There are days when only wings will do—and when that craving hits, these Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Wings are an absolute knockout. Sweet, spicy, sticky, and fall-off-the-bone tender, these wings are everything you want in a wing and more. Best of all, they’re made right in your slow cooker, with just a quick finish under the broiler for that signature caramelized crisp.
Whether you’re hosting a casual game day, planning a cozy movie night, or looking for a fun and flavorful party appetizer, this recipe fits the bill. With just 5 minutes of prep and your slow cooker doing all the heavy lifting, you’ll have wings that look (and taste) like you spent all day in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love These Hot Honey Wings
- Effortless: Toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work.
- Bold Flavor: A mix of honey, habanero hot sauce, and spices gives these wings a punchy sweet heat.
- Versatile: Great for parties, weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even as a fun holiday appetizer.
- Customizable: Use your favorite hot sauce, adjust the spice level, and garnish to your liking.
Perfect For Every Occasion
Hot honey wings are a crowd-pleaser for just about any gathering. Here are some favorite ways to serve them:
- Game Day: These are tailgate MVPs. Serve with ranch, blue cheese, and celery sticks.
- Birthday Parties: Set out a tray and watch them disappear in minutes.
- Potlucks: A perfect slow cooker dish to bring along, and they travel well.
- Holiday Appetizers: Add some sparkle to your holiday spread with wings that wow.
- Weeknight Treats: Make a batch and serve with cornbread, mac and cheese, or a simple green salad.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 pounds of chicken wings (fresh or frozen)
- 1 1/2 cups hot sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
- Lime wedges or extra honey/hot sauce for serving
How to Make the Wings Step-by-Step
1. Mix the Sticky Hot Honey Sauce
Whisk together hot sauce, honey, melted butter, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Reserve 1 cup of this sauce for later.
2. Slow Cook the Wings
Add your wings to a 7-quart slow cooker. Pour the remaining sauce over top, cover with the lid, and cook:
- On HIGH for 3–4 hours if using frozen wings
- On LOW for 4–5 hours if using fresh or thawed wings
The wings are ready when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and are nice and tender.
3. Broil Wings for Crispiness
Preheat your oven’s broiler. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and lightly grease it. Transfer the wings from the slow cooker to the sheet, discarding excess liquid.
Brush the wings generously with the reserved hot honey sauce. Broil for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through and basting again to get that delicious, sticky glaze.
4. Serve & Garnish
If using red pepper flakes and chopped parsley, sprinkle them over wings. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces and lime wedges.
Tips for the Best Chicken Wings
- Frozen Wings: Cook on HIGH to keep them out of the food safety danger zone.
- Fresh Wings: LOW and slow gives you the most tender results.
- Extra Saucy: Don’t skimp on the reserved sauce for basting!
- Less Spicy? Use a mild hot sauce and skip the cayenne and pepper flakes.
- Thicker Glaze: Baste a few times while broiling to build up that glossy coating.
- Dip It Good: Cool it down with ranch, blue cheese, or a herby yogurt dip.
Keeping your Wings Fresh: Storage Tips
Let the wings cool completely, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
Easy Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 4 lbs. chicken wings (fresh or frozen)
- 1-1/2 cups hot sauce
- 1 cup honey
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)
- chopped parsely, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation:
- Add wings to a large slow cooker (7 qt is ideal).
- In a bowl, mix hot sauce, honey, melted butter, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Set aside 1 cup of the sauce for later.
- Pour the rest of the sauce over the wings in the slow cooker.
Cook:
- Frozen wings on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Thawed/fresh wings on LOW for 4-5 hours. (Wings should reach 165ºF internally).
Broil for Crispiness:
- Preheat broiler. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease it.
- Place wings on the sheet and brush with reserved sauce.
- Broil 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
Serve:
- Garnish with red pepper flakes and parsley (optional).
- Serve with extra sauce, lime wedges, or ranch.
Notes
- Frozen wings release extra liquid—discard before broiling.
- Want it milder? Use a mild hot sauce and skip the cayenne/red pepper flakes.
- Want it saucier? Baste with extra sauce while broiling.
- Serve with cooling dips like ranch or blue cheese.
Storage
Let wings cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Other Chicken Recipes to try:
Smoked Chicken Wings
3-Ingredient Salsa Chicken
Slow Cooker BBQ Wings
Chinese Sticky Chicken
Taco Chicken Bites
Baked Buffalo Wings
Hot honey chicken wings are the kind of recipe that delivers maximum payoff with minimal effort. Whether you like them spicy, sweet, sticky, or all of the above, this dish is endlessly adaptable and satisfying.
So, the next time you’re thinking wings, break out the slow cooker and let the magic happen. You bring the napkins—we’ll bring the heat.
Print the recipe card, share it with friends, and don’t forget to tag us when you serve them up!
Kelly Rowe says
Delish!