Slow Cooker Chicken Wings

Visit my other site, For The Wing, for all things chicken-wing!

I’m usually a crispy, grilled or fried chicken wing kind-of-guy. But I am open to other ideas, and I can’t pass up a tasty wing no matter what. So I went into the idea of cooking wings in my slow cooker with an open mind and empty stomach. What resulted were very tasty, very tender wings covered in a fantastic homemade Buffalo wing sauce. Slow cooker chicken wings made a believer out of me.

Slow Cooker Chicken Wings

Cooking the wings in Buffalo sauce in the slow cooker before transferring them to the oven ensured that each and every bite was packed with that great traditional wing flavor. These wings aren’t just covered in sauce, there’s sauce all the way through.

The sauce is what makes these slow cooker chicken wings great. It’s the perfect traditional Buffalo wing sauce. I make a big batch and keep it on hand. I like to fill a squirt bottle with wing sauce and squirt it on macaroni and cheese. Yep, try it. It’s good.

You can get a bit of a char and crisp on these wings if you put them under the broiler for a bit just before serving. Keep an eye on them, though. You don’t want to burn them.

Sale
Crock-Pot 7-Quart Manual Slow Cooker, Family Size…
  • Generous Capacity: 7-quart slow cooker that…
  • Cooking Flexibility: High or low slow cooking…

Also try my slow cooker chili dogs.

Slow Cooker Chicken Wings
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5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Chicken Wings

Cooking the wings in Buffalo sauce in the slow cooker before transferring them to the oven ensured that each and every bite was packed with that great traditional wing flavor. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword crockpot, slow cooker, wings
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings 4
Calories 540kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

For the wings

  • 2 pounds chicken wings flats and drumettes separated, tips discarded
  • Buffalo wing sauce from below or use 1 cup store-bought

For the Buffalo wing sauce

Instructions

For the wings

  • Place the wings into the bottom of your slow cooker.
  • Add HALF of the sauce.
  • Cook on high for one hour.
  • Heat your oven to 400 F.
  • Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray lightly with non-stick spray.
  • Add the wings and brush with some of the remaining sauce, reserving the rest for dipping if desired.
  • Place in the oven for 30 minutes.
  • Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and extra wing sauce for dipping if desired.

For the Buffalo wing sauce

  • Place the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  • Once the butter is melted add the remaining ingredients.
  • Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer and continue simmering for 5 minutes, stirring often.
  • Remove from heat and let cool before using.

Notes

Optionally, turn on the broiler for the last 10 minutes of baking to get a little color and crisp on the wings.

Nutrition

Calories: 540kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 48g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 170mg | Sodium: 2487mg | Potassium: 362mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1308IU | Vitamin C: 69mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Melinda’s Craft Wing Collection – Gourmet Wing…
  • PERFECT GIFT FOR WING LOVERS: Melinda’s took the…
  • SET YOUR MOUTH ON FLAVOR: This hot sauce variety…
PS Seasoning Chicken Wing Sauce 4 Pack – Chicken…
  • Gather round the throne of flavor and experience…
  • Bundle includes one of each: Candied Jalapeno Wing…

Fried Smoked Wings

Visit my other site, For The Wing, for all things chicken-wing!

Wonderfully smoky, tender meat with a lightly crispy skin, these smoked and then fried chicken wings were a thing of beauty. These are one of most dangerous things you could ever put in front of me. I don’t even need any sauce to toss or dunk them in, either. Just give me a big basket of them and get out of the way!

Fried Smoked Wings

Smoke ’em

The process is simple. Season your wings, and place them onto your smoker. No messing around with them either. Just smoke for 2 hours.

Fried Smoked Wings

Fry ’em

When the wings are done you toss them into a deep fryer for a minute or so, until golden brown and lightly crispy. You can also make a big huge batch and freeze the smoked wings (before frying). All you have to do is thaw them and deep fry them when you’re ready to serve them at a later time. I was worried that making them from the frozen smoked wings would result in over-cooked, tough wings, but oh no, they were fantastic!

Fried Smoked Wings

Grill ’em (optional)

There’s a brewpub by our house that makes crazy-good chicken wings. They smoke them first over a mix of mesquite and cherry woods, then flash fry them. They sauce them then place them over a hot flame to finish them off. My approach is similar, but I don’t always put them onto the grill at the end. They are fantastic either way, but grilling them real quick does help set the sauce.

I get out my big deep fryer when it’s time to fry a large batch of food. It comes to temperature quickly and it maintains that temperature perfectly. It has a built-in oil filter and storage unit so I can re-use the oil several times.

Amazon Basics 3.2-Qt (3.0L) Electric Deep Fryer…
  • FAST-HEATING & FAMILY-SIZE: This powerful…
  • ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE & VERSATILE COOKING: With…

For smoked wings that seem like they were fried, but weren’t, try my almost-fried smoked wings. Same great crunch and flavor without the oil.

Fried Smoked Wings
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5 from 1 vote

Fried Smoked Wings

Wonderfully smoky, tender meat with a lightly crispy skin, these smoked and then fried chicken wings were a thing of beauty. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword deep-fried, smoked, wings
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 2 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 12 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 272kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your smoker for 225 F. Use any wood you like. I used Jack Daniel’s whiskey barrel chunks because I wanted a good, noticeable smoke flavor. Use a lighter wood if you want your wings to be a little less smoky.
  • Toss the wings in the seasoning.
  • Place the wings onto the smoker and smoke for 2 hours. No need to rotate or flip them.
  • When done, remove from the smoker. You can deep fry them immediately or freeze them for thawing and frying later.
  • To fry, heat canola oil to 350 F.
  • Working in batches, add the wings and fry for 1-2 minutes or until they are the desired color.
  • Let cool slightly.
  • Serve tossed with your favorite sauce and your favorite dipping sauce on the side.

Notes

Optionally, after saucing, you can toss the wings onto a hot grill for 1 minute after saucing them to set the sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 272kcal | Protein: 22g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 89mg | Potassium: 191mg | Vitamin A: 180IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Melinda’s Craft Wing Collection – Gourmet Wing…
  • PERFECT GIFT FOR WING LOVERS: Melinda’s took the…
  • SET YOUR MOUTH ON FLAVOR: This hot sauce variety…
PS Seasoning Chicken Wing Sauce 4 Pack – Chicken…
  • Gather round the throne of flavor and experience…
  • Bundle includes one of each: Candied Jalapeno Wing…

Buffalo Wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Visit my other site, For The Wing, for all things chicken-wing!

Boy howdy, these Buffalo wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy came out great! 30 minutes marinating, 30 or so minutes cooking and it’s time to devour some traditional-flavored wings. I used the Big Easy Cooking Rack, which lets you cook on up to 6 different levels, enough room for a family pack (around 4 pounds) of wings. You can also use the standard Big Easy basket along with the bunk bed basket, but you won’t be able to cook as many wings at once. The rack is no longer available, but has been replaced by the bunk bed basket.

Buffalo Wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy

I did ‘finish’ the wings on a grill to get a little char and crisp, but doing so is completely optional. These Buffalo wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy are fantastic right off the cooker. If a little crunch is what you want do what I did and put them over high heat on a grill for a few minutes before serving.

To make this dish on the Char-Broil Big Easy I used a bunk bed basket. It lets me double or even triple the amount of cooking space I have.

Sale
Charbroil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket…
  • Expands the cooking space of The Big Easy
  • Perfect for cooking two chickens at once

Love your Big Easy as much I love mine? Check out my Big Easy Add-Ons page and all 3 of my huge free Big Easy eCookbooks!

Buffalo Wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Buffalo Wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Boy howdy, these Buffalo wings made on the Char-Broil Big Easy came out great! 30 minutes marinating, 30 or so minutes cooking and it’s time to devour some traditional-flavored wings.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Buffalo wings, Char-Broil
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 281kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the wings into a large resealable bag or container.
  • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan.
  • Stir in the remaining ingredients.
  • Let cool slightly. Pour all but 1/4 cup of the marinade onto the chicken. Save the 1/4 cup for finishing the wings later.
  • Seal the chicken and toss to coat. Let marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Add chicken to the cook racks and lower into the cooker.
  • Cook for 30-45 minutes or until chicken is done. Note that depending on conditions, chicken at the top of the rack may cook quicker or later than those on the bottom. Don’t just check one piece for doneness.
  • NOTE: At this point, you can if you wish, transfer the chicken to a hot grill to get a nice char and a little crunch on the wings. It’s completely optional, though.
  • Remove chicken and place into a large bowl.
  • Add the reserved marinade and toss to coat.
  • Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

You’ll need the Char-Broil Big Easy Cooking Rack to be able to cook an entire 4 pounds of chicken at once.

Nutrition

Calories: 281kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 96mg | Sodium: 852mg | Potassium: 218mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 376IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Sale
Charbroil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket…
  • Expands the cooking space of The Big Easy
  • Perfect for cooking two chickens at once

Wicked Sticky Wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Note: This recipe was developed using the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer. If you are cooking using the Char-Broil Smoker-Roaster Grill you should cook with the lid open and the temperature set to High. You might also need to adjust the cooking time.

Warning: The term ‘sticky’ is a tremendous understatement when it comes to describing these Wicked Sticky wings made on the Char-Broil Big Easy. Think sticky molasses, and then think stickier. Don’t spill the sauce (like someone I know might have done) or you will be cleaning counter tops and sinks and what-not for days. Trust me. Now, on to the wings…

These wings are crazy good. Wicked heat. Sticky sweet. I made them crispy style on my Char-Broil Big Easy, but you can make them anyway you like, from smoking them to deep frying them. It’s the sauce that shines here, and boy is it messy great. Wicked sticky wings are called that for a reason.

Wicked Sticky Wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy

I went simple with the dipping sauce for these wings. Just straight-out-of-the-bottle chilled Ranch dressing. Nothing fancy, just something to offset the kick of the sauce just a bit.

Sale
Charbroil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket…
  • Expands the cooking space of The Big Easy
  • Perfect for cooking two chickens at once

Don’t like sticky? Try my crispy Big Easy wings instead.

It’s always a good idea to keep a few spare grease trays on hand for your Char-Broil Big Easy.

Char-Broil 2425514W12 Big Easy Grease Tray…
  • MATERIAL: Disposable aluminum liners made…
  • SIZE: Measures 6” x 10” across the top and…

Love your Big Easy as much I love mine? Check out my Big Easy Add-Ons page and all 3 of my huge free Big Easy eCookbooks!

Wicked Sticky Wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Wicked Sticky Wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy

These wings are crazy good. Wicked heat. Sticky sweet. It’s the sauce that shines here, and boy is it messy great. Wicked sticky wings are called that for a reason.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, wings
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 585kcal

Ingredients

For the sauce

For the wings

  • 2 pounds chicken wings

Instructions

For the sauce

  • Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan.
  • Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer and simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and let cool COMPLETELY before using. Even better, cover and refrigerate overnight. This will help the sauce stay sticky and thick.

For the wings

Notes

Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 585kcal | Carbohydrates: 81g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 726mg | Potassium: 301mg | Sugar: 80g | Vitamin A: 180IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 83mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Sale
Charbroil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket…
  • Expands the cooking space of The Big Easy
  • Perfect for cooking two chickens at once

Fire-Eater Chicken Wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Note: This recipe was developed using the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer. If you are cooking using the Char-Broil Smoker-Roaster Grill you should cook with the lid open and the temperature set to High. You might also need to adjust the cooking time.

I bought a Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Oil-less Turkey Fryer a while back. It is one of my favorite “grills” by far. It doesn’t get any easier – marinate/brine/rub/whatever meat you wish to cook and put it into the cooker. Turkeys and chickens take about 15 minutes per pound. A family pack of wings takes about 30 minutes. Done. No mess, no fuss. It’s a beautiful thing. And trust me, I cook a lot of wings on my Big Easy. A lot. To get a family pack of wings onto my Big Easy, I use my homemade mod, the Wingin’ator 3000. You can always cook the wings in an oven or charcoal or gas grill of course.

Fire-Eater Chicken Wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Just The Right Kick

These fire-eater chicken wings from Steven Raichlen’s The Barbecue! Bible 10th Anniversary Edition are absolutely amazing (as are the other recipes in the 575 page book). Yes, they have some kick, but it’s not overwhelming at all. They’re perfect. I plan on using the rub recipe on whole roasted chickens and turkey from my Big Easy, it’s just that good.

I cook the wings for about 30 minutes in my Big Easy, then I toss them onto a hot grill for a few minutes to crisp up the skin. You can skip that final step and still enjoy really fantastic wings. I served them with our cool Ranch dipping sauce.

Sale
Charbroil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket…
  • Expands the cooking space of The Big Easy
  • Perfect for cooking two chickens at once

It’s always a good idea to keep a few spare grease trays on hand for your Char-Broil Big Easy.

Char-Broil 2425514W12 Big Easy Grease Tray…
  • MATERIAL: Disposable aluminum liners made…
  • SIZE: Measures 6” x 10” across the top and…

Love your Big Easy as much I love mine? Check out my Big Easy Add-Ons page and all 3 of my huge free Big Easy eCookbooks!

Fire-Eater Chicken Wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Fire-Eater Chicken Wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy

These fire-eater chicken wings are absolutely amazing (as are the other recipes in the 575 page book). Yes, they have some kick, but it’s not overwhelming at all. They’re perfect.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, spicy, wings
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 453kcal

Ingredients

For the wings

For the Fire Eater Hot Sauce

Instructions

Notes

Serve with Ranch or blue cheese salad  dressing for dunkin’!

Nutrition

Calories: 453kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 135mg | Sodium: 643mg | Potassium: 257mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1168IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Sale
Charbroil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket…
  • Expands the cooking space of The Big Easy
  • Perfect for cooking two chickens at once

Pineapple Chicken Wings

I was looking for a different take on chicken wings and boy, did I find it. These pineapple chicken wings are sweeter than the “usual” wings you get, with a slight Asian flavor thanks to the soy sauce. The dipping sauce was fantastic. So good in fact that I ended up using the same sauce later for our grilled glazed kielbasa bites.

Pineapple Chicken Wings

If you have a Char-Broil Big Easy oil-less fryer, try out my Wingin’ator 3000 modification. It lets you cook a large amount of wings all at once. It’s great for cooking these pineapple chicken wings. Any wings for that matter!

Melinda’s Craft Wing Collection – Gourmet Wing…
  • PERFECT GIFT FOR WING LOVERS: Melinda’s took the…
  • SET YOUR MOUTH ON FLAVOR: This hot sauce variety…

Also try my delicious peach apricot wings.

Visit my other site, For The Wing, for all things chicken-wing!

Pineapple Chicken Wings
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Pineapple Chicken Wings

I was looking for a different take on chicken wings and boy, did I find it. These pineapple chicken wings are sweeter than the “usual” wings you get, with a slight Asian flavor thanks to the soy sauce.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword pineapple, wings
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 453kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Insane Chicken

Ingredients

For the marinade

For the dipping sauce

Instructions

Notes

For a smoother dipping sauce, pulse a few times in a blender before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 453kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 645mg | Potassium: 248mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 180IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Melinda’s Craft Wing Collection – Gourmet Wing…
  • PERFECT GIFT FOR WING LOVERS: Melinda’s took the…
  • SET YOUR MOUTH ON FLAVOR: This hot sauce variety…
PS Seasoning Chicken Wing Sauce 4 Pack – Chicken…
  • Gather round the throne of flavor and experience…
  • Bundle includes one of each: Candied Jalapeno Wing…

Spicy Chicken Wings with Apple Onion Dip

If you follow this blog at all you know that I’m a huge fan of chicken wings, and in particular, wings that are cooked on the Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Oil-less Turkey Fryer. I made a simple modification to our Big Easy that lets me cook a big batch of wings at once. They take less than an hour and always come out fantastic, like these spicy chicken wings with apple onion dip. Of course you can cook your wings using whatever you have, from a gas grill to a deep fryer to a convection oven!

Spicy Chicken Wings with Apple Onion Dip

These spicy chicken wings with apple onion dip have a wonderful savory flavor. The apple onion dip is fantastic, and would also work great for dipping chips, crackers, vegetables… you name it.

Melinda’s Craft Wing Collection – Gourmet Wing…
  • PERFECT GIFT FOR WING LOVERS: Melinda’s took the…
  • SET YOUR MOUTH ON FLAVOR: This hot sauce variety…

Visit my other site, For The Wing, for all things chicken-wing!

Also try my Teriyaki wings.

Spicy Chicken Wings with Apple Onion Dip
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Spicy Chicken Wings with Apple Onion Dip

These spicy chicken wings with apple onion dip have a wonderful savory flavor. The apple onion dip is fantastic, and would also work great for dipping chips, vegetables… you name it.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword dipping sauce, spicy, wings
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 436kcal

Ingredients

For the wings

For the apple onion dip

Instructions

For the apple onion dip

  • Melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook 10-15 minutes or until the onions are caramelized.
  • Add the remaining ingredients and whisk. Reduce heat to keep warm until ready to serve.

Notes

Also great served with Ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Nutrition

Calories: 436kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 97mg | Sodium: 1013mg | Potassium: 294mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 229IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 95mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Melinda’s Craft Wing Collection – Gourmet Wing…
  • PERFECT GIFT FOR WING LOVERS: Melinda’s took the…
  • SET YOUR MOUTH ON FLAVOR: This hot sauce variety…
PS Seasoning Chicken Wing Sauce 4 Pack – Chicken…
  • Gather round the throne of flavor and experience…
  • Bundle includes one of each: Candied Jalapeno Wing…

Teriyaki Wing Sauce

This teriyaki wing sauce is a great dipping sauce for chicken wings. Or toss your wings in the sauce just before serving.

Teriyaki Wings

Click here to see our teriyaki wings recipe.

Kikkoman Japan Made Soy Sauce, 33.8 Ounce
  • Product Type:Sauce
  • Item Package Dimension:7.797 cm L X7.899 cm W…

Also try my deluxe teriyaki wings.

Teriyaki Wings
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Teriyaki Wing Sauce

This teriyaki wing sauce is a great dipping sauce for chicken wings. Or toss your wings in the sauce just before serving.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword Teriyaki, wings
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 78kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients except the cornstarch and water in a small saucepan over medium high heat. Stir.
  • In a small bowl or cup, whisk together the cornstarch and water. Slowly pour into the pan, whisking as you go.
  • Bring to a simmer and continue simmering, stirring often, until thickened.

Notes

Store any leftover sauce in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop and stir before using.

Nutrition

Calories: 78kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1625mg | Potassium: 106mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 8IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Melinda’s Craft Wing Collection – Gourmet Wing…
  • PERFECT GIFT FOR WING LOVERS: Melinda’s took the…
  • SET YOUR MOUTH ON FLAVOR: This hot sauce variety…
PS Seasoning Chicken Wing Sauce 4 Pack – Chicken…
  • Gather round the throne of flavor and experience…
  • Bundle includes one of each: Candied Jalapeno Wing…