There is something irresistibly comforting about the Crockpot Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe that makes it a go-to for gatherings, game nights, or just a cozy meal at home. Perfectly tender chicken wings simmered slowly in a luscious blend of honey, BBQ sauce, and a touch of heat, this recipe strikes the right balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a favorite for anyone who loves bold, finger-licking good wings with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Crockpot Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, from the seasoning rub to the sticky, tangy sauce. These simple staples come together to create a dish that’s bursting with vibrant taste and a welcoming aroma.
- 4 pounds chicken wings or wingettes: The star of the dish; pat them dry for best seasoning adherence.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Adds subtle caramel sweetness to the spice rub.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Gives a mild savory depth without overpowering the wings.
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt: Enhances all the other flavors with a savory punch.
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder: Classic flavor that pairs beautifully with BBQ sauce.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat to balance the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Offers smoky warmth and vibrant color.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Just enough to wake up your taste buds with a mild kick.
- ¾ cup favorite BBQ sauce: The sauce base that brings sticky, tangy goodness.
- ½ cup honey: For natural sweetness and that irresistible glaze.
- ¼ cup buffalo sauce: Adds a zesty, spicy lift to the sauce blend.
- 1 tablespoon butter (melted): Enriches the sauce with creaminess and a silky texture.
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar: Provides bright acidity to cut through the richness.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Used at the end to thicken the sauce into the perfect coating.
- Reynolds Kitchens® Slow Cooker Liners: A kitchen hack that makes cleanup effortless and protects your slow cooker.
How to Make Crockpot Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker
Start by lining your slow cooker with a Reynolds Kitchens® Slow Cooker Liner to ensure easy cleanup. This little trick saves you from scrubbing afterward and keeps the slow cooker in great shape.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Rub
In a large bowl, blend together the brown sugar, onion powder, seasoned salt, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Toss the dried chicken wings in this spice mixture until they’re thoroughly coated. This rub infuses every bite with a harmonious spice blend that is subtle but unforgettable.
Step 3: Place the Wings in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the seasoned wings into the slow cooker. Layer them evenly to ensure they cook uniformly and soak up that wonderful flavor.
Step 4: Mix and Add the Sauce
Using the same bowl (no need to wash it!), whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, buffalo sauce, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar. This dreamy sauce is what elevates these wings from tasty to absolutely crave-worthy. Pour it over the wings, tossing gently to coat every piece.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 2 hours or low for 3 to 4 hours. The goal here is tender wings reaching an internal temperature of 165°F, where they become juicy, fall-off-the-bone delicious. The slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the chicken to soak up all that sauce.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Once the wings are cooked, carefully remove them and place in a large bowl, leaving the sauce behind. Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, then stir this into the remaining sauce in the slow cooker. This step ensures the sauce thickens up nicely instead of being runny.
Step 7: Final Simmer
Set the slow cooker on high and cook the sauce for another 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken and bubble. Then pour this luscious, sticky sauce over the wings and toss again to coat each one perfectly. This final step seals in all those amazing flavors, giving you wings that glisten with a glossy, finger-licking sheen.
Step 8: Serve and Savor
Your wings are ready to be devoured! Serve them hot, grab some napkins, and get ready for compliments because this Crockpot Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe is about to become a new favorite.
How to Serve Crockpot Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra burst of freshness and color, sprinkle chopped green onions or freshly chopped cilantro over the wings right before serving. A little sesame seed sprinkle also adds a nice crunch and visual appeal. These garnishes lift the dish and make every bite pop with added texture and brightness.
Side Dishes
No wing feast is complete without some stellar sides. Crisp celery sticks and crunchy carrot batons are classic for balancing the sweet heat of the wings. Creamy coleslaw and buttery corn on the cob are fantastic options that complement the flavors and round out the meal perfectly. Don’t forget a side of tangy ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping!
Creative Ways to Present
Serving family-style on a large platter lined with parchment paper or banana leaves gives a casual party vibe everyone will love. For gatherings, consider skewering wings for a fun finger food twist or building a wing bar with various dipping sauces, pickles, and crunchy sides so everyone can customize their plates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover wings, simply place them along with sauce in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to deepen even more, making leftovers just as delightful as freshly cooked wings.
Freezing
To freeze, portion the cooked wings and sauce into freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. They will keep well for up to 2 months, offering a quick meal solution when you need a tasty fix without the prep work.
Reheating
When it’s time to reheat, thaw frozen wings overnight in the fridge. Warm them gently in the microwave or oven at 350°F until heated through, making sure to stir the sauce to keep it evenly coating the wings. Avoid overheating to keep the wings juicy and tender.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken wings or frozen wings for this recipe?
Definitely! Fresh wings are ideal, but if you’re using frozen wings, just make sure to thaw them completely before seasoning and cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
Absolutely. Increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash more buffalo sauce to the mix for more heat. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on the finished wings for an extra kick.
Can I prepare this recipe without a slow cooker?
You can, but the slow cooker is what makes these wings so tender and flavorful with minimal effort. If needed, bake wings in the oven at 400°F for about 40-45 minutes, basting them with sauce halfway through. However, the texture might differ from the slow-cooked version.
What’s the purpose of the cornstarch in the recipe?
The cornstarch slurry helps thicken the sauce at the end of cooking so it clings beautifully to the wings instead of being thin or watery. It gives the sauce that perfect glossy, sticky finish you want on BBQ wings.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
This particular recipe relies on chicken wings, but for a vegan twist, you could try using cauliflower florets or tofu baked separately and tossing them in a similar honey BBQ sauce. Just keep in mind cooking times and textures will differ.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish with minimal hassle but maximum flavor, the Crockpot Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe should be your new best friend. It’s such a joy to make and share – perfect for any occasion where good food and good company come together. Give it a try and get ready to impress everyone with sticky, sweet, smoky wings that keep them coming back for more!
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: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy tender and flavorful Crockpot Honey BBQ Chicken Wings made easy with a blend of spices, homemade honey BBQ sauce, and slow-cooked to perfection. This recipe delivers juicy wings with a sticky, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce that’s perfect for any gathering or game day.
Ingredients
Wings and Spice Mix
- 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 (saved for the end of the recipe)
- 2 tablespoons cold water (for cornstarch slurry)
Additional Supplies
- Reynolds Kitchens® Slow Cooker Liners
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Line your slow cooker with a Reynolds Kitchens® Slow Cooker Liner to make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.
- Mix Spices: In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, onion powder, seasoned salt, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper to create the dry rub.
- Coat Wings: Add the chicken wings to the bowl with the spices and toss thoroughly until the wings are evenly coated with the spice mixture.
- Add Wings to Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned wings directly into the lined slow cooker, spreading them out in an even layer.
- Prepare Sauce: Using the same bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, honey, buffalo sauce, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar, making sure the ingredients are well combined.
- Coat Wings with Sauce: Pour the sauce over the wings in the slow cooker and toss gently to coat all wings evenly.
- Cook Wings: Cover and cook on high setting for 2 hours or on low setting for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Thicken Sauce: Remove the wings from the slow cooker and place them in a large bowl, leaving the sauce behind in the cooker. Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry, then stir it into the sauce in the slow cooker.
- Finish Sauce: Turn the slow cooker to high and cook the sauce for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Toss Wings in Sauce: Pour the thickened sauce over the wings and toss well to coat each wing with the glossy honey BBQ sauce.
- Serve: Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your flavorful Crockpot Honey BBQ Chicken Wings!
Notes
- Ensure wings are patted dry before seasoning for better spice adherence.
- Use a meat thermometer to check wings reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the spiciness of the wings.
- Feel free to substitute your favorite BBQ sauce for a unique flavor twist.
- Slow cooker liners make cleanup quick and easy but are optional.
