Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Wings are a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and sticky goodness. Cooking them in the slow cooker makes them incredibly tender and flavorful, with minimal effort. The honey and garlic sauce creates a delicious glaze, and the slow cooking ensures the wings are juicy and packed with flavor. Here’s a simple and tasty recipe to make these wings at home:
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 to 3 lbs chicken wings (about 12-15 wings)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium works best)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated (optional but adds great flavor)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional, for added depth)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
- 1 tbsp water (if using cornstarch)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Wings:
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the sauce to stick better and gives them a crispier texture.
- If you prefer, you can separate the wings into flats and drumettes, but it’s not necessary.
2. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil (if using), brown sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
- Stir until the brown sugar is dissolved and everything is well combined.
3. Slow Cook the Wings:
- Place the chicken wings in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce over the wings, making sure they’re well coated. Toss the wings gently to coat them evenly in the sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. The wings should be tender and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
4. Optional: Thicken the Sauce:
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the wings from the slow cooker after cooking.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to make a slurry.
- Pour the slurry into the remaining sauce in the slow cooker, stirring well. Turn the slow cooker to the “high” setting and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
5. Serve:
- Once the wings are done, remove them from the slow cooker and place them on a serving platter.
- Drizzle the thickened sauce over the wings, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro if desired.
Tips:
- For Crispy Wings: If you like your wings extra crispy, you can broil them after they’ve finished cooking in the slow cooker. Place the wings on a baking sheet lined with foil, and broil them for 2-3 minutes per side until the skin crisps up. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
- Make it Spicy: If you prefer spicier wings, add more crushed red pepper flakes or even a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- Freezing: These wings freeze well! After cooking, let them cool, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheat in the oven or slow cooker, and add a little extra honey sauce to bring them back to life.
Serving Suggestions:
- Side Dishes: Serve these wings with rice (steamed or fried), coleslaw, or even some crispy fries for a complete meal.
- Dipping Sauces: Pair with ranch, blue cheese dressing, or a spicy dipping sauce to complement the honey garlic flavor.
These Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Wings are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish that is incredibly easy to make with the help of your slow cooker. The sweet, garlicky glaze makes them irresistible! Enjoy!
