Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Chicken Wings

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)
all the ingredients for slow cooker honey BBQ chicken wings

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.

A bowl of raw chicken wings being seasoned with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika

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.

A small bowl filled with a rich, glossy honey BBQ sauce mixture (BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chili powder) being whisked together

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.

A slow cooker with its lid closed, filled with honey BBQ chicken wings simmering in sauce

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.

A small bowl with a milky white cornstarch slurry being poured into the slow cooker filled with honey BBQ chicken wings

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.

A baking sheet lined with parchment paper, filled with honey BBQ chicken wings arranged in a single layer

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!

A rustic wooden plate piled high with honey BBQ chicken wings, glistening with a thick, caramelized glaze

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! 🔥💬

Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Chicken Wings

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