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Crock Pot 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.
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.
Super recipe. Easy and delicious. The wings were so good, we had to eat a few before we put them under the broiler. Super tasty even without crisping! Even better after crisping. Thanks for sharing.
-Boise G
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. Make sure to check out Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Wings or Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings.
Why Make Chicken Wings in the Crock Pot?
Making chicken wings in the crock pot is one of the easiest ways to get tender, fall-off-the-bone results without turning on the oven or standing over the stove.
Benefits of Crock Pot Chicken Wings
- Hands-off cooking with minimal prep
- Perfect for parties and game day
- Easy to keep warm for serving
- Budget-friendly and family-approved
- Great for making large batches
This method is especially helpful if you want slow cooker chicken wings for a crowd or need an easy appetizer that practically cooks itself.
Crockpot Wings Ingredients
- Chicken Wings – You can use fresh or frozen chicken wings
- Buffalo Wing Sauce – Homemade Buffalo Sauce or Best Chicken Wing Sauce
- Brown Sugar
- Onion Powder – If you are out, see Best Onion Powder Substitutes
- Garlic Powder – See The Best Garlic Powder Substitute
Scroll to the recipe card for the full recipe details.
How to Make Chicken Wings in the Crock Pot
Step 1 – Place the chicken wings in the slow cooker.
Step 2 – 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 the sauce over the chicken wings in the crock pot. 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.
Step 4 – 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.
Step 5 – 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
Ingredients
- 4 lbs chicken wings fresh or frozen
- 1 ½ cups buffalo sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
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 Video
Recipe Notes
- 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.
- BBQ chicken 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 frozen chicken wings in the 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.
- 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.
Nutrition Facts
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 for Game Day & Parties
These slow cooker chicken wings are perfect for:
- Game day snacks
- Super Bowl parties
- Potlucks
- Family gatherings
You can easily double the recipe, keep them warm in the crock pot, and let guests serve themselves — a huge win for hosts.
Slow Cooker Chicken Wings FAQ
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 wings in crock 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.
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.
The chicken wings stay tender, not soggy. Broiling afterward adds crispiness.
Yes! This is a great recipe to prepare ahead of time. In fact, we often times will cook the chicken wings in the slow cooker. Then once cooled, store in the fridge. When ready to serve we place in the oven to reheat and then place in the crock pot warm to serve.
More Buffalo Chicken Recipes
Easy Slow Cooker
Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Easy Dip
Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Easy Appetizer
Buffalo Chicken Crescent Ring
Easy Appetizer
Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups
If you make Crockpot Chicken Wings Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review. We love to hear from you!
Do you have to put them in the oven?
No, you do not have to but it caramelizes the sauce on the wings and adds a ton of flavor to them.
Have you ever made them with frozen wings? Just wondering how much extra time, I would add?
You can use fresh or frozen wings in this recipe. Cover and cook the wings on low for 5-6 hours or cook on high for 2.5-3 hours. Hope this helps. Let me know how the wings turn out!
Can I cook these the day before and broil the next day?
Yes that will work great! Just make sure you refrigerate them over night and let them come to room temperature before broiling them.
Super recipe. Easy and delicious. The wings were so good, we had to eat a few before we put them under the broiler. Super tasty even without crisping! Even better after crisping. Thanks for sharing.
Will cooking it on high still taste the same as cooking on low?
Yes, it will still taste great!