crockpot chicken wings recipes easy: 7 mouthwatering ideas

By:

Christina R. Jones

December 29, 2025

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Oh boy, if you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that practically cooks itself, you’ve hit the jackpot with these easy crockpot chicken wings! Honestly, I can’t get enough of how simple they are to make. Just toss everything into your crockpot, set it, and let it do its magic while you kick back and relax. The wings come out tender, juicy, and coated in a deliciously sticky sauce that’s packed with flavor. I love serving these at gatherings because they disappear faster than I can put them on the table! Plus, you can easily customize the sauce to suit your taste, whether you’re a fan of sweet, tangy, or spicy flavors. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be making it on repeat!

Ingredients List

To whip up these scrumptious crockpot chicken wings, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 lbs chicken wings
1 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground ginger
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to gather everything before you start cooking. It makes the process even smoother and keeps the kitchen chaos to a minimum – trust me, I’ve been there! Feel free to tweak the ingredients based on your preferences, like adding more honey if you’re a sweet tooth or a splash of hot sauce if you like it spicy!

How to Prepare Instructions

Getting these delicious crockpot chicken wings ready is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying mouthwatering wings in no time.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Prep the wings: Start by rinsing your chicken wings under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up a bit and means the sauce will cling better. Trust me, it makes a difference!
Load up the crockpot: Place the wings in the bottom of your crockpot. Make sure they’re spread out evenly so they cook thoroughly. No one likes undercooked wings, right?
Mix the sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Give it a good stir until everything is well blended. The aroma will have you drooling already – I promise!
Pour it on: Now, pour that luscious sauce over the chicken wings in the crockpot. Make sure to coat them well; you want every wing to be swimming in that flavor-packed goodness.
Season it up: Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy here; a little seasoning goes a long way in enhancing the flavor of your wings!
Set it and forget it: Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. I usually opt for low and slow – it really helps the flavors develop and the meat become fall-off-the-bone tender. If you’re short on time, the high setting works perfectly fine too!
Check for doneness: When the time’s up, give those wings a gentle stir. They should be tender and coated in that sticky sauce. If you want them a little saucier, you can always let them cook a bit longer – just keep an eye on them!
Serve and enjoy: Once they’re done, serve your wings hot, and don’t forget to have some celery sticks and blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping. Trust me, it’s the perfect combo!

And there you have it! Easy, flavorful crockpot chicken wings that are sure to impress your family and friends. You’ll be the star of the next gathering with these delicious bites!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Prep Time: With just 15 minutes of prep, you can have everything ready to go into the crockpot. It’s so simple, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try this sooner!
Set It and Forget It: Once you’ve loaded up the crockpot, you can kick back and relax. There’s no need to hover around the stove; let the magic happen while you enjoy your day!
Unbeatable Flavor: The combination of barbecue sauce, honey, and spices creates a deliciously sticky glaze that’s finger-licking good. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Perfect for Gatherings: These wings are a guaranteed hit at parties, game days, or family get-togethers. They disappear faster than you can say “crockpot!”
Easy Cleanup: Cooking in a crockpot means fewer dishes to wash afterward. Just toss the liner (if you use one) or give the pot a quick rinse, and you’re done! Easy peasy!
Customizable: You can tweak the sauce ingredients to suit your preferences, making it a versatile recipe for any palate. Want it spicier? Add some hot sauce. Prefer it sweeter? Just pour in more honey!

Tips for Success

To ensure your crockpot chicken wings turn out absolutely perfect every time, here are some handy tips that I swear by:

Don’t Skip the Drying Step: After rinsing your chicken wings, make sure to pat them dry. This little step helps the skin get a bit crispy, even in the crockpot, and allows the sauce to stick better. You’ll notice the difference!
Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility! If you like things sweeter, add more honey. Want a kick of heat? A dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor. Feel free to experiment until you find your perfect balance!
Keep an Eye on Cooking Times: Every crockpot is a bit different, so if you’re trying this for the first time, check the wings around the 5-hour mark on low or 2.5 hours on high. You want them tender and fully cooked, so adjust as necessary!
Consider Adding a Thickener: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will give your sauce a nice glossy finish!
Try Broiling for Extra Crispiness: If you love that crispy finish, consider broiling the wings for a few minutes after they’re done in the crockpot. Just spread them out on a baking sheet, brush with some extra sauce, and pop them under the broiler for 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they can go from perfect to burnt in a flash!
Save the Leftovers: If you have any wings left (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll be just as tasty the next day, and you can reheat them in the microwave or throw them back in the crockpot for a quick warm-up!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to make the most delicious, crowd-pleasing crockpot chicken wings ever. Happy cooking!

Nutritional Information

When you’re diving into these delicious crockpot chicken wings, it’s good to know what you’re getting in each serving. Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values for one serving, which consists of about four wings:

Calories: 250
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 800mg
Cholesterol: 80mg
Fiber: 0g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and how you prepare the wings. If you modify the sauce or add any extras, it’ll affect the nutritional content. But hey, a little flexibility never hurt anyone, right? Enjoy your wings with confidence!

FAQ Section

Got questions about these easy crockpot chicken wings? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that come up, along with my thoughts:

How can I adjust the cooking time if I’m short on time?
If you need to speed things up, you can cook the wings on high for about 3 hours instead of the 6 hours on low. Just keep an eye on them to ensure they’re fully cooked and tender. Every crockpot is a little different, so check for doneness at the 2.5-hour mark!
What can I serve with these chicken wings?
I love pairing these wings with classic sides like celery sticks and a creamy blue cheese dressing for dipping. You could also go for carrot sticks, potato wedges, or even a fresh salad to balance out the richness of the wings!
Can I make these wings ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the wings and sauce the night before, then just pop them in the crockpot in the morning. They’ll be ready to enjoy by the time you’re back home. Just be sure to refrigerate everything until you’re ready to cook!
How should I store leftovers?
If you happen to have leftovers (which is a rare treat!), let them cool, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for about 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or toss them back in the crockpot to warm them up.
Can I freeze the wings?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked wings! Just make sure they’re cooled completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They should last for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat!
What if I want to make them spicier?
If you’re a fan of heat, feel free to add some hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture. You can adjust the amount to your liking – it can really elevate the flavor profile and give it a nice kick!

Hopefully, these FAQs help you feel more confident as you whip up your batch of crockpot chicken wings. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions – I’m here to help you make the best wings ever!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve made a big batch of those delicious crockpot chicken wings and now you’ve got leftovers. No worries, I’ve got you covered on how to store and reheat them so they’re just as tasty as when they first came out of the crockpot!

First things first, let your wings cool down a bit before you store them. Once they’re at room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container. If you have a lot of sauce, you might want to separate the wings from the sauce to prevent them from getting too soggy. Just pour a bit of the sauce over the wings for flavor and save the rest in a small jar or another container.

Store the container in the fridge, and they should be good for about 3-4 days. If you know you won’t eat them within that time, you can also freeze them! Just make sure they’re completely cooled before you place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last in the freezer for about 2-3 months. Don’t forget to label the bag with the date so you can keep track!

When you’re ready to enjoy those wings again, reheating is key to keeping the flavor and texture intact. For the best results, I recommend reheating them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re heated through and the skin gets a little crispy again. You can brush them with a bit of leftover sauce before baking if you want to amp up that flavor!

If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too! Just pop them on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat them in 30-second intervals until they’re warmed to your liking. Just be aware that the skin might not be as crispy this way, but they’ll still taste great!

Now you’re all set to enjoy those tasty leftovers without losing any of that mouthwatering flavor! Happy snacking!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve got those tasty crockpot chicken wings ready to go, it’s time to think about what to serve alongside them! The right sides and dips can elevate your meal and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some suggestions that pair perfectly with those sticky, flavorful wings:

Classic Celery and Carrot Sticks: These crunchy veggies offer a refreshing contrast to the rich, saucy wings. Plus, they’re a classic pairing that everyone loves!
Blue Cheese Dressing: You can’t go wrong with a creamy blue cheese dip! It’s the perfect accompaniment for dipping those wings and balancing the flavors. You can also try ranch dressing if that’s more your style!
Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned to perfection make for a hearty side. They’re great for soaking up any extra sauce and are always a crowd-pleaser.
Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw can add a delightful texture and flavor contrast. The coolness of the slaw complements the warmth of the wings beautifully.
Macaroni and Cheese: If you’re in the mood for comfort food, creamy mac and cheese is a fantastic side that pairs well with just about anything, especially wings!
Grilled Corn on the Cob: When in season, sweet corn on the cob is a fun and delicious addition. Slather it with butter and sprinkle some salt for a delightful summer vibe.
Sweet Potato Fries: These are a great alternative to regular fries, offering a hint of sweetness that pairs nicely with the savory wings. Plus, they’re a bit healthier!

Feel free to mix and match these suggestions based on your crowd’s preferences. Whatever you choose, you’re bound to have a delicious spread that everyone will enjoy! Happy serving!