Slow Cooker Sticky Glazed Chicken Wings
These 4-ingredient slow cooker sticky glazed chicken wings are the ultimate easy appetizer for game day, cookouts, holidays, and family gatherings. My sister-in-law begged me for the recipe after our Labor Day cookout because the wings disappeared almost as quickly as I could put them on the table.
The secret is the simple honey BBQ glaze made with barbecue sauce, honey, and soy sauce. As the bone-in chicken wings cook slowly, they become tender and soak up all that sweet, savory flavor. A quick trip under the broiler at the end creates that irresistible sticky, caramelized glaze.
If you’re looking for easy crockpot chicken wings that require minimal prep but deliver big flavor, this recipe is a keeper.
Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Chicken Wings
- Only 4 ingredients: You need just chicken wings, barbecue sauce, honey, and soy sauce.
- Easy slow cooker recipe: Let the crockpot do most of the cooking while you prepare other dishes.
- Sweet and savory flavor: Honey adds sweetness while barbecue sauce and soy sauce create a rich, savory glaze.
- Perfect party appetizer: These sticky wings are ideal for game day, cookouts, potlucks, holidays, and family gatherings.
- Tender and flavorful: Slow cooking helps the chicken wings become juicy and tender.
- Caramelized finish: Broiling the wings at the end gives the sauce a glossy, sticky coating with beautifully browned edges.
- Easy to customize: Add hot sauce or red pepper flakes when you want spicy honey BBQ wings.
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 4 pounds bone-in chicken wings, split at the joints with tips removed
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
How to Make Sticky Glazed Chicken Wings in the Slow Cooker
1. Prepare the chicken wings
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Arrange them in the slow cooker in as even a layer as possible.
2. Make the honey BBQ glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, honey, and soy sauce until smooth.
3. Slow cook the wings
Pour the glaze over the chicken wings. Cover and cook on LOW for 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
4. Transfer the wings
Carefully remove the cooked wings and arrange them on a foil-lined baking sheet. Spoon some of the cooking sauce over the wings.
5. Broil until sticky and caramelized
Place the wings under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely. Broil until the glaze bubbles and caramelizes around the edges.
For an extra-glossy finish, brush the wings with a little more sauce before serving.
6. Serve hot
Serve these sticky glazed chicken wings immediately with plenty of napkins. For parties, you can return them to the slow cooker and keep them warm for serving.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Chicken Wings
For Spicy Honey BBQ Wings
Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze. This creates sweet-and-spicy chicken wings without adding much extra work.
For Crispy Chicken Wings
Don’t skip the broiling step. Slow cooking makes the wings tender, while broiling helps create the browned, sticky exterior that makes these wings so irresistible.
For Family-Friendly Wings
Choose a mild, sweet barbecue sauce for a kid-friendly flavor. You can also reserve a few wings and brush them with plain barbecue sauce before broiling.
For Parties and Cookouts
These wings are excellent for game day appetizers, Labor Day gatherings, potlucks, tailgating, and backyard cookouts. Keep them warm in the slow cooker so guests can help themselves.
Turn Them Into Dinner
For an easy family meal, serve the wings with coleslaw, rice, roasted potatoes, corn muffins, baked beans, potato salad, or macaroni salad.
What to Serve With Sticky Chicken Wings
These honey BBQ chicken wings pair especially well with classic cookout sides:
- Crisp celery and carrot sticks
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Creamy coleslaw
- Potato salad
- Baked beans
- Corn on the cob
- Macaroni salad
- Roasted potatoes
- Rice
- Corn muffins
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make chicken wings in a slow cooker?
Yes. Bone-in chicken wings work particularly well in the slow cooker because they become tender as they cook in the flavorful sauce. Broiling them afterward helps give the skin a more caramelized finish.
How long do chicken wings take in a crockpot?
For this recipe, cook the wings on LOW for 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours or HIGH for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, until fully cooked and tender.
How do you make sticky chicken wings?
The combination of barbecue sauce and honey creates a naturally sticky glaze. After slow cooking, broil the wings for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce and create a glossy finish.
Can I make these wings spicy?
Absolutely. Add hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the honey BBQ glaze for an easy spicy variation.
Can I make these wings ahead of time?
Yes. Cook the wings in advance and keep them warm in the slow cooker for serving. For the best texture, broil them shortly before serving.
