Buffalo wings are a classic American dish known for their spicy and tangy flavor. This Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings recipe takes the traditional Buffalo wing recipe and adapts it for the slow cooker, resulting in tender, flavorful wings that are perfect for parties, game day, or any time you’re craving a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings
- 3 pounds chicken wings, split at joints, tips discarded
- 1 cup hot pepper sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot®)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving
- Celery sticks, for serving
How to Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the hot pepper sauce, butter, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the butter is melted and the sauce is well blended, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Place the chicken wings in a slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the wings and stir to coat.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the wings are cooked through and tender.
- Preheat the oven broiler.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Remove the wings from the slow cooker and place them on the rack.
- Broil the wings for 5-7 minutes, or until crispy and slightly charred, watching closely to prevent burning. Turn the wings halfway through cooking.
- Serve the wings with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks on the side.
About the Main Ingredients
- Chicken Wings: Chicken wings are the star of this dish, providing a juicy and tender base for the spicy Buffalo sauce. They are a popular choice for appetizers and party food, known for their flavorful meat and crispy skin.
- Hot Pepper Sauce: Hot pepper sauce is the key ingredient in Buffalo sauce, providing the signature spicy flavor. Frank’s RedHot® is a popular choice for Buffalo wings, known for its tangy and spicy taste.
- Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to the Buffalo sauce, helping to balance out the heat from the hot pepper sauce. It also helps to create a smooth and creamy sauce that coats the wings perfectly.
- Vinegar: Vinegar adds a tangy flavor to the Buffalo sauce, helping to balance out the richness of the butter. It also helps to tenderize the chicken wings, making them juicy and flavorful.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Worcestershire sauce adds a savory and umami flavor to the Buffalo sauce, enhancing the overall depth of flavor.
- Spices: Cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper add additional flavor and heat to the Buffalo sauce, creating a complex and spicy sauce that coats the wings perfectly.
Enjoy these Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings at your next party or game day gathering for a delicious and satisfying appetizer that is sure to please a crowd!
