Slow cooker chicken wings are a convenient option for parties and busy weeknights. The wings cook with almost no attention and come out tender, and you can finish them quickly for a crisper surface. The trade-off is that they will not be crispy straight out of the slow cooker, so a short finishing step makes a big difference.
How Long Do Wings Take in a Slow Cooker?
Times vary by slow cooker and by how many wings you cook at once. General starting ranges for thawed wings:
- Low: about 4 to 5 hours
- High: about 2 to 3 hours
Wings are safe when the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C). Wings that are heaped deeply in the pot cook unevenly, so stir or rearrange them partway if you can. Tender meat that pulls easily from the bone is usually a sign they are ready.
If you are wondering whether 4 hours is enough for chicken in a slow cooker, the answer depends on the setting and the cut. Four hours on low is within a typical range for wings, but check the temperature to be sure rather than relying on time alone.
Basic Slow Cooker Wings
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 pounds chicken wings (split into flats and drumettes, tips removed if you like)
- 1 teaspoon each salt, garlic powder, paprika and onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 to 1 cup of your chosen sauce
Method
- Pat the wings dry and toss them with the dry seasonings.
- Place them in the slow cooker. A little liquid is not required since the wings release their own juices.
- Cook using the timing above.
- Carefully lift the wings onto a foil-lined baking sheet. They will be very tender and can fall apart, so use tongs or a spatula.
- Brush with sauce and broil for about 5 to 8 minutes, turning once, until the surface browns and the sauce thickens. Watch them closely, since sugary sauces burn quickly.
- Toss with extra sauce and serve.
An air fryer also works for the finishing step. Cook the wings in a single layer until the edges are browned.
Sauce Ideas
- Buffalo: hot sauce and melted butter
- BBQ: barbecue sauce, with a little brown sugar if you like it sweeter
- Honey garlic: honey, soy sauce and garlic
- Lemon pepper: melted butter, lemon juice and plenty of black pepper
- Teriyaki: bottled teriyaki, ginger and garlic
Adding the sauce after cooking, or only after broiling, keeps the flavor stronger and avoids a thin, watery coating.
Can You Cook Frozen Wings?
Food safety guidance generally advises against cooking frozen chicken in a slow cooker, because it can stay too long at lower temperatures. Thaw wings in the refrigerator first. If you are short on time, an alternative is to cook frozen wings in the oven or air fryer instead and use the slow cooker only for keeping them warm.
Keeping Wings Warm for a Party
Slow cookers are handy for serving, but chicken should not sit out indefinitely. If you are serving a crowd:
- After the wings are done and sauced, switch to the warm setting, which is designed to hold food at a safe temperature.
- Food safety guidance generally says hot food should be held at 140°F (60°C) or above.
- Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking.
The question of leaving chicken in a slow cooker on warm overnight comes up a lot. It is best not to. The quality declines (the meat becomes mushy), and holding food for many hours is not recommended. Put leftovers in the refrigerator after the meal instead and reheat them later.
Storing and Reheating
Store cooked wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about three to four days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer until hot all the way through, which also helps bring back some texture. You can freeze cooked wings for later, and thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Ideas
- Celery and carrot sticks with ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Coleslaw, potato salad or oven fries
- Rice and steamed vegetables for a more filling meal
If you like finger-food style dinners, slow cooker chicken drumsticks use many of the same sauces and are often a bit more filling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I slow cook wings? About 4 to 5 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high, then check the temperature.
Can I skip the broiler step? Yes, but the wings will be soft. If you prefer them that way, simply toss them in sauce.
Can I make wings ahead? You can cook them in advance, refrigerate them, and crisp them in the oven or air fryer before serving.