Crockpot Chicken Wings

“These Crockpot Chicken Wings are the ultimate game day snack or party appetizer! Cooked to perfection in a slow cooker and finished under the broiler for extra crispiness, these wings are coated in a flavorful buffalo sauce made with butter, hot sauce, and spices. Easy to make and customizable with your favorite hot sauce, these crispy chicken wings are perfect for any occasion. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing and fresh veggies for the ultimate finger food experience!”

Ingredients

For the Chicken Wings:

• 4 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken wings, separated into drums and flats
• Salt, to taste
• 8 ounces hot sauce (your choice)

For the Buffalo Sauce:

• ½ cup butter or ghee, sliced into small cubes
• 4 ounces hot sauce (your choice)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Serving Suggestions (Optional):

• Blue cheese or ranch dressing
• Celery sticks
• Carrot sticks

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Wings:
   • Season the chicken wings generously with salt on all sides. Place the seasoned wings in the Crockpot.
2. Make the Buffalo Sauce:
   • In a medium saucepan, combine butter, hot sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder. Place the saucepan on low heat and whisk until the butter melts and the sauce is smooth and well incorporated.
3. Coat the Wings:
   • Pour the prepared buffalo sauce over the chicken wings in the Crockpot. Toss the wings to coat them evenly in the sauce. Secure the lid of the Crockpot.
4. Cook the Wings:
   • Cook the wings on High for 2 hours or on Low for 4 hours until the internal temperature of the wings reaches 160°F.
5. Broil for Crispiness:
   • Preheat your broiler to High.
   • While the broiler is heating, transfer the wings from the Crockpot to a large baking sheet in a single layer. For crispier wings, place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet, then arrange the wings on top of the rack.
   • Broil the wings for 5 minutes, then flip them and broil for an additional 5 minutes or until the wings are golden brown and crispy on both sides.
6. Final Toss:
   • While the wings are broiling, discard the remaining liquid from the Crockpot.
   • Once the wings are crispy, return them to the Crockpot and add the 8 ounces of hot sauce. Toss to coat the wings in the sauce, then cook on Low for 5 more minutes until the sauce is absorbed.
7. Serve:
   • Transfer the wings to a serving platter or plates. Serve warm with blue cheese or ranch dressing, and garnish with celery and carrot sticks if desired.

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Tips

• For Crispier Wings: Use a wire rack on your baking sheet for extra crispiness during broiling.
• Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your wings reach 160°F for the best results.
• Adjust the Spice: Customize the hot sauce to your desired level of heat.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Sauce Variations: Try using BBQ sauce or honey mustard sauce instead of buffalo sauce for a different flavor profile.
• Low-Sodium Option: If you’re watching your salt intake, omit the added salt and use a low-sodium hot sauce.
• Alternative Fats: If you prefer, use ghee instead of butter for a dairy-free option.

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FAQs

Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings. However, you may need to cook them slightly longer in the Crockpot.

How do I make the wings spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a hotter variety of hot sauce to increase the heat.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the wings ahead in the Crockpot, then broil them just before serving to get that crispy texture.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve these wings with a side of crispy fries or onion rings.
• Add a crunchy veggie platter with celery, carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers for a fresh contrast.
• Pair with a cold drink like beer or a refreshing iced tea to balance the heat.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-off Cooking: The Crockpot makes preparation easy, and the broiling step adds the perfect crispy finish.
• Flavorful and Customizable: The buffalo sauce can be adjusted to your preferred heat level, and the wings are bursting with flavor.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day, a party, or a family dinner, these wings are sure to be a hit!