If you love sticky, sweet, and savory wings that fall right off the bone, you’re in for a treat! These Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Wings are ridiculously easy to make and packed with flavor. The slow cooker does all the work, so you can sit back and relax while your house fills with the mouthwatering smell of garlic and honey. Perfect for game nights, parties, or even a fun family dinner—kids and adults will be licking their fingers clean!
What You’ll Need
For the Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
For Garnish:
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp green onions, finely chopped
Pro Tips for the Best Wings
- Pat the wings dry before seasoning—this helps them get extra crispy in the slow cooker.
- Want crispier wings? Broil them in the oven for 3–5 minutes after slow cooking.
- Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor—it makes a big difference!
- Double the sauce! It’s perfect for dipping or drizzling over rice.
- Make it kid-friendly by skipping the red pepper flakes for a milder taste.
Tools You’ll Need
- Slow cooker
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Baking sheet (optional, for broiling)
Substitutions & Variations
- No apple cider vinegar? Use rice vinegar or white vinegar.
- No fresh ginger? Use ½ tsp ground ginger instead.
- Gluten-free? Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
- Want it spicier? Add a dash of sriracha or extra red pepper flakes.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Marinate the wings overnight in the sauce for even more flavor!
- Mix the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
1. Season the Wings
Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over the chicken wings.
2. Make the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
3. Add Everything to the Slow Cooker
Place the wings in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them. Toss gently to coat.
4. Cook on Low for 3–4 Hours
Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours or high for 1.5–2 hours until the wings are tender.
5. (Optional) Broil for Crispy Skin
For crispy wings, place them on a baking sheet and broil for 3–5 minutes.
6. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot!
Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- Freeze for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight before reheating.
Let’s Make Some Wings!
I promise, once you make these Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Wings, you’ll want them on repeat! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just having a cozy night in, they’re the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and sticky goodness. If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments how it turned out—I’d love to hear! 😊✨
