Description
Spicy buffalo wings dance with flavor in this effortless slow cooker recipe. Crispy, tangy chicken wings deliver irresistible comfort you’ll crave at every game day gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Protein:
- 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) chicken wings
Buffalo Sauce Components:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Garnish and Serving:
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
- Celery sticks
- Blue cheese dressing
Instructions
- Thoroughly rinse chicken wings under cold water, then meticulously dry with paper towels. Optionally separate flats and drumettes for easier consumption.
- Create buffalo sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat (around 165°F). Incorporate buffalo sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk ingredients until seamlessly blended and heated through for approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer wings into slow cooker, ensuring complete and uniform coating with prepared buffalo sauce mixture. Gently toss to guarantee even distribution of flavors.
- Cover slow cooker and initiate cooking process. Select low temperature setting for 4-5 hours or high temperature setting for 2-3 hours. Verify wings are thoroughly cooked and tender.
- For enhanced texture, activate oven broiler at high setting (500°F). Carefully transfer wings from slow cooker to foil-lined baking sheet. Broil for 4-5 minutes, monitoring closely to achieve golden-brown crispiness without charring.
- Elevate presentation by garnishing with freshly chopped green onions or parsley. Accompany wings with crisp celery sticks and chilled blue cheese dressing for dipping. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the robust flavors.
Notes
- Drying wings thoroughly ensures maximum crispiness and helps sauce adhere better.
- Separating wing sections creates more surface area for sauce and easier eating experience.
- Adjust buffalo sauce heat level by mixing different hot sauce brands or adding cayenne pepper for extra kick.
- For healthier version, use Greek yogurt instead of butter and opt for low-sodium hot sauce to reduce calories.
- Line slow cooker with parchment paper for easier cleanup and preventing wing sticking.
- If avoiding gluten, choose certified gluten-free hot sauce and verify ingredient compatibility.
- Enhance flavor by marinating wings overnight in sauce before slow cooking for deeper taste penetration.
- Freezing wings before cooking can help achieve crispier exterior when broiled after slow cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours (low) or 2 to 3 hours (high)
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg