Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe

Make the best Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Wings with this easy recipe! Perfectly tender and juicy wings are slow-cooked in a rich, buttery Buffalo sauce, then crisped in the oven for the ultimate flavor and texture. Ideal for game days, parties, or a family dinner, these chicken wings are served with celery, carrots, and creamy blue cheese dressing. Learn tips for achieving crispy wings, variations like honey garlic or barbecue, and air fryer instructions. This crowd-pleasing slow cooker chicken wings recipe is a must-try for wing lovers!

Ingredients

Chicken Wings

• 4 lbs. chicken wings

Buffalo Sauce

• 1 ½ sticks salted butter (12 tablespoons)
• 12 oz. Frank’s Hot Sauce (1.5 cups)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For Serving

• Celery sticks
• Carrot sticks
• Blue cheese dressing (see notes)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Wings: Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels and place them in the Crock Pot.
2. Make the Buffalo Sauce: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then remove it from the heat. Whisk in the hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, and garlic powder until smooth. Set aside ½ cup of the sauce for later and pour the remaining sauce over the chicken wings in the Crock Pot. Stir to coat the wings evenly.
3. Cook the Wings:
   • Cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 3-4 hours. Avoid overcooking to prevent the wings from falling apart.
   • Check that the internal temperature of the wings reaches 165°F to ensure they’re fully cooked.
4. Crisp the Wings in the Oven: (For air fryer instructions, see notes)
   • Use kitchen tongs to transfer the wings to a foil-lined baking sheet. For crispier wings, place a cooling rack on top of the baking sheet and arrange the wings on the rack to allow better airflow.
   • Brush the tops of the wings with the reserved Buffalo sauce.
   • Preheat the oven to a low broil (450°F). Broil the wings for 5 minutes or until the tops begin to brown slightly.
   • Remove from the oven, brush with more Buffalo sauce, and broil for an additional 5 minutes or until they’re crisp and golden brown.
5. Serve: Arrange the wings on a platter with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and blue cheese dressing on the side. Enjoy!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-Off Cooking: The Crock Pot does most of the work, making this an easy recipe perfect for busy days.
• Tender and Juicy: Slow cooking ensures the wings are flavorful and tender.
• Customizable Crispiness: Finish them in the oven or air fryer for that perfect crispy texture.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Great for game days, parties, or family dinners.

Tips

• Dry the Wings: Pat the wings thoroughly dry before adding them to the Crock Pot. This helps the sauce stick better.
• Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on cooking time to prevent the wings from falling apart.
• Extra Crisp: Use a cooling rack on the baking sheet for better airflow, resulting in crispier wings.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the Buffalo sauce in advance and store it in the fridge.

Variations and Substitutions

• Milder Sauce: Reduce the amount of hot sauce or mix with barbecue sauce for a milder flavor.
• Honey Garlic Wings: Replace the Buffalo sauce with a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and garlic.
• Ranch Dressing: Swap blue cheese dressing for ranch if preferred.
• Air Fryer Option: After slow cooking, crisp the wings in an air fryer at 400°F for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen wings? Yes, but thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding to the Crock Pot for best results.

Can I skip the oven step? You can serve the wings straight from the Crock Pot, but broiling gives them a crispy, caramelized texture.

How do I store leftovers? Store cooled wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

Serving Suggestions

• Dips: Serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.
• Veggies: Pair with crunchy celery and carrot sticks to balance the heat.
• Sides: Complement the wings with potato wedges, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.

Enjoy these tender, flavorful Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Wings as a satisfying snack, appetizer, or main dish!