These Honey Chipotle Slow Cooker Chicken Wings are cooked to tender perfection and smothered in a delicious sticky, sweet and spicy sauce. It’s truly a game-day favorite.
I have gone to a lot of tailgate parties so I know a thing or two about wings. Two favorites are my Buffalo Chicken Rolls, they have all the flavor of wings but are easier to eat, and my Spicy Korean Wings.
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Why this Slow Cooker Chicken Wings Recipe is a Keeper
This easy slow cooker wings recipe is as delicious as it is simple to make. It results in the best texture and is packed full of delicious flavor. It is the perfect party food.
- The “Fall-Off-The-Bone” Factor: Unlike frying, which can sometimes result in tough meat, the slow cooker breaks down the connective tissue, making the wings incredibly succulent that they fall off the bone. You will make wings like this often.
- Hands-Off Entertaining: You can dump the wings in the pot and go about your day, only needing 5 minutes of effort right before serving.
- Flavor Infusion: Because the wings bathe in the honey-chipotle sauce for hours, the smoky heat penetrates all the way to the bone. It’s the perfect alternative to classic buffalo wings. You can cook the wings in your favorite buffalo sauce.
How Do I Keep the Slow Cooker Chicken Wings from Being Mushy/Soggy?
Make sure to not overcook the wings in the crockpot. There’s a sweet spot between crispy and soggy.
Pro Tip for Buffalo Wings
If you have a lot of liquid left in the slow cooker, don’t throw it away. Strain it into a small saucepan and simmer it on the stove for 5–10 minutes until it reduces by half. This creates a “Honey Chipotle Reduction” that is incredible drizzled over fries or roasted cauliflower.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
You only need a few easy-to-find ingredients, many of which you probably have in your pantry already.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Chicken Wings: Use fresh chicken wings for the best texture, but you can buy wings either fresh or frozen.
- Chilies in Adobo: You will need a jar of chilies in adobo, but you will only need the sauce and not the chilies.
- Honey: I prefer to use a local honey whenever I need a little bit.
Variations and Substitutions for Crockpot Chicken Wings
This recipe for honey chipotle sauce for wings is super flexible. Switch it up to make it work for your tastes.
- Spicy Wings: For a milder wing, use only the adobo sauce from the can or a mild hot sauce. For maximum, buffalo chicken heat, finely mince the actual chipotle peppers and stir them in.
- Sweeteners: Swap honey for maple syrup (for a woodier flavor) or brown sugar (for a thicker, more molasses-like glaze).
- Acid: Add a squeeze of lime juice at the very end to brighten the smoky flavors and cut through the sweetness.
Special Equipment to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Wings
The only major piece of equipment you’ll need is a slow cooker. That is why this is the perfect treat to make for your next gameday celebration.
- Crock Pot: Cook teriyaki chicken wings low and slow in a slow cooker or crock pot for hands-off ease.
How to Make Honey Chipotle Wings
This wing recipe comes together in just 3 quick and easy steps. This easy recipe is so good, I make this every season.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, adobo sauce, honey, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- Cook Chicken Wings: Place wings in the slow cooker and mix with half of the sauce. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until done.
- Broil the Wings: When wings are done, transfer to a foil lined baking sheet, and add the sauce and broil. Remove from the broiler, then top thee tender wings with parsley.
Prep Ahead Suggestions for Sticky Chicken Wings
Prepping this great recipe ahead of time can really help to save time and kitchen space if hosting a party.
- Marinate the Wings: You can whisk the honey-chipotle sauce and place the chicken wings in it 24 hours in advance. Keep them in a sealed container in the fridge so they “marinate” before hitting the slow cooker.
Alternate Cooking Methods for Frozen Chicken Wings
It is super easy to make this recipe another way by using your air fryer. They are great for smaller batches or to reheat the wings too.
- Alternate Method (Air Fryer): If you’re short on time, you can air fry seasoned wings at 400°F for 20 minutes, then toss them in the honey-chipotle sauce and air fry for another 2 minutes to set the glaze on these amazing wings.
Store, Reheat and Use Leftovers Slow Cooker Chicken Wings
- Store: These wings are great in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat: Avoid the microwave! It turns the skin rubbery. Reheat in an air fryer or 400°F oven for 5-8 minutes to bring back the crispiness.
- Use Leftovers: Remove the meat from the bone of the finished wings and use it as a protein for nachos, tacos, or a “Chipotle-style” bowl with rice and beans.
Chicken Wing FAQs for the Slow Cooker Recipe
Sure, but you may need to increase cooking time.
Nope, the sauce will be enough liquid to let the chicken wings cook.
Plan on 6–10 wings per person for a party, but the exact number depends on the type of wings and the other food you are serving. You can easily double the recipe if you need to.
Expert Tips for Making the Crock Pot Chicken Recipe
- Don’t Overcook: If you leave wings on “High” for more than 3 hours, they will completely disintegrate. Aim for 2 hours on High or 3-4 on Low.
- Pat Them Dry: If you are seasoning the wings with a dry rub before adding sauce, pat them dry with paper towels first. Less moisture = better texture.
- The Cornstarch Slurry: If your sauce is too thin after slow cooking (chicken releases a lot of juice), pour the liquid into a saucepan, add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 teaspoon water) and simmer until it’s thick enough to coat a spoon.
- Serve With: Serve with Loaded Taco Bites, Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers or Oreo Dip.
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Honey Chipotle Slow Cooker Chicken Wings
Equipment
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Ingredients
- 3 pounds Chicken wings
- 1 cup Ketchup
- ¾ cup Honey
- 4 Tablespoons Chilies in adobo, the sauce only
- 2 Tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
Instructions
- Add the chicken wings to a 8 quart slow cooker. To a small bowl add the ketchup, honey, adobo sauce, apple cider vinegar and seasonings. Stir.
- Add half of the sauce and spread around all the wings. Cook on high for 4 hours. Once they are done add them to a foil lined baking sheet and baste the leftover sauce on top of them. Place under the broiler for 3-4 minutes.
- Sprinkle parsley on top (optional) and serve and enjoy
Christina’s Notes
- Avoid Overcooking: If you cook the wings for too long, they will completely disintegrate. 2 hours on High or 3-4 on Low is the sweet spot.
- Pat Dry: Less moisture is better for texture and adhearing spices.
- Cornstarch Slurry: Add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 teaspoon water) and simmer with the sauce to thicken it.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.