The Best Fall-Apart Tender Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings

Introduction

Get ready to discover the magic of effortlessly delicious buffalo wings! This recipe for slow cooker buffalo wings is perfect for easy entertaining, game nights, or even a simple weeknight meal. You’ll enjoy unbelievably tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken wings bursting with classic flavor, all with minimal fuss. Embrace hands-off cooking and satisfy your cravings with this incredible dish.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings Recipe

• Ultimate Tenderness: Achieve incredibly fall-off-the-bone tender chicken, a texture impossible with traditional frying. The slow cooker works its magic, ensuring every bite is succulent and melts in your mouth. Understanding the culinary science of slow cooking reveals how extended low heat transforms tough collagen into tender gelatin.
• Healthier Option: Enjoy a non-fried version of your favorite appetizer, making these delicious wings a slightly lighter choice. You still get all the flavor without the deep-frying mess.
• Minimal Cleanup: With smart kitchen hacks like slow cooker liners and foil-lined baking sheets, cleanup becomes a breeze. Spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your meal.
• Customizable Flavors: Easily adapt the sauce to your preferences, swapping out buffalo for teriyaki, BBQ, or a sweet and spicy glaze. This versatility makes the recipe a keeper for any palate.
• Hands-Off Cooking: This simple method frees up your time, allowing you to focus on other tasks while the slow cooker does all the work. It’s perfect for busy parents and beginners alike.

Ingredients

Gathering just a few simple ingredients is all it takes to make these incredible slow cooker buffalo wings. These staple items come together to create a deeply flavorful and satisfying dish that everyone will love.

• 3-4 pounds chicken wing pieces
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (or another kind of oil)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 tablespoons butter (preferably salted)
• 1/2 cup hot sauce (I like using Frank’s Red Hot)
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• celery sticks, carrot sticks, and ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving (optional)

Notes & Substitutions

Feel free to use drumettes or whole wings if you prefer; just ensure they fit well in your slow cooker. You can easily substitute the extra-virgin olive oil with canola oil or another neutral oil. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different spices or your favorite BBQ rub for a unique twist. For a dairy-free buffalo sauce, use ghee or a plant-based butter alternative. Finally, you can easily swap the buffalo sauce for a different flavor like teriyaki or BBQ sauce.

Equipment

Making these delicious wings is straightforward with just a few basic kitchen tools. You’ll need a reliable slow cooker to get started. Tongs will be incredibly useful for handling the cooked chicken, and a large mixing bowl is essential for coating the wings in sauce. An optional foil-lined rimmed baking sheet will help you achieve that desirable crispy finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the most tender and flavorful slow cooker buffalo wings. This beginner-friendly guide ensures perfect results every time.

1. Season Wings: Begin by placing your chicken wing pieces (3-4 lbs.) directly into the slow cooker crock. Drizzle them with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the spices: 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon chili powder. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure each chicken piece is evenly coated with the seasoning blend.
2. Slow Cook: Cover your slow cooker and cook the chicken wings on the low setting for 2.5 to 3 hours. The cooking time ensures the wings become incredibly tender. To ensure food safety, the USDA recommends cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F. Always check that the internal temperature of the wings reaches a safe 165 degrees F using a meat thermometer.
3. Prepare Sauce: While the wings cook, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the bottom of a large mixing bowl. Stir in 1/2 cup of hot sauce and 1/4 cup of ketchup. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined, forming your delicious buffalo sauce.
4. Coat Wings: Once the wings are cooked, use tongs to carefully remove them from the slow cooker. Transfer the tender chicken wings directly into the bowl containing the buffalo sauce. Toss the wings gently to coat each piece thoroughly and evenly with the savory sauce.
5. Broil (Optional): For an irresistible crispy skin and thicker sauce, line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and arrange the coated wings skin-side up. Brush or drizzle any extra buffalo sauce from the bottom of the bowl over the tops of the wings. Broil for 5-10 minutes, watching carefully, until the sauce has thickened and caramelized slightly and the chicken skin crisps up. This step is highly recommended for optimal texture and flavor adherence.
6. Serve: Plate your delicious slow cooker buffalo wings immediately. Serve them hot with classic accompaniments like crisp celery sticks, fresh carrot sticks, and a side of creamy ranch or tangy blue cheese dressing, if desired.

Pro Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings

• Frozen Wings: If using frozen wings, cook them on high for about 3 hours. Make sure to separate frozen wings before cooking for more even heat distribution. Always verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Crispy Skin: Broiling is the secret to achieving wonderfully crispy skin on your slow cooker buffalo wings. For even crisping, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the broiling process.
• Flavor Boost: To add extra heat, stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper to your buffalo sauce. Brushing extra sauce onto the wings during broiling helps build a thicker, more caramelized glaze.
• Easy Cleanup: For effortless cleanup, consider using a slow cooker liner. Lining your baking sheet with foil before broiling also saves on scrubbing. Always use tongs to safely handle hot chicken.
• Double Batches: If doubling the recipe, ensure your slow cooker has enough space and stir the wings halfway through cooking. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly for larger batches.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations

Serving

Serve these delightful buffalo wings hot, garnished with crisp celery and carrot sticks for a refreshing contrast. Offer classic ranch or creamy blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping. They make a fantastic appetizer for game days, parties, or any casual gathering. For a complete meal, pair them with a simple side salad or some fluffy rice.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover slow cooker buffalo wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven or an air fryer to help bring back some of their desired crispiness. Avoid microwave reheating if you prefer a firmer texture.

Variations

• Sauce Swap: Explore different flavor profiles by swapping the buffalo sauce for a tangy BBQ, savory teriyaki, or a sweet and sour sauce.
• Chicken Cuts: While wings are traditional, you can also cook small drumsticks using this method; just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked.
• Dry Rub: For a different experience, skip the sauce entirely and enjoy plain seasoned wings straight from the slow cooker after broiling for crispness.
• Honey Garlic: Toss the cooked wings with a homemade or store-bought honey garlic sauce for a sweet and savory alternative.

Nutrition Information

Understanding the nutritional content can help you make informed choices about your meals. Here’s an estimate for one serving of these delicious slow cooker buffalo wings:

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use frozen wings in a slow cooker?
  • Yes, you absolutely can! Cook frozen wings on high for about 3 hours, ensuring they are separated for even cooking. Always check they reach 165°F internally.
• How do I prevent wings from falling apart?
  • After cooking, handle the incredibly tender wings very gently when transferring them to the sauce. Broiling also helps to firm them up and bind the sauce.
• What size slow cooker is best?
  • A 4-quart or 6-quart slow cooker works perfectly for a batch of 3-4 lbs of chicken wings. This size allows them to cook evenly.
• Can I double the recipe?
  • Yes, you can double the recipe if your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra volume. Ensure there’s enough space for even cooking and stir them halfway through.
• How do I make the wings extra crispy after slow cooking?
  • Broiling is the ultimate key for extra crispy skin on your slow cooker buffalo wings. High heat for 5-10 minutes under the broiler will give them a fantastic texture.

Conclusion

You now have the secret to enjoying incredibly tender, flavorful slow cooker buffalo wings with minimal effort. This simple method simplifies preparation, delivering a dish that tastes like it took hours of intricate work. Perfect for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a lively party, these customizable wings are sure to become a cherished recipe in your kitchen. Give this recipe a try and savor the delicious, hands-off results!

The Best Fall-Apart Tender Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings

Indulge in these incredibly tender and flavorful buffalo wings, effortlessly cooked in a slow cooker and finished under the broiler for crispy perfection. A crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs 35 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 3-4 pounds chicken wing pieces
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or another kind of oil
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 tablespoons butter preferably salted
• 1/2 cup hot sauce I like using Frank's Red Hot
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• celery sticks, carrot sticks, and ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving (optional)

Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Large Bowl
• Tongs
• Foil-Lined Rimmed Baking Sheet
• Brush (optional)

Method

 

Instructions

1. Place chicken wings in a slow cooker, drizzle with olive oil, and add all spices. Stir to coat the wings evenly.
2. Cook on low for 2.5-3 hours until the wings reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
3. Melt butter in a large bowl, then stir in hot sauce and ketchup to create the buffalo sauce.
4. Transfer cooked wings from the slow cooker to the bowl with buffalo sauce and toss them to coat evenly.
5. Arrange wings on a foil-lined baking sheet, brush with extra sauce, and broil for 5-10 minutes until caramelized and crispy.
6. Serve the buffalo wings with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and ranch or blue cheese dressing, if desired.

Notes

Broiling the wings at the end is highly recommended for crispy skin and caramelized sauce.