Who doesn’t love a good batch of saucy, fall-off-the-bone chicken wings? These Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Wings are sweet, sticky, and packed with flavor. The best part? The slow cooker does all the work! Just toss everything in, let them cook low and slow, and get ready for the most tender, juicy wings. Perfect for game days, family dinners, or anytime you need an easy crowd-pleaser.
What You’ll Need
For the Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings (split into drumettes and flats)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Orange Sauce:
- ¾ cup orange marmalade
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger (grated)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions (sliced)
Pro Tips
- Pat the wings dry before adding them to the slow cooker—this helps the sauce stick better.
- Want crispier wings? Broil them for a few minutes after cooking for extra crunch.
- Adjust the sweetness by using less honey or marmalade if you prefer a more savory sauce.
- Double the sauce if you like extra for dipping or drizzling over rice.
- Kid-friendly? Skip the red pepper flakes for a milder version.
Tools You’ll Need
- Slow cooker
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Baking sheet (optional for broiling)
Substitutions & Variations
- No orange marmalade? Use apricot preserves or pineapple jam.
- Gluten-free? Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
- More heat? Add sriracha or extra red pepper flakes.
- Less sweet? Reduce the honey or use less marmalade.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Marinate the wings overnight in the sauce for even more flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Wings
1. Season the Wings
Sprinkle the chicken wings with salt and black pepper.
2. Make the Orange Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together orange marmalade, soy sauce, honey, ketchup, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes.
3. Add to Slow Cooker & Cook
Place the wings in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them. Stir to coat. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until tender.
4. Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water. Stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.
5. Broil for Crispiness (Optional)
For crispy wings, transfer them to a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes.
6. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot!
Leftovers & Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave or oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts
These Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Wings are an easy, foolproof way to make flavorful, juicy wings with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving them for game night, dinner, or just because—your family will love them! If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out in the comments! 😊🍊🍗
