Name: Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 2 h 36 min
Total time: 2 h 46 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 lbs party wings; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1½ tsp garlic powder; 1½ tsp onion powder; 1½ tsp kosher salt; 1½ tbsp fresh ground black pepper; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp parsley; ¾ tsp cayenne; ¾ cup hot sauce; ½ cup honey; 1 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp molasses; To serve:; 1 tbsp chives; carrot and celery sticks; blue cheese

This slow cooker honey buffalo chicken wings recipe is a real crowd-pleaser, perfect for game nights or family gatherings. The wings are dusted with a spicy rub, slow-cooked until tender, then glazed with a sweet and tangy honey buffalo sauce. The finishing touch under the broiler gives them a satisfying crunch. The flavors of sweet, spicy, and savory all come together in these irresistible wings.

Photos of Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe

Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry items like garlic powder, onion powder, and hot sauce. However, you might need to pick up some party wings, which are chicken wings that have been separated into drumettes and wingettes. You may also need to get some molasses, which is a thick, sweet syrup that adds a rich, dark flavor to the sauce. If you can't find it in your local supermarket, it can be substituted with dark brown sugar.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Chicken Wings

Party wings: These are small, portion-sized pieces of chicken wings.

Brown sugar: It adds a sweet depth to the spice mixture.

Garlic powder and onion powder: These give the wings a savory flavor.

Kosher salt: Balances out the sweet and spicy flavors.

Black pepper, paprika, cumin, parsley, and cayenne: These make up the spicy rub for the wings.

Hot sauce: Adds heat to the buffalo sauce.

Honey: Balances out the heat with its sweetness.

Butter: Gives the sauce a rich, creamy texture.

Molasses: Adds a deep, sweet flavor to the sauce.

Chives: Used for garnish, they add a mild oniony flavor.

Carrot and celery sticks: These provide a refreshing crunch.

Blue cheese: Serves as a tangy dip for the wings.

One reader, Alameda Spradlin says:

These slow cooker honey buffalo chicken wings are a game-changer! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the meat is so tender it falls off the bone. The honey and hot sauce combo is divine. It's a must-try for any wing lover!

Alameda Spradlin

Techniques Required for Making Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Chicken Wings

How to prepare the dry rub: Combine brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, parsley, and cayenne in a medium-sized bowl.

How to coat the wings with the dry rub: Sprinkle the dry rub over the chicken wings and toss to coat.

How to make the buffalo sauce: In a bowl, combine hot sauce, honey, butter, and molasses. Stir with a fork to combine, then pour over the wings and toss to coat.

How to reduce the sauce: After cooking the wings, remove them from the pot and pour the liquid into a large saucepan. Simmer on high heat, stirring occasionally for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced to a thick glaze consistency.

How to broil the wings: Preheat the broiler and place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet. Toss the wings in the glaze to coat, then place on the wire rack. Broil for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the wings start to get crispy. Flip the wings and broil the other side for an additional 3 to 4 minutes.

How To Make Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Chicken Wings

Slow-cooked for a flavorful, sweet and spicy feat, these honey buffalo chicken wings are well-spiced, served with carrots, celery, and blue cheese dressing.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 2 hours 36 minutes

Total: 2 hours 46 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

4lbsparty wings,broken into flats and drummettes,
1tbspbrown sugar
1½tspgarlic powder
1½tsponion powder
1½tspkosher salt
1½tbspfresh ground black pepper
1tsppaprika
1tspcumin
1tspparsley,dried
¾tspcayenne,depending on the desired spice level
¾cuphot sauce,such as Crystal or Frank’s
½cuphoney
1tbspbutter,melted
1tbspmolasses

To Serve:

1tbspchives,chopped, optional
carrot and celery sticks
blue cheese,or ranch dressing, for serving

Instructions

Combine the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, parsley, and cayenne in a medium-sized bowl.
Place the wings in the pot of the slow cooker.
Sprinkle the dry rub over the chicken wings and toss to coat.
Pour the hot sauce, honey, butter, and molasses into the same bowl used for the spices.
Stir with a fork to combine, then pour over the wings and toss to coat.
Set the slow cooker to the desired temperature. If High, cook for 2½ hours. If Low, cook for 3½ hours.
Once the wings are done, remove the wings from the pot and pour the liquid into a large saucepan.
Simmer on high heat, stirring occasionally for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced to a thick glaze consistency.
While the sauce is thickening, preheat the broiler.
Place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet.
Once the sauce has thickened into a glaze, toss the wings in the glaze to coat, then place on the wire rack.
Broil for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the wings start to get crispy.
Flip the wings and broil the other side for an additional 3 to 4 minutes.
Garnish the wings with chopped chives, if desired.
Serve with carrot or celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing on the side.

Nutrition

Calories: 100.61kcal
Fat: 1.70g
Saturated Fat: 0.96g
Trans Fat: 0.06g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.44g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.16g
Carbohydrates: 22.91g
Fiber: 0.74g
Sugar: 20.85g
Protein: 0.59g
Cholesterol: 3.82mg
Sodium: 563.05mg
Calcium: 21.56mg
Potassium: 127.13mg
Iron: 0.76mg
Vitamin A: 26.42µg
Vitamin C: 16.62mg

Technique Tip for Perfecting Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Chicken Wings

To ensure your chicken wings are crispy and not soggy, pat them dry with a paper towel before applying the dry rub. This will help the rub adhere better and also remove any excess moisture that could prevent the wings from getting crispy. Additionally, broiling the wings after they've been slow cooked not only helps to crisp up the skin, but also caramelizes the honey in the glaze, adding another layer of flavor. Remember to keep a close eye on them under the broiler as they can easily burn due to the high sugar content in the glaze.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Chicken Wings

Prep ahead: Prepare the dry rub and sauce the night before and store them separately in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of cooking.

Use pre-cut wings: Save time by purchasing pre-cut chicken wings instead of cutting them yourself. This will eliminate the need for extra prep work.

Slow cooker liners: Consider using slow cooker liners for easy cleanup. This will save time on washing the slow cooker pot.

Double the batch: Make a larger batch and freeze the extra cooked wings for future quick and convenient meals.

Invest in a good slow cooker: A reliable slow cooker with accurate temperature settings can help ensure the wings are cooked perfectly without constant monitoring.

Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe

Party wings - Substitute with chicken drumsticks: Chicken drumsticks are a meatier alternative to party wings and will hold up well in the slow cooker, absorbing the flavors of the sauce while remaining tender and juicy.
Brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a similar sweetness and depth of flavor to brown sugar, adding a rich, caramelized taste to the dish.
Hot sauce - Substitute with sriracha: Sriracha can be used as a substitute for hot sauce, providing a tangy and spicy kick to the dish.
Butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter, adding a subtle hint of coconut flavor to the dish.
Blue cheese - Substitute with gorgonzola: Gorgonzola cheese offers a similar tangy and creamy flavor profile to blue cheese, making it a suitable substitute for this recipe.

Best Way to Present Honey Buffalo Chicken Wings

Elevate the plating: Arrange the chicken wings in a circular pattern on a large, white, rectangular platter, ensuring they are evenly spaced and visually appealing.
Incorporate color contrast: Garnish the platter with vibrant green celery and carrot sticks, strategically placed to create a visually appealing contrast against the rich, glazed chicken wings.
Add a touch of elegance with blue cheese: Present the blue cheese in a small, delicate serving bowl, placed in the center of the platter, adding a touch of sophistication to the overall presentation.
Emphasize texture: Place the crispy, glazed chicken wings on a wire rack atop a sleek, modern rimmed baking sheet, highlighting the contrast between the tender meat and the crispy exterior.
Highlight the glaze: Drizzle a minimal amount of the reduced glaze over the wings, creating a glossy sheen that enhances the visual appeal and showcases the flavors of the dish.
Garnish with precision: Sprinkle finely chopped chives over the wings with precision, adding a pop of color and a subtle hint of freshness to the dish.
Create a focal point: Position the platter at the center of the table, ensuring it is the focal point of the presentation, drawing attention to the exquisite arrangement of the honey buffalo chicken wings.

Essential Tools for Making Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Chicken Wings

Slow cooker: A slow cooker is a countertop electrical cooking appliance used for simmering, which allows for the preparation of dishes such as stews, soups, and braises with minimal effort.
Medium-sized bowl: A medium-sized bowl is used for mixing and combining ingredients.
Fork: A fork is used for stirring and mixing the hot sauce, honey, butter, and molasses.
Saucepan: A saucepan is used for simmering and reducing the liquid to a thick glaze consistency.
Wire rack: A wire rack is used on a rimmed baking sheet for broiling the chicken wings.
Rimmed baking sheet: A rimmed baking sheet is used to hold the wire rack and catch any drippings while broiling the wings.

How To Store and Freeze Honey Buffalo Chicken Wings

Allow the chicken wings to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze the wings, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 2 hours). Once frozen, transfer the wings to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. This method prevents the wings from sticking together and allows for easy portioning later on.
When storing the honey buffalo sauce separately, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. The sauce can be refrigerated for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 3 months.
To reheat the frozen chicken wings, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. If you have frozen the sauce separately, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
If you want to reheat the wings with the sauce, place the frozen wings and sauce in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking to allow the wings to crisp up.

How To Reheat Leftover Honey Buffalo Chicken Wings

The best way to reheat leftover slow cooker honey buffalo chicken wings is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are heated through and the skin is crispy.
Another option is to reheat the wings in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and place the wings in the basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the wings are hot and crispy.
If you're short on time, you can also reheat the wings in the microwave. Place the wings on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high for 1-2 minutes, or until they are heated through. However, keep in mind that the skin may not be as crispy as it would be if you reheated them in the oven or air fryer.
For a quick and easy way to reheat the honey buffalo sauce, simply pour it into a small saucepan and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is warm and bubbly. You can then toss the reheated wings in the sauce before serving.
If you find that the honey buffalo sauce has thickened too much during storage, you can thin it out by adding a little bit of chicken broth or water to the saucepan as you reheat it. This will help to restore the sauce to its original consistency.

Random Fact About Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Chicken Wings

Buffalo chicken wings are not actually from Buffalo, New York. They were invented at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo in 1964.

Is Making Honey Buffalo Chicken Wings at Home Economical?

The cost-effectiveness of this slow cooker honey buffalo chicken wings recipe is quite high. The ingredients are relatively affordable and can be found in most households. The combination of chicken wings, hot sauce, and honey creates a flavorful dish that is worth the investment. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20-$25, making it a budget-friendly option for a delicious meal. Overall, this recipe earns a solid 8 out of 10 for its affordability and the delightful flavors it brings to the table.

Are Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Chicken Wings Healthy or Unhealthy?

This slow cooker honey buffalo chicken wings recipe is a delicious treat, but it's not the healthiest option. Here's why:

The recipe calls for a significant amount of hot sauce and honey, which are high in sodium and sugar, respectively. Consuming too much of either can lead to health issues like high blood pressure and obesity.
The wings are cooked in a slow cooker, which can cause the skin to become soft and lose its crispiness. This may prompt some people to eat more than they would if the wings were crispy, leading to overconsumption.
The recipe also includes butter and molasses, which are high in saturated fat and sugar. While these ingredients add flavor, they can also contribute to health problems if consumed in excess.

However, there are some ways to make this recipe healthier:

Reduce the amount of hot sauce and honey used in the recipe, or opt for low-sodium and low-sugar alternatives.
Instead of using the slow cooker, try baking the wings in the oven. This will help the skin become crispy without the need for additional oil or butter.
Use a leaner cut of chicken, such as chicken breast, instead of wings. This will reduce the overall fat content of the dish.
Serve the wings with a variety of fresh vegetables, such as carrot sticks, celery sticks, and bell peppers. This will add nutrients and fiber to the meal, making it more balanced and satisfying.
Instead of blue cheese dressing, which can be high in fat and calories, opt for a lighter dipping sauce like Greek yogurt ranch or a homemade vinaigrette.

Editor's Thoughts on This Honey Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe

The slow cooker honey buffalo chicken wings recipe is a tantalizing blend of sweet and spicy flavors that will surely impress your guests. The combination of honey, hot sauce, and spices creates a mouthwatering glaze that perfectly coats the tender wings. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a deliciously sticky and succulent dish. The final touch of broiling adds a crispy texture, elevating the overall dining experience. This recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser and is perfect for any gathering or game day feast.

Enhance Your Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection and topped with a savory garlic parmesan crust.

Savory Bacon Wrapped Dates: Sweet dates stuffed with creamy goat cheese, wrapped in crispy bacon, and baked to perfection for a delicious appetizer.

Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries: Thinly sliced sweet potatoes seasoned and baked to crispy perfection, perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce.

Alternative Recipes Similar to Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Chicken Wings

Spicy Beef Tacos: Create a flavorful and spicy beef taco filling using a blend of spices and seasonings, then serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Mango Salsa Chicken: Marinate chicken in a zesty mango salsa, then grill or bake until tender and juicy for a tropical twist on a classic chicken dish.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: Simmer ripe tomatoes and fresh basil with cream for a rich and velvety tomato basil soup that's perfect for a cozy night in.

Berry Cobbler: Combine fresh berries with a buttery, crumbly topping for a delicious and comforting berry cobbler dessert that's perfect for any occasion.

Suggested Main Courses and Desserts to Pair with Honey Buffalo Chicken Wings

Main Courses:

Beef Stroganoff: Tender strips of beef in a creamy mushroom sauce, served over a bed of buttery egg noodles. The richness of the sauce perfectly complements the savory beef, creating a comforting and satisfying dish.

Chicken Alfredo: Juicy grilled chicken breast smothered in a velvety, garlic-infused alfredo sauce, tossed with al dente fettuccine. The creamy sauce coats each strand of pasta, creating a luxurious and indulgent main course.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant and decadent dessert experience.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Savor the creamy and luscious texture of a classic strawberry cheesecake, topped with a vibrant and glossy strawberry glaze for a delightful and refreshing treat.

Why trust this Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe:

This recipe guarantees delicious chicken wings with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. The combination of honey and hot sauce creates a tantalizing glaze that caramelizes beautifully under the broiler. The use of fresh ground black pepper and paprika adds depth and complexity to the seasoning. The slow cooking process ensures tender, juicy wings, while the final broiling step creates a crispy exterior. The reduction of the glaze intensifies the flavors, resulting in a mouthwatering appetizer or main dish. Trust this recipe for a crowd-pleasing, finger-licking experience.

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FAQ:

Can I use chicken drumsticks instead of wings for this recipe?

Yes, you can absolutely use chicken drumsticks instead of wings. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, but the flavors will still be delicious.

Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can definitely make this recipe in the oven. Simply follow the same steps for seasoning and coating the wings, then bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 45-50 minutes, or until they are cooked through. You can then broil them for a few minutes to get that crispy finish.

Is there a substitute for hot sauce if I want to make it less spicy?

If you prefer a milder version, you can substitute the hot sauce with a combination of ketchup and a splash of apple cider vinegar. This will still give you a tangy and slightly sweet flavor without the heat.

Can I prepare the wings ahead of time and reheat them later?

Absolutely! You can prepare the wings ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are heated through.

How can I make the wings extra crispy?

To make the wings extra crispy, you can increase the broiling time or broil them for an additional 2-3 minutes on each side. You can also lightly coat the wings with a thin layer of cornstarch before broiling to achieve a crispier texture.