crock Pot?

I started wondering if I could cook chicken wings in the crock pot to save time. I discovered that you absolutely can cook chicken wings in the crock pot.

The chicken wings turned out so amazing. They were so tender and literallyfall off the bone.

No more standing by the stove frying chicken wings because you can let the crock pot do all the work. They were so tasty and very tender that I don’t know if I will ever cook them any other way.

Crock Pot Chicken Wings Recipe (3)

Crockpot Wings Ingredients:

  • Chicken Wings
  • Buffalo Wing Sauce – Homemade Buffalo Sauce
  • Brown Sugar
  • Onion Powder
  • Garlic Powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper

How to Make Chicken Wings

  • Step 1 – Place Chicken Wings – Place the chicken wings in the slow cooker.
  • Step 2 – Combine Sauce ingredients – Whisk the 1 ½ cup buffalo sauce, brown sugar and onion powder. Add in garlic powder and salt and pepper. We used Frank’s hot sauce but use the brand you prefer.
  • Step 3 – Pour Sauce – Pour the sauce over the chicken wings in the crock pot.
  • Step 4 – Cover and cook the wings – You can cook them on low for 5 to 6 hours. Cook on high for 2.5 to 3 hours. Chicken needs to have an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Crock Pot Chicken Wings Recipe (4)

How do you Make Chicken Wings not Soggy?

It is very simple and only takes a few minutes. You get to enjoy crispy chicken wings without the work.

  • Once the chicken has finished cooking, place them on a foil lined baking sheet. Place under broiler for a crispy texture.
  • Let the chicken wings broil for 5 to 10 minutes or until they start to brown. Make sure to flip halfway. This will give them a delicious crispy skin.
  • Return the chicken back to the crock pot and turn it to the warm setting. This will keep it warm and crisping until you are ready to serve.
Crock Pot Chicken Wings Recipe (5)

Can you Cook Frozen Chicken Wings in a Slow Cooker?

It is very simple. Just follow the same instructions. However, you may need to increase the cooking time for the frozen wings depending on the size.

Frozen chicken wingsincrock pot only take a little bit longer.

Also, you will have more excess liquid when you use frozen chicken wings. However, you can just drain that off before you broil them.

You might also want to add a little more of the buffalo mixture to the chicken wings before broiling.

How long to Cook Chicken Wings in a Crock Pot?

There are 2 options. If you are short on time, cook 2 hours on high.

The other option is to cook on low for 5-6 hours for fall off the bone tender.

What to Serve with Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Wings?

  • Veggies – We like to keep it really simple. These wings are great with celery, carrot sticks, and ranch dressing.
  • Homemade ranch dip is very easy and so flavorful with the wings. Sometimes, I also put out blue cheese dressing. Everyone is happy with dipping sauces and cut up veggies.
  • Oven baked sweet potato fries also pair nicely with chicken wings.
  • Other Sides – See Best Sides for Chicken Wings for more ideas.
Crock Pot Chicken Wings Recipe (6)

Crock Pot Chicken Wings Variations:

  • Plain Chicken Wings – You can easily adjust this recipe to suit your family. If you prefer plain chicken wings, simply omit the buffalo or hot sauce. Add chili powder or paprika to taste.
  • BBQchicken wings – Just add your favorite BBQ sauce. It is so easy.
  • Pre-cooked wings – If you are short on time, you could even use Tyson frozenchicken wingsinthe crock pot. But you will need to reduce the heat.
  • Chili Sauce – The sweet and savory combination is amazing.
  • Teriyaki Sauce – You can use a bottle of teriyaki sauce for a different flavor.

Crockpot Chicken Wings Tips:

  • Meat Thermometer – Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F at the middle of the thickest part. I have a digital thermometer and it is easy to use.
  • Storing – Store leftover chicken wings inside an airtight container up to 3 days in the fridge. We rarely have leftovers though. Reheat leftover in the air fryer to create a crispy texture.
  • Freeze – Freeze chicken wings up to 3 months. Make sure they are stored inside an airtight freezer container.
  • Butter – Use unsalted butter in this recipe as well as garlic powder instead of garlic salt.
  • Whole Chicken Wings – You can use whole chicken wings. But make sure to cut off the tip of the wing when separating the wing. This takes a little longer but usually saves some money.

Why we love this easy recipe:

  • There isn’t any mess or hot oil popping. I love that you do not have to stand over a hot stove.
  • Buffalo Wings stays warm in the slow cooker. Whether you are serving for a party or your family, it is nice to be able to keep it warm.
  • You still can enjoy crispy wings without frying. Since you broil these wings after they are cooked, you get all the crispiness of fried wings without the work. It only takes a few minutes.
  • It is healthier than frying. Since you are not deep frying these wings, the recipe is much healthier. I guess that means we can eat more.

More Buffalo Chicken Recipes:

  • Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Sliders
  • Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
  • Easy Buffalo Chicken Crescent Ring Recipe
  • Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups Recipe


Print the Recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken Wings:

Crock Pot Chicken Wings Recipe (8)

Review

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Crock Pot Chicken Wings Recipe

4.94 from 46 votes

Crock Pot Chicken Wings Recipe is so easy and makes the most tasty buffalo chicken wings. Slow Cooker Chicken Wings Recipe is perfect for game day and more.

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Total Time 6 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings 6

Cuisine American

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Calories 400

Author Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the chicken wings in the slow cooker.

  • Combine the buffalo sauce, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper together in a small bowl.

  • Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken wings.

  • Cover and cook the wings on low for 5-6 hours or cook on high for 2.5-3 hours.

  • When finished line a baking sheet with foil and place the chicken wings on the baking sheet.

  • Preheat oven and broil for 5-10 minutes (flipping halfway) until they begin to brown.

  • Serve immediately or place them back in the crock pot the keep warm setting to serve them!

Recipe Notes

*Refrigerate the leftovers for up to 5-7 days in an air tight container.

*You can brush on extra buffalo sauce when broiling the wings if you prefer excess sauce on your wings!

Nutrition Facts

Calories 400kcal, Carbohydrates 10g, Protein 30g, Fat 26g, Saturated Fat 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat 6g, Monounsaturated Fat 10g, Trans Fat 1g, Cholesterol 126mg, Sodium 2156mg, Potassium 275mg, Fiber 1g, Sugar 9g, Vitamin A 241IU, Vitamin C 1mg, Calcium 30mg, Iron 2mg

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Crock Pot Chicken Wings Recipe (9)

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About the Author

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Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

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Crock Pot Chicken Wings Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret ingredient to crispy wings? ›

Crispy Hack #1: Baking Powder

The most widespread trick on the internet involves sprinkling a little baking powder onto the wings before baking them.

Do you put sauce on chicken wings before or after you cook them? ›

Most oven-baked chicken wings are tossed in sauce after they have been cooked, which means that the skin needs to be perfectly crisp to soak up all the sauce. Thoroughly pat the wings dry with paper towels before seasoning them with salt and placing them on a baking sheet.

Can I leave chicken in crockpot for 8 hours? ›

You're going to compromise the texture of chicken a bit when you cook it for 8 hours in the slowcooker. It's going to be super tender, but not “sliceable”, so use this to your advantage and shred the meat using two forks and toss it with the cooking liquid.

What does baking soda and water do for chicken wings? ›

Baking soda is alkaline, so it raises the pH level of chicken skin, breaking down the peptide bonds and jumpstarting the browning process, meaning the wings got browner and crispier faster than they would on their own.

Is cornstarch or baking powder better for crispy wings? ›

Cornstarch: Coating the chicken wings with cornstarch gives them a very light breading and makes them extra crispy!

What makes chicken crispy flour or cornstarch? ›

Cornstarch Is the Secret to the Crispiest Fried Chicken

It's primarily used as a thickening or gelling ingredient, but it's also a smart ingredient for making cookies softer and for holding together fillings for jammy bars. And, it's the secret ingredient for getting crispy coatings like tempura paper-thin.

How do I get my sauce to stick to my wings? ›

However, there's a simple technique that can help the maximum amount of sauce coat every inch of the wing's surface area: Dusting chicken wings with flour before cooking. This easy step transforms the wings into a canvas that both promotes a crispy texture and ensures that the sauce clings irresistibly to every inch.

Should you season chicken wings before cooking? ›

Thaw chicken wings. Drizzle wings with oil, and toss with salt, pepper and your favorite spices. Place a metal cooling rack on a baking sheet. Airflow beneath your wings will allow for even cooking and crispy skin all over.

Why do you add butter to wing sauce? ›

Butter adds a velvety smooth richness. It also balances the flavors of the other ingredients. White vinegar lends welcome acidity and a pleasant tanginess. Worcestershire sauce deepens the flavor, cayenne pepper turns up the heat, and garlic powder adds a powerful bite.

Is it better to cook chicken on high or low in crockpot? ›

Always cook your boneless skinless chicken breasts on LOW for the best results. I do not recommend cooking boneless chicken breast on HIGH, as it will become very dry and tough, even if you check it early. On high, the chicken turns out drier; I consistently have the best results with low.

Can I throw raw chicken in the slow cooker? ›

Raw Meat. "Raw meat is a slow-cooker staple, but you may need to add it to the pot before adding other ingredients like green vegetables," she shared.

Is 3 hours in slow cooker enough for chicken? ›

For a whole chicken – Place it in your slow cooker breast side down. Cover with the lid and cook on High for around 4-5 hours or Low for 6-8 hours. For bone-in pieces - Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on High for around 3-4 hours or Low for 4-6 hours.

What makes wings crispy baking soda or powder? ›

The magic ingredient to crispy wings without a lot of oil is aluminium free baking powder.

Can you put too much baking soda in chicken wings? ›

All you actually need is a dash of baking soda to make the crispiest wings possible. While that special ingredient will help create the best texture possible, it does come with a slight flavor drawback — too much of it will cause your wings to taste metallic and bitter.

Do you put cornstarch or baking soda on chicken? ›

Baking Soda Velveting

The baking soda can help tenderize the meat a little more than usual. The baking soda breaks down some proteins in the meat, enhancing the texture even further. By adding baking soda to your cornstarch mixture, you can get some exciting results from your meat.

What is the trick to getting crispy chicken? ›

7 Tips for Getting Fried Chicken Extra Crispy
  1. Start by tenderizing. You need to tenderize “if you're going for OMG juicy chicken that melts in your mouth,” says Fontana. ...
  2. Don't skip the brine. ...
  3. Season the flour. ...
  4. Mix things up a little. ...
  5. Put some muscle into it. ...
  6. Fry it twice. ...
  7. Leave plenty of room.
Dec 5, 2019

How do you get crispier wings? ›

How to make crispy oven baked wings
  1. Pat wings dry with paper towels;
  2. Toss wings in baking powder and salt;
  3. Bake at 120°C/250°F for 30 minutes, then at 220°C/425°F for 40 – 50 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Jul 3, 2016

How do restaurants get their wings so crispy? ›

velveting in oil. There's a local place with the best wings I've ever had and I asked their process. They dry brine for a day or two and then bake them, and THEN deep fry them before doing the rubs or sauces. The results are so crispy but tender and juicy.

Does baking soda or powder make wings crispier? ›

It may sounds unappealing, but coating chicken wings in seasoned baking powder is what makes the skin super crispy. You won't taste it in the end results, so long as you use aluminium-free. To be clear, make sure you use baking powder, NOT baking soda, because there is a big difference!

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