Name: Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings: 4lb Tender Perfection
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 lb chicken wings, split at the joints, tips removed; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp paprika (optional); 1 cup cayenne hot sauce (such as Frank’s-style); 1/3 cup unsalted butter; 2 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp water (optional); 1 tsp neutral oil (optional, for broiling); For serving: celery sticks, carrot sticks, 1 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing

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Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings have become my go-to for effortless entertaining, especially when big games are on. I remember the first time I tried making them this way – I was worried they wouldn’t have that classic crispy bite, but the slow cooker worked its magic, rendering them unbelievably tender and juicy. The aroma of the tangy, buttery sauce simmering filled my kitchen, and I knew I’d found a winner. These easy slow cooker buffalo wings are so simple to whip up, making them perfect for any get-together. Get ready to impress your friends and family with the best game day slow cooker buffalo wings ever. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings

The most tender and flavorful chicken wings you’ll ever taste, thanks to the slow cooker
Incredibly minimal prep time – just a few minutes to season and sauce
A healthier option than deep-fried wings, with less oil and fat overall
Super budget-friendly, especially when chicken wings are on sale
A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters adore
Making buffalo wings in slow cooker means less hands-on time for you
The ease of buffalo wings in slow cooker makes them perfect for busy weeknights or parties
They are a fantastic appetizer for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to major sporting events

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to create these amazing buffalo wings in slow cooker. The magic happens with the sauce, which is a classic blend of butter and hot sauce, creating that signature tangy and slightly spicy flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

4 lb chicken wings, split at the joints, tips removed – this prep is key for even cooking
1 tsp kosher salt – enhances all the other flavors
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper – adds a subtle bite
1 tsp garlic powder – for that savory depth
1/2 tsp onion powder – complements the garlic
1/2 tsp paprika (optional) – for a hint of color and mild sweetness
1 cup cayenne hot sauce (such as Frank’s-style) – the base of our delicious slow cooker buffalo chicken wing sauce
1/3 cup unsalted butter – creates a rich, glossy sauce
2 tbsp honey – balances the heat with a touch of sweetness
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar – adds a tangy brightness
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – for umami and complexity
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp water (optional) – to thicken any extra sauce
1 tsp neutral oil (optional, for broiling) – helps the wings crisp up
For serving: celery sticks, carrot sticks, 1 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing – classic accompaniments

How to Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings

Let’s dive into the simple steps for creating these amazing buffalo wings in slow cooker. This buffalo chicken wings slow cooker method is truly foolproof and requires minimal effort on your part.

Step 1: First things first, pat your chicken wings really, really dry with paper towels. This is super important for getting that nice texture later! In a big bowl, toss the dried wings with 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and the optional 1/2 tsp paprika. Make sure they’re all evenly coated.
Step 2: Grab a small saucepan and melt the 1/3 cup unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, whisk in the 1 cup cayenne hot sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce. Keep whisking until it’s smooth and glossy, which should only take about 1-2 minutes. Now, here’s a key part of the buffalo chicken wings slow cooker method: reserve about 1/3 cup of this delicious sauce to finish the wings later.
Step 3: Place your seasoned wings into a 6-quart slow cooker. Pour the remaining sauce over the wings and give them a good toss to make sure every single one is coated in that glorious sauce.
Step 4: Cover your slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 hours, or if you’re in a bit of a hurry, you can use HIGH for 2 hours and 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the wings are wonderfully tender.
Step 5: Now it’s time to get them crispy! Position an oven rack about 6 inches from your broiler and set the broiler to High (aim for around 500–550°F).
Step 6: Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Using tongs, carefully transfer the slow cooker buffalo wings to the wire rack. Let any excess liquid drip off. Gently pat the skin dry with paper towels again for maximum crispiness.
Step 7: If you’re using it, lightly brush the wings with 1 tsp neutral oil. Broil for 6–8 minutes per side, keeping a close eye on them, until the edges are nicely blistered and crisp.
Step 8: For a thicker, glossier sauce to coat your wings, bring the reserved cooking liquid to a simmer in a small saucepan. Whisk in the 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp water slurry and let it simmer for another 1–2 minutes until it thickens up beautifully.
Step 9: Toss those perfectly broiled slow cooker chicken wings with the reserved Buffalo sauce. If you made the extra thickened sauce, add a spoonful of that too for an extra kick of flavor.
Step 10: Serve your hot and delicious slow cooker buffalo wings immediately with classic celery sticks, carrot sticks, and your favorite ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings

I’ve learned a few tricks that really elevate these slow cooker buffalo wings from good to absolutely amazing. Follow these tips for guaranteed success!

Always pat your chicken wings thoroughly dry before seasoning and again before broiling. This is the number one way to ensure crispy skin.
Don’t skip the broiling step! It’s essential for achieving that desirable char and crunch that makes these wings irresistible.
Use a wire rack set over a baking sheet when broiling. This allows hot air to circulate around the wings for even crisping on all sides.
For an even more stable and rich sauce, consider using ghee or clarified butter instead of regular unsalted butter.
Reserve a portion of the sauce before slow cooking to toss the wings in after broiling. This gives them a fresh, vibrant coating.

What’s the secret to perfect slow cooker buffalo wings?

The real secret to the best slow cooker buffalo wings is the combination of slow cooking for tenderness and a quick broil for crispiness. Properly drying the wings before both steps is also crucial for that perfect texture. For more tips on achieving perfect chicken, check out this guide on food preparation techniques.

Can I make buffalo wings in slow cooker ahead of time?

Yes! You can season and sauce the wings up to 24 hours ahead and store them covered in the refrigerator in the slow cooker insert. Just start the cooking process when you’re ready.

How do I avoid common mistakes with slow cooker buffalo wings?

Avoid overcrowding the slow cooker, as this can lead to steaming instead of tenderizing. Also, don’t overcook them, or they might become too mushy before you even get to the broiling stage. Understanding the science behind slow cooking can help prevent these issues; learn more about how slow cookers work.

Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings

These versatile slow cooker buffalo wings are amazing served in so many ways! They are the ultimate appetizer for any party, especially during football season. For a classic presentation, arrange the wings platter-style with plenty of crisp celery sticks and carrot sticks, alongside bowls of creamy ranch or tangy blue cheese dressing. These make fantastic slow cooker buffalo wing appetizer ideas for game day gatherings or casual get-togethers. You can also serve them as a main course alongside a simple salad or some cooling coleslaw for a complete meal. For more appetizer inspiration, explore these party appetizer ideas.

Nutrition Facts for Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving for these delicious slow cooker buffalo wings. Keep in mind that the exact values can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use, especially the hot sauce and butter.

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 4 wings)
Calories: 350
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 700mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings: 4lb Tender Perfection - Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings - additional detail

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings

Once your delicious slow cooker buffalo wings are cooked and enjoyed, you might have a few leftovers – lucky you! Proper storage is key to keeping them tasting great. First, let any leftover wings cool down completely at room temperature, which should take about an hour. Then, transfer them to an airtight container. You can store these tasty slow cooker chicken wings in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are well-wrapped.

When you’re ready to reheat, there are a few methods to bring back that amazing flavor and texture. For the best results, I recommend reheating them in a single layer on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This helps retain some crispiness. Alternatively, you can reheat them in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, or briefly in a skillet over medium heat, tossing them frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings

What are slow cooker buffalo wings?

Slow cooker buffalo wings are chicken wings that have been cooked in a slow cooker, typically with classic buffalo wing sauce ingredients like hot sauce, butter, and seasonings. This method makes them incredibly tender and moist, and they are often finished under a broiler or in an air fryer for a crispy exterior.

Why make buffalo wings in slow cooker?

You should make buffalo wings in slow cooker because it’s one of the easiest ways to achieve super tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken wings with minimal effort. It frees you up to do other things, and the slow cooker does all the work, resulting in consistently delicious wings perfect for any gathering.

Can I make buffalo wings in slow cooker spicier?

Absolutely! To make your slow cooker spicy buffalo wings even hotter, you can increase the amount of cayenne hot sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce, or even incorporate a hotter pepper like habanero or ghost pepper into the sauce mixture. Just be careful not to overdo it!

How do I get crispy skin on slow cooker buffalo wings?

The key to crispy skin on buffalo chicken wings slow cooker style is a two-step process: first, thoroughly pat the wings dry before slow cooking, and second, finish them under a hot broiler or in an air fryer after they come out of the slow cooker. This final crisping step is crucial for that satisfying crunch. For more on food safety and handling, see food safety guidelines.

Variations of Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic slow cooker buffalo wings, there are so many fun ways to switch things up! For those who love a serious kick, try making slow cooker spicy buffalo wings by adding a few drops of your favorite extra-hot sauce or some red pepper flakes to the sauce. If you’re looking for a different flavor profile, consider a honey-garlic or a BBQ version. For a healthier twist, you can skip the butter in the sauce and use a lower-sodium hot sauce. Another great option is to air fry the wings after slow cooking for an even crispier result, which is a fantastic alternative if you don’t have a broiler or prefer that texture. Explore other chicken recipes for more ideas.