Written by SAMY SMITH
Slow Cooker Chicken Wings on game day? Oh man, I get it. You’re probably juggling snacks, trying not to burn garlic bread, and hoping those wings won’t turn out dry or rubbery. Been there. Listen–before I discovered my slow cooker method (after a failed oven experiment that left my house smelling like burnt BBQ sauce for a week), I’d mess these up every time.
If you want wings that basically shred off the bone and have real flavor, you’re in the right spot. For more seriously easy game day bites, by the way, my slow cooker garlic parmesan chicken and classic buffalo chicken dip recipe totally rock the snack table.
What makes slow cooker chicken wings great?
Alright, so here’s my hot take. The slow cooker changes the whole wing game. You throw in your wings, cover with sauce, flip on the switch, and two or three hours later, your house magically smells like a five-star restaurant. They soak up every bit of flavor. Wings done low and slow stay juicy, and they don’t get chewy like those sad bar appetizers. If you’ve got a game to watch (or, honestly, a show to binge), this is way more low-stress than fiddling with the broiler or deep fryer.
Plus, these slow cooker chicken wings work for a crowd. Tailsgates, birthday nights, random Tuesday dinners–who cares. You basically set it and forget it. Also, you’ll never have to stand by the oven with a spatula in hand again. My cousin still teases me for burning wings on Thanksgiving two years ago. Those days are over. The best part? Minimal cleanup (who has time for piles of pans anyway?).
| Sauce Type | Flavor Profile | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Sauce | Spicy, Tangy | Traditional Game Day |
| Honey BBQ | Sweet, Smoky | Family-Friendly |
| Garlic Parmesan | Savory, Buttery | Gourmet Taste |
| Teriyaki | Sweet, Sticky | Asian Fusion |
| Sweet Chili | Sweet, Spicy | Zesty Kick |
How to make slow cooker wings
Here’s the beauty of it: the process is easier than you think. First, grab some good fresh wings (not those frozen bags, unless you’re in a pinch). Pat’em dry a bit. Pile them in your slow cooker. Dump your favorite sauce on top. Give everything a little shake or toss so they’re coated.
Cover up the slow cooker and cook on HIGH about 2.5 hours, or LOW for 4. You can let them sit in the sauce afterward to soak up even more. Now, if you like crispy edges, stick them under the broiler for about 2 minutes to finish (I swear by this trick—it’s gold). That’s basically it. Not much fuss at all.
A little tip: If you’re worried about sogginess, cook with the lid slightly off the last thirty minutes. Or just finish in the oven. Want more inspo for crowd-pleasers? These bang bang chicken skewers are also a fav around here. 
What kind of sauces are good for chicken wings?
Let me tell ya–there aren’t many wrong answers here, but a few rockstars shine. Buffalo sauce, obviously. A honey BBQ is solid for folks who don’t like spice attacks. Garlic parmesan gives a restaurant feel, while teriyaki brings those sticky, sweet notes.
Get weird if you want: sometimes I whisk some ranch seasoning and hot sauce together (sounds odd, tastes insane). Sweet chili, lemon pepper, or classic BBQ all have fans around my place. Okay, if you’re feeling experimental? Try the sauce from my chicken ranch potato bake for a spin on tradition. Don’t be afraid to mix sauces. More mess, more flavor–that’s my motto.
How long does it take to cook chicken wings in a crock pot?
Quick answer? It depends on how big your wings are and what setting you use. Most slow cooker chicken wings need about 2 to 3 hours on HIGH. If you’re not in a rush, cook those wings on LOW for 4 to 5 hours–they turn out even juicier. If you throw in a full batch or double up for a party, add another 20 to 30 minutes just to be safe. Believe me, underdone wings are a bummer.
I always check one in the thickest part to make sure it’s cooked through, just in case. Don’t be shy–sneak a taste test. It’s basically a cook’s right!
Storing and Reheating
Figured you’d have leftovers? (Honestly, doubtful–these are usually gone fast). Here’s what I do:
- Cool those slow cooker chicken wings before storing so they don’t get soggy.
- Put them in an airtight container and toss in the fridge for up to three days.
- For reheating, the oven beats the microwave big time (but if you’re late-night snacking, I get it).
- If you want them crispy again? Pop under the broiler for a hot minute.
I swear, even leftovers taste like you just made them if you do it right.
Common Questions
Do I need to thaw frozen wings first?
Yeah, honestly best results come from thawed wings. If you’re in a crunch and use frozen, just add a little time.
Can I stack wings in the crock pot?
Totally. They all cook together fine, but make sure you coat them in sauce well.
What’s the best way to get them crispy?
Quick trip under the broiler–trust me, it’s a total game changer.
Can I use boneless wings?
You could…but bone-in is juicier, and that’s what everyone expects from slow cooker chicken wings.
Forgot to buy sauce–help!
Toss together any BBQ, hot sauce, or even salad dressing plus some spices. You’d be surprised how good random combos can taste.
The Best Wings You’ll Ever Make at Home
If you’re searching for wings that basically blow takeout out of the water, give these slow cooker chicken wings a spin. They’re ridiculously easy, juicy, and you can mix them up with anything in your pantry. Try these out for your next party and you’ll be hooked. For different twists and more ideas, places like Flavorful Eats and Spend With Pennies have tips worth checking out too. Game day, movie night, or just dinner on a chilly night? Nothing wrong with making extra. Take my advice: these wings disappear faster than you can say who wants seconds?
Slow Cooker Chicken Wings
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 pounds chicken wings Fresh wings are preferred.
Sauce Options
- 1 cup Buffalo sauce Spicy and tangy; great for game day.
- 1 cup Honey BBQ sauce Sweet and smoky; family-friendly option.
- 1 cup Garlic Parmesan sauce Savory and buttery; gourmet taste.
- 1 cup Teriyaki sauce Sweet and sticky; Asian fusion flavor.
- 1 cup Sweet chili sauce Sweet and spicy; adds a zesty kick.
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the chicken wings dry and place them in the slow cooker.
- Pour your chosen sauce over the wings and toss to coat.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for about 2.5 hours or LOW for 4 hours.
- For extra crispy edges, place the wings under a broiler for 2 minutes after slow cooking.
- If concerned about sogginess, leave the lid slightly ajar for the last 30 minutes of cooking.