Get ready to impress your palate with these Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings, a fantastic option for either a main dish or an appetizer, effortlessly made in your slow cooker! These wings are so tender they’re practically falling off the bone, incredibly juicy, and generously coated in a tangy buffalo sauce. All it takes is just 5 minutes of preparation!
I genuinely love whipping up chicken wings at home, and my go-to method is utilizing the slow cooker!
While my honey BBQ wings recipe is definitely delectable, you can’t overlook buffalo wings – the quintessential choice for chicken lovers.
Preparing crockpot buffalo chicken wings is a cinch, making them the perfect solution for an effortless family dinner or a gathering with friends!
What Sets This Recipe Apart?
- Simple ingredients – These are staples you probably already have in your pantry or fridge!
- Easy cooking – Devote just five minutes to prep, then let the slow cooker handle the rest.
- Outstanding flavor and quality – The long cooking time allows the chicken to completely absorb the spice mixture while becoming unbelievably tender.
Insider Tips for Recipe Perfection
This crockpot buffalo chicken wings recipe is incredibly straightforward! Just a quick five-minute setup for a meal the whole family will love.
In this section, I’ll share a few of my insider tips for crafting the best buffalo wings in the crockpot to ensure you achieve delightful results.
Don’t forget to scroll down to the recipe card for complete information.
Ingredients & Alternatives
- Chicken Wings – Both fresh and previously frozen wings are acceptable. Just be sure to thaw any frozen wings in the refrigerator before using.
- Hot Sauce – I prefer Frank’s hot sauce, but any brand that you enjoy will work just fine.
- Melted Butter – This combines with the hot sauce to make a delicious homemade buffalo sauce.
- Spice Blend – Our dry rub consists of ingredients such as chili powder, salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for thorough measurements and a detailed ingredient list.
Creative Variations on the Classic Recipe
- BBQ Chicken Wings – Swap your favorite BBQ sauce in place of the hot sauce. Whether you opt for store-bought or a homemade blend, it’s sure to be delightful!
- Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings – If you prefer baking, place the wings in an oven preheated to 425ºF for roughly 30 minutes, or until they reach a safe internal temperature of 165ºF. Remember to flip halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Honey Sriracha Wings – Combine honey and Sriracha for a wing sauce that strikes just the right balance of sweetness and spiciness, offering a delicious alternative to the standard buffalo sauce.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Recipe
I encourage you to take a look at some key steps in the process here, but make sure to consult the recipe card below for comprehensive instructions on how to create these mouth-watering slow cooker buffalo wings.
- Start by placing your chicken wing pieces snugly into the crockpot. Prepare a flavorful mix by blending your chosen spices in a separate bowl.
2. Evenly sprinkle the wings with your spice blend, then toss to ensure that each wing is fully coated. Set the slow cooker to high, cooking them for 4-5 hours, or if you prefer a slower approach, use the low setting for 6-7 hours.
3. After the chicken is fully cooked, preheat your oven to 425ºF. Transfer the wings into a mixing bowl and toss them thoroughly with a blend of spicy hot sauce and melted butter.
4. Arrange the wings on a foil-lined baking sheet and roast them for 15 to 18 minutes. Once they are crispy, remove them from the oven, add more sauce for an extra burst of flavor, and enjoy your delicious wings.
Recipe Tips
- Use low heat – Cooking chicken on low in your slow cooker is ideal for achieving the best tenderness. This method helps retain moisture, keeping the meat juicy. If you’re pressed for time, cooking on high works as well.
- Prioritize a drier surface – For better sauce adherence, ensure the wings are less moist. When transferring them from the slow cooker to the bowl, drain off any excess liquid.
- Increase the heat – The hot sauce adds a kick, but if you want more heat, sprinkle on some cayenne pepper for an extra spicy touch!
Recipe Short Cuts
Need to make these delectable wings in a hurry? Here are some shortcuts to speed up the process!
- Choose fresh wings – Skip thawing and opt for fresh chicken wings right away.
- Pre-mix your spices – Prepare your seasonings ahead of time and store them in your pantry for instant access.
- Prepare and freeze – Complete the slow cooking but pause before baking. Cool the wings and freeze them for up to three months. When ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge, bake, and toss in sauce before serving.
Serving Suggestions for Buffalo Chicken Wings
The bold flavor profile of buffalo wings pairs beautifully with a selection of both traditional and modern side dishes.
Choose from this array to create a well-rounded meal that includes a mix of old favorites and lighter fare to maintain balance.
Recommended Appetizer Pairings
- BBQ Chicken Naan Pizza – A perfect companion to the wings, this dish features BBQ chicken on naan, blending sweet barbecue sauce with savory cheese, tender chicken, and onions.
- Mini Pigs in a Blanket – These iconic bite-sized treats are a joy to share, easy to prepare, and can be ready in under 30 minutes.
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Roll-Ups – Contrast the wings’ kick with these flavorful sliders, packed with a rich ranch chicken mix on sweet Hawaiian rolls topped with butter.
Ideal Side Dishes
There is a wealth of side dishes that harmonize wonderfully with chicken wings. Here are some recommended favorites:
- Classic Green Bean Casserole – Complement the tanginess of buffalo wings with this creamy casserole made with your choice of green beans, requiring just five minutes to prepare.
- Decadent Million Dollar Dip – This luxurious dip crafted with ingredients like cream cheese and bacon is a smooth match for your wings, perfect for serving alongside bread, crackers, or veggies.
- Delicious Deviled Egg Potato Salad – Enjoy a comforting combination that melds the flavors of buffalo wings with this delectable, easy-to-make potato salad.
Making Use of Leftover Buffalo Chicken Wings
If you’re fortunate enough to have leftover wings, you can store and reheat them wonderfully, providing a head start for another delicious meal.
To properly store leftovers, portion them into meal-sized servings, place them in an airtight container, and refrigerate:
- for up to 3-4 days
- for a maximum of one month in the freezer
Recipe FAQs
How can you ensure buffalo sauce adheres well to wings?
The trick lies in keeping the wings dry; excess moisture can lead to the sauce sliding off. For the best results, thoroughly pat the wings dry before applying the sauce.
Is it necessary to add liquid to the slow cooker for chicken dishes?
No additional liquid is needed for this recipe; simply add the chicken and seasonings to the crockpot for a wonderfully moist outcome!
What’s the best method for crisping slow cooker wings?
After the wings have cooked until tender in the slow cooker, pop them in a preheated oven for about 15 minutes to achieve the desired crispiness.
Collection of Simple Chicken Recipes
If this recipe has captured your heart, take time to check out a variety of other easy meals for busy evenings!
Each recipe is crafted for simplicity and enjoyment—explore all my straightforward chicken recipes or delve into some of the fan favorites listed below.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Total Time: 4 hrs 20 mins
Servings: 5
Instructions
Begin by mixing chili powder, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a small bowl.
Next, arrange the chicken wings in the crockpot and sprinkle the spice blend over them, tossing to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
Cover the crockpot with its lid, and allow the wings to cook on the high setting for 4-5 hours, or switch to low for a longer cooking time of 6-7 hours.
To start, preheat your oven to 425˚F. Next, remove the chicken wings from the slow cooker and place them in a large bowl.
Tip: To ensure the sauce sticks well to the wings, shake off any excess moisture before placing them in the bowl.
Mix the spicy sauce with the melted butter until thoroughly combined. Pour this mixture over the wings, making sure they are coated evenly.
Arrange the wings on a baking sheet and bake on the top rack of the oven for 15-18 minutes. Once finished, baste them with any remaining sauce from the mixing bowl and serve while hot.
Recipe Notes
Using 4 pounds of wings should yield around 20-24 wings in total.
Nutrition Information
Serving:
4
wings
,
Sugar:
1
g
(1%)
,
Vitamin A:
1250
IU
(25%)
,
Vitamin C:
37
mg
(45%)
,
Calcium:
38
mg
(4%)
,
Iron:
2
mg
(11%)
