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
Scale
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.
