Description
These spicy slow cooker buffalo wings are a perfect party appetizer, especially for game day gatherings like the Super Bowl. Made easy by slow cooking the wings in a flavorful buffalo sauce, then finished crisping in the oven for the perfect texture. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for a classic touch.
Ingredients
Buffalo Sauce Base
- 1 (12 ounce) bottle hot pepper sauce (such as Frank's RedHot®)
- ½ cup butter
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
Chicken Wings
- 1 (4 pound) frozen chicken wing sections, thawed
Finishing Sauce
- ½ cup butter
- 1 (12 ounce) bottle hot pepper sauce (such as Frank's RedHot®)
Instructions
- Prepare Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 bottle of hot pepper sauce, ½ cup butter, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, onion powder, and garlic powder. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cook Wings in Slow Cooker: Place the thawed chicken wing sections into the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the wings ensuring they are well coated. Cook on High for 1 hour, then reduce the heat to Low and continue cooking for an additional hour.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: While the wings finish in the slow cooker, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease several baking sheets to prevent sticking.
- Bake Wings for Crispiness: After slow cooking, spread the wings on the prepared baking sheets in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the wings are crisp and browned, turning once if desired for even crisping.
- Make Finishing Sauce and Glaze Wings: While wings bake, melt ½ cup butter with 1 bottle of hot sauce in a small saucepan. Simmer the mixture until it thickens slightly, about 20 minutes. Brush this sauce onto the wings just before serving to enhance the buffalo flavor and add extra moisture.
Notes
- For extra crispy wings, you can broil them for 2-3 minutes after baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve with celery sticks and your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing for a traditional buffalo wing experience.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of hot pepper sauce in the finishing glaze.
- Make sure the wings are thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking in the slow cooker.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 2 hrs 40 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American