If crispy, mouthwatering wings are your idea of the perfect snack or game day treat, the Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe is about to become your new go-to. These wings bring together the effortless convenience of slow cooking with the bold, tangy heat of classic Buffalo sauce, resulting in tender meat that practically falls off the bone, wrapped in a bright, buttery garlic coating. It’s a foolproof way to enjoy that irresistible Buffalo flavor while freeing yourself from constant stove-side attention. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it your staple for every casual gathering and cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a wonderful example of how a handful of simple, staple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Each item plays its role perfectly — from the spicy Buffalo sauce that defines the flavor to the garlic that adds depth and the butter that brings a silky richness, all building layers of irresistible wing goodness.
- 1½ cups Buffalo sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade version; this is the star of the show that delivers signature heat and tang.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds smooth richness and helps mellow the sauce’s sharpness for a more balanced flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth and a touch of savory warmth.
- 4 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken wings: Use fresh or frozen wings — the skin crisps beautifully in the final broil, locking in juices.
- Carrot and celery sticks: Classic accompaniments that add crunch and freshness to every bite.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing: Perfect for cooling down spicy bites and delivering creamy contrast.
How to Make Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Buffalo Sauce Mixture
Start by mixing the Buffalo sauce, melted butter, and minced garlic in a small bowl. This combination creates a luscious sauce that coats every wing with that perfect spicy, buttery flavor. The garlic wake-up call here is subtle but crucial, lending an irresistible savory note.
Step 2: Coat the Wings
Place your chicken wings in the slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over them. Toss everything gently to make sure each wing is completely covered. This is where the slow cooking magic begins — allowing the sauce to seep into the wings while keeping them incredibly tender.
Step 3: Slow Cook on Low Heat
Set your slow cooker to low and let the wings cook for 3 hours. This long, gentle cooking time breaks down connective tissues and renders the skin beautifully, making the wings juicy and tender without any fuss.
Step 4: Prepare for Broiling
Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly spray or brush it with olive oil. This step ensures the wings won’t stick when they hit the broiler and helps them crisp up to golden perfection.
Step 5: Transfer the Wings
Carefully remove the cooked wings from the slow cooker once they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet, ready for their final transformation under the broiler.
Step 6: Broil to Finish
Crank your broiler up to high and brush the wings with extra Buffalo sauce. Broil them for 4-5 minutes on one side until slightly browned and crispy. Flip the wings, brush the other side with sauce, and broil for another 4-5 minutes. This step is what brings that signature crispy edge and caramelized flavor everyone loves.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe with crunchy celery and carrot sticks on the side, along with ranch or blue cheese dressing. The cool, creamy dips are perfect to balance the wings’ fiery punch, completing a mouthwatering party-worthy dish.
How to Serve Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to your wings. Don’t underestimate how a simple garnish can elevate the presentation and brighten flavor profiles.
Side Dishes
Classic choices like celery and carrot sticks are a must-have for cooling contrast. For heartier sides, consider pairing your wings with crispy fries, creamy coleslaw, or even a crunchy salad to balance all the spicy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation up a notch by serving your wings in mini mason jars with dipping sauces layered at the bottom, or arrange them on a rustic wooden platter surrounded by colorful veggie sticks and small bowls of dressings for an inviting, shareable feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor actually deepens after a day, making them just as delicious on day two or three.
Freezing
These wings freeze beautifully. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet first to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 3 months, so you can always have a quick wing fix ready to go.
Reheating
To bring frozen or refrigerated wings back to life, reheat in an oven at 375°F until warmed through and the skin crisps up nicely, about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep that desirable crispy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen wings directly in the slow cooker?
Absolutely! One of the best parts about this Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe is its convenience. You can add frozen wings straight to the slow cooker, just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
How spicy are the wings in this recipe?
The heat level depends on the Buffalo sauce you choose, but the butter helps mellow the heat, delivering a well-balanced, moderately spicy wing perfect for most palates. You can always add extra sauce if you like more kick!
Is it necessary to broil the wings after slow cooking?
While slow cooking makes the wings tender and flavorful, broiling is what gives them that crave-worthy crispy skin and caramelized finish that just can’t be beat.
Can I make my own Buffalo sauce for this recipe?
Definitely! Homemade Buffalo sauce from hot sauce and melted butter works wonderfully here and lets you customize the heat and flavor exactly to your liking.
What’s the best dipping sauce to serve?
Ranch and blue cheese dressings are classic wing companions, but feel free to experiment. A cooling cucumber yogurt dip or even a smoky chipotle mayo can add a fresh twist to your Buffalo wings experience.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a wing recipe that’s easy, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying, this Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe is a winner through and through. The slow cooker frees you up while locking in juiciness, and the finishing broil brings all the crispy, spicy goodness you crave. Dive in, share with friends, and watch these wings become your new favorite comfort food tradition.
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Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crockpot Buffalo Wings are tender, flavorful, and perfectly coated in a tangy Buffalo sauce. Slow-cooked to juiciness and finished under the broiler for a crispy skin, they make a perfect game day or party appetizer served with classic celery, carrots, and ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Ingredients
Buffalo Sauce Mixture
- 1½ cups Buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade, plus more for brushing)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted, ½ stick)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
Chicken Wings
- 4 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken wings (fresh or frozen)
For Serving
- Carrot and celery sticks
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the Buffalo Sauce Mixture: In a small bowl, combine 1½ cups Buffalo sauce, ¼ cup melted unsalted butter, and 4 cloves minced garlic. Stir well to blend all ingredients evenly.
- Combine Wings and Sauce in Slow Cooker: Place 4 pounds of bone-in, skin-on chicken wings in a 6-quart slow cooker. Pour the Buffalo sauce mixture over the wings and toss gently to coat all pieces thoroughly.
- Slow Cook the Wings: Cover the slow cooker and cook the wings on low heat for 3 hours, until fully cooked and tender, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with olive oil spray or brush lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Transfer Wings to Baking Sheet: Remove the cooked wings from the slow cooker and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Broil for Crispiness: Preheat your oven broiler on high. Brush the wings with additional Buffalo sauce and broil for 4-5 minutes until the skin is lightly browned and crispy. Flip the wings, brush the other side with sauce, and broil for another 4-5 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the crispy Buffalo wings with celery and carrot sticks, extra Buffalo sauce for dipping, and ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh wings, but frozen wings can be used; just ensure they reach 165°F during cooking.
- You can make your own Buffalo sauce by combining hot sauce and melted butter.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of Buffalo sauce or choose a milder version.
- Using a broiler gives the wings a crispy skin finish that is hard to achieve in the slow cooker alone.
- Serve immediately after broiling for optimal crispness.
