Who doesn’t love sticky, saucy, fall-off-the-bone chicken wings? These Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Chicken Wings are ridiculously easy to make and packed with sweet, smoky flavor. Just toss everything in the slow cooker, let it do its magic, and finish with a quick broil for that perfect caramelized glaze. Perfect for game day, family movie night, or just because you’re craving wings!
Let’s get cooking! 🔥
What You’ll Need
For the Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings (drums and flats)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for heat)
For Finishing:
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (for thickening sauce)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Pro Tips
✔ Pat the wings dry! This helps the seasoning stick and prevents sogginess.
✔ Don’t skip the broil. A few minutes under the broiler gives that crispy, caramelized finish.
✔ Use a liner for easy cleanup. Slow cooker liners save so much time!
✔ Make extra sauce! You’ll want some for dipping.
✔ Want crispier wings? Air fry them for 5 minutes after broiling for extra crunch.
Tools You’ll Need
- Slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Basting brush (for extra sauce)
Substitutions & Variations
🌶 Like it spicier? Add sriracha or hot sauce to the BBQ mix.
🍯 No honey? Swap with maple syrup or brown sugar.
🍗 Using frozen wings? Thaw first for best results.
🔥 No broiler? Use a hot oven (450°F) for 5-7 minutes.
Make Ahead Tips
- Mix the sauce ingredients ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to a week.
- Season the wings and let them marinate overnight for extra flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Chicken Wings
1. Season the Wings
Sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika over the wings. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Add to Slow Cooker & Pour Sauce
Place wings in the slow cooker. In a small bowl, mix BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chili powder. Pour over the wings and toss to coat.
3. Cook on Low or High
Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 2 hours until the wings are tender.
4. Thicken the Sauce
Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Stir into the sauce in the slow cooker. Let cook for another 5-10 minutes until thickened.
5. Broil for Crispy Edges
Transfer wings to a lined baking sheet. Brush with extra sauce and broil on high for 3-5 minutes until caramelized.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
Transfer the caramelized wings to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped parsley (if using) and serve with extra BBQ sauce for dipping. Enjoy while they’re hot!
Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes or in the air fryer for 5 minutes.
Let’s Dig In!
These Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Chicken Wings are guaranteed to be a hit! Whether you’re making them for a party, a family dinner, or just a personal wing feast, they’re a no-fail, flavor-packed recipe. Give them a try, and let me know how they turn out in the comments! 🔥💬
