Are you ready to elevate your game day snacks with the most succulent, flavorful chicken wings you can imagine? These Crock Pot Chicken Wings are not only incredibly easy to make, but they also deliver on taste and texture. Cooked low and slow, these wings soak up a delicious sauce that will leave your taste buds tingling. Whether it’s for a big game, a family gathering, or just a cozy night in, this recipe deserves a spot in your culinary repertoire.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Crock Pot Chicken Wings take the stress out of entertaining. You can set them to cook and focus on enjoying time with your friends and family. The slow cooking process ensures that each wing is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Plus, with the fiery kick from Frank’s hot sauce, these wings cater to spice lovers and are balanced out by cooling dips of blue cheese and ranch. It’s a win-win for everyone!

Ingredients

3 pounds chicken wings, separated into drummettes and paddles
1 ½ cups Frank’s hot sauce (or your favorite brand)
6 tablespoons butter
Blue cheese dressing for dipping
Ranch dressing for dipping
Carrot sticks for serving
Celery sticks for serving

How To Make Crock Pot Chicken Wings Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings

Start by rinsing the chicken wings under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels and place them in a large mixing bowl. This step helps to remove excess moisture, allowing the wings to crisp up nicely later on.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s fully liquefied. Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the Frank’s hot sauce until fully combined. Your sauce should have a nice, smooth texture that’s ready to coat your wings beautifully.

Step 3: Combine Wings and Sauce

Pour the hot sauce mixture over the chicken wings in the bowl. Using tongs or your hands, toss the wings gently until they are evenly coated in the sauce.

Step 4: Cook in the Crock Pot

Transfer the coated wings to the Crock Pot, making sure they are spread out evenly. Set your Crock Pot to low and cover it with the lid. Let the wings cook for 4-6 hours. If you’re in a hurry, a high setting will do the trick in about 2-3 hours, but low and slow yields the best flavor and tenderness.

Step 5: Crisp Them Up (Optional)

For that irresistible crispy exterior, preheat your oven to broil. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Once the wings are done cooking in the Crock Pot, carefully transfer them to the wire rack. Broil the wings for 2-3 minutes on each side, watching closely to prevent burning. This will give your wings a beautiful golden brown color and a crispy texture.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once your wings are perfectly crisped, it’s time to serve! Arrange the wings on a platter alongside carrot and celery sticks, and don’t forget the blue cheese and ranch dressing for dipping. Enjoy each bite as you soak in the praise from your friends and family!

Expert Tips

Feel free to adjust the amount of hot sauce to your liking. If you prefer milder wings, reduce the amount of hot sauce.
For extra flavor, consider marinating the wings in the sauce overnight before cooking.
If you like a bit of smokiness, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the sauce.
Keep an eye on the wings while broiling to avoid charring; broil them in batches if necessary.

Variations and Customizations

Try using different sauces like BBQ or teriyaki for a flavor twist.
Add garlic powder or onion powder to the sauce for an extra savory kick.
Consider tossing the cooked wings in a mixture of honey and garlic for a sweet and spicy glaze.
For a different style, toss the wings in a dry rub before cooking for added flavor without the sauce.

How to Store Leftovers

To store leftover chicken wings, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. These wings can also be frozen for longer storage. Place the cooled wings in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring you remove excess air. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for the best texture.

FAQ

Can I make these wings in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the wings a day in advance and keep them in the refrigerator. Just reheat them in the oven before serving for that crispy finish.

Do I need to use a Crock Pot for this recipe?

While this recipe is designed for a Crock Pot, you can also make wings in a traditional oven or air fryer. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.

How can I make these wings spicier?

To increase the heat level, you can add more hot sauce or include a dash of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.

What can I serve with these chicken wings?

These wings are perfect on their own, but great accompaniments include vegetable sticks like carrots and celery, and a variety of dips such as blue cheese and ranch dressing. You can also serve them alongside nachos or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

These Crock Pot Chicken Wings are sure to become a favorite at any gathering! With their tender meat, rich flavor, and crispy edges, they provide a delightful experience that will keep everyone coming back for more. Remember, the best part about this recipe is its ease and adaptability. Whether you stick to the classic hot sauce flavor or get adventurous with different sauces and spices, your wings are bound to impress. So, gather your loved ones, fire up your Crock Pot, and let the scrumptious aroma fill your home as you prepare to serve up a plateful of winged perfection! Enjoy every delicious bite!

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