If you’re searching for a finger-licking good dish that’s both effortless and packed with flavor, look no further than this Crockpot Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe. Imagine succulent chicken wings slow-cooked to tender perfection, infused with a perfect balance of smoky barbecue, sweet honey, and just a touch of heat from buffalo sauce and spices. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for game days, family dinners, or casual get-togethers, and it’s so simple that you’ll want to make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward yet essential ingredients is your first step to creating wings bursting with flavor and saucy goodness. Each component plays a crucial role, from the spices that add warmth and depth to the honey and BBQ sauce that bring that signature sticky glaze you’ll crave.
- Reynolds Kitchens® Slow Cooker Liners: Makes cleanup effortless and keeps your slow cooker spotless while the wings cook to perfection.
- 4 pounds chicken wings or wingettes: The star ingredient, patted dry so the seasoning sticks beautifully for that ultimate flavor.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness and helps caramelize the wings during cooking.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Offers a subtle savory undertone that complements the BBQ flavors.
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt: Seasoned salt enhances all the spices with a balanced saltiness.
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder: Garlic is essential for that rich and aromatic taste wings deserve.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a little bite and depth to the seasoning mix.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Brings smokiness and a vibrant red color to your wings.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Provides a subtle heat to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming them.
- ¾ cup Favorite BBQ Sauce: Your go-to BBQ sauce will soak into each wing, giving them that classic smoky barbecue flavor.
- ½ cup honey: Honey balances the heat with natural sweetness and adds a sticky sheen to the wings.
- ¼ cup buffalo sauce: Adds a tangy zest and a gentle spicy kick.
- 1 tablespoon butter (melted): Butter enriches the sauce, making it silky and smooth.
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar: Brings a hint of tang to brighten the sauce’s flavors.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Saved for the end to thicken the sauce, giving it that perfect coating consistency.
How to Make Crockpot Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Start by lining your slow cooker with a Reynolds Kitchens® Slow Cooker Liner to make cleanup a breeze. This small step saves so much time after cooking and ensures the wings don’t stick, keeping all that delicious sauce right where it belongs—on your chicken.
Step 2: Season the Wings
Combine all your dry spices in a large bowl—brown sugar, onion powder, seasoned salt, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Toss the patted-dry wings in this spice mix until every piece is coated evenly. Trust me, this seasoning blend is what gives the wings that irresistible depth of flavor that will have you coming back for more.
Step 3: Add Wings to the Slow Cooker
Now place your seasoned wings directly into the lined slow cooker. Layering them in one cozy pile allows them to absorb the upcoming sauce fully as they cook low and slow.
Step 4: Mix and Pour the Sauce
Use the same bowl to stir together the BBQ sauce, honey, buffalo sauce, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar, leaving the cornstarch for later. Pour this luscious mixture over the wings, stirring gently to ensure each wing gets lavishly coated.
Step 5: Slow Cook the Wings
Set your slow cooker to cook on high for 2 hours, or if you have time to be patient, use the low setting for 3 to 4 hours. The wings will cook until the internal temperature hits 165F, coming out tender, juicy, and packed with those rich flavors.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Once the wings are cooked, remove them from the slow cooker and place them in a large bowl, leaving all that flavorful sauce in the cooker. Stir the cornstarch into 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth, then mix into the sauce. This step thickens the sauce perfectly, turning it into a sticky glaze that clings to the wings.
Step 7: Final Sauce Cook
Cook the sauce on high for an additional 10 minutes to let it thicken beautifully. Then pour this luscious sauce back over the wings and toss them gently to coat every piece with that shiny, rich honey BBQ glaze.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Your Crockpot Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe is now ready to be devoured! Get your napkins ready because these wings are juicy, saucy, and downright addictive.
How to Serve Crockpot Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or green onions on your wings adds a burst of color and a mild, fresh crunch that cuts through the richness, enhancing each bite.
Side Dishes
Classic pairings with these wings include crisp celery sticks and carrot batons to balance the heat and richness. For something heartier, creamy coleslaw, baked potato wedges, or a simple garden salad are fantastic choices.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange your wings on a large platter with little bowls of ranch or blue cheese dressing nearby for dipping. You can even serve them over a bed of fluffy rice or drizzled with a little extra honey for a sweet-savory twist that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover wings and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers taste just as delicious if not better!
Freezing
If you want to save them longer, freeze the wings and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. This way you can thaw only what you need without losing any of that delicious essence.
Reheating
Reheat your wings gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also warm the sauce separately on the stove, then toss the wings back in to maintain their perfect glaze.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken wings to ensure even cooking and proper seasoning absorption. If you start with frozen wings, allow them to thaw fully before seasoning and cooking.
What if I don’t have Reynolds Kitchens® Slow Cooker Liners?
You can make this recipe without liners by greasing your slow cooker to prevent sticking, but liners definitely make cleanup easier and help preserve the sauce’s flavor.
How spicy are these wings?
They have a mild to moderate kick from the cayenne and buffalo sauce. You can always adjust the cayenne amount to your heat preference.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop or oven?
While this recipe is designed for the slow cooker, you can bake the wings at 400°F (200°C) for about 40-45 minutes and then toss in the sauce on the stove to thicken. The slow cooker just makes the wings incredibly tender with minimal effort.
Will the sauce be too sweet because of honey?
The honey adds a natural sweetness that balances the smoky and tangy BBQ and spicy buffalo sauce. The blend is perfectly harmonious—not overpowering but delightfully sticky and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe this Crockpot Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe is one of those magical dishes that makes entertaining and everyday meals so much easier and tastier. It’s simple to prepare, requires minimal fuss, and guarantees deliciousness every single time. If you give it a try, I’m sure these wings will quickly become a favorite go-to recipe in your kitchen, just like they are in mine. Happy cooking!
Print
Crockpot Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Honey BBQ Chicken Wings recipe delivers tender, flavorful wings with a perfect balance of sweet honey, tangy BBQ sauce, and spicy buffalo sauce. Slow-cooked to juicy perfection and finished with a thickened, glossy sauce, these wings are an effortless crowd-pleaser ideal for parties, game days, or a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Spice Rub
- 4 pounds chicken wings or wingettes (patted dry)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Sauce
- ¾ cup favorite BBQ sauce
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup buffalo sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Thickener
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water (for slurry)
- Reynolds Kitchens® Slow Cooker Liners (for easy cleanup)
Other
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Line your slow cooker with a Reynolds Kitchens® Slow Cooker Liner to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Mix Spice Rub: In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, onion powder, seasoned salt, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Toss the chicken wings thoroughly in the spice mix to ensure each wing is evenly coated.
- Place Wings in Slow Cooker: Transfer the seasoned wings into the slow cooker, spreading them out evenly.
- Make Sauce: Using the same bowl, stir together BBQ sauce, honey, buffalo sauce, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar until well blended. Pour this sauce over the wings and toss gently to coat all the wings evenly.
- Cook Wings: Cover and cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 3 to 4 hours, until the wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F and are tender.
- Thicken Sauce: Carefully remove the wings from the slow cooker, leaving the cooking liquid behind. Place wings in a large bowl. Stir cornstarch into 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, then add this mixture to the sauce in the slow cooker. Stir to combine well.
- Finish Sauce: Cook the sauce mixture on high for an additional 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken and become glossy.
- Coat Wings: Pour the thickened sauce over the wings in the large bowl and toss to coat them evenly.
- Serve: Serve the wings hot and enjoy their perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.
Notes
- Ensure the wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee they are cooked safely.
- Using slow cooker liners makes cleanup easier and prevents sauce from sticking to the pot.
- You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or buffalo sauce to control the heat level.
- For crispier wings, you can broil them in the oven briefly after slow cooking and before tossing in the sauce.
