These Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings are an easy way to enjoy a spicy treat at home! Just toss your chicken wings in a tasty buffalo sauce and let the slow cooker do its magic.
With no frying involved, you get juicy wings that are packed with flavor. Perfect for game day or a fun night in! I love serving them with ranch dip for some coolness. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: You’ll need about 3 pounds. Look for wings that are fresh or frozen, but thaw them in your fridge beforehand if frozen. If wings aren’t available, drumsticks or even boneless chicken pieces work as a substitute.
Buffalo Sauce: You can use store-bought buffalo sauce, but if you’re adventurous, making your own can be rewarding! A mix of hot sauce and melted butter is an easy and great alternative. Adjust the heat by adding more or less hot sauce.
Unsalted Butter: This helps to blend flavors while keeping the sauce rich. You can swap it with olive oil for a lighter version or use margarine if dairy is a concern.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This ingredient adds tanginess to the sauce. If you don’t have it, white vinegar or lemon juice can do the job. I often use lemon juice for a fresh flavor twist!
Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika are essential. If you don’t have garlic or onion powder, feel free to use minced garlic or fresh onion, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Smoked paprika can give a nice, smoky depth to your wings as a fun alternative.
How Do I Ensure the Wings Are Tender and Flavorful?
To make the wings delightfully tender and packed with flavor, there’s a technique that really makes a difference: the cooking method.
- Start by rinsing and drying the chicken wings. This helps them crisp up later if you broil them.
- When making the sauce, let it heat through without boiling. Just warm up the ingredients until everything’s well-mixed.
- Cook in the slow cooker. Low and slow is your friend here, giving the wings time to absorb the sauce and become tender. Stick to the recommended times based on your setting.
- If you want crispy wings at the end, broiling them for a few minutes after slow cooking will create that nice texture. Just keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Cooking with patience makes all the difference, and I promise the flavors will be worth the wait!
How to Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Wings:
- 3 pounds chicken wings
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- 1 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish (optional)
- Celery sticks and blue cheese dressing, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then you can cook it in the slow cooker. Expect to wait around 4 to 5 hours if cooking on low, or 2 to 3 hours if cooking on high. If you want crispy wings, add an extra 5 minutes under the broiler.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Wings:
Start by rinsing the chicken wings under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels. If you prefer, you can separate the flats and drumettes for easier eating.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in the buffalo sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix it well until everything is combined and heated through. After a couple of minutes, remove the sauce from the heat.
3. Combine:
Take your slow cooker and place the chicken wings inside. Pour the buffalo sauce mixture over the wings. Make sure all the wings are well coated with that delicious sauce!
4. Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and let the wings cook. You can choose to cook them on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. They should be cooked through and super tender when done.
5. Crisp the Wings (Optional):
If you like your wings a little crispy, preheat the oven broiler. Once the wings are done in the slow cooker, carefully transfer them to a baking sheet lined with foil. Broil on high for 4-5 minutes until they look crispy and browned, but watch them closely to prevent burning!
6. Serve:
Garnish your tasty wings with chopped green onions or parsley if you want. Serve them hot with crunchy celery sticks and blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings! Just keep in mind that they’ll need a bit more time to cook; add an extra hour to both the low and high cooking times. For best results, ensure they’re thoroughly cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Can I Make My Own Buffalo Sauce?
Absolutely! To make your own buffalo sauce, simply combine melted butter with hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot), adding more or less depending on your heat preference. You can also include a dash of garlic powder and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
How to Store Leftover Wings?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but be wary of the wings getting soggy.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Yes, you can easily adjust the spice level! To make your wings milder, use a less spicy buffalo sauce or mix in some additional melted butter. If you like it hotter, add some cayenne pepper or use a hotter sauce to your buffalo sauce mixture.
