Crock Pot Chicken Wings Recipe

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 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. Make sure to check out Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Wings or Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings.

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 literally fall 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.

Crockpot Wings Ingredients:

• Chicken Wings
• Buffalo Wing Sauce – Homemade Buffalo Sauce or Best Chicken Wing 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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.
• 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.

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: