Slow Cooker Sticky Chicken Wings
These Slow Cooker Sticky Chicken Wings are irresistibly sweet, savory, and sticky! They’re incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for a game day snack, appetizer, or casual dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional, for heat)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
- Sesame seeds and green onions, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the wings:
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels and season them lightly with black pepper.
2. Make the sticky sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, ketchup, hoisin sauce, sriracha (if using), garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar.
3. Add to slow cooker:
- Place the chicken wings in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over the wings, making sure they are evenly coated.
4. Cook the wings:
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2 hours until the chicken wings are tender and cooked through.
5. Thicken the sauce:
- Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a baking sheet lined with foil.
- Pour the sauce from the slow cooker into a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the simmering sauce and cook until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Broil the wings (optional for crispy skin):
- Preheat your oven’s broiler. Brush the thickened sauce over the wings and broil for 2-3 minutes per side, until they’re slightly crispy and caramelized.
7. Garnish and serve:
- Transfer the wings to a serving platter and drizzle any remaining sauce over them. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Tips:
- Adjust the sweetness and heat to your liking by increasing or decreasing the amount of honey and sriracha.
- For an even crispier finish, bake the wings in the oven after slow cooking at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes, brushing with sauce as they bake.
- This sticky sauce can also work for drumsticks or boneless chicken thighs.
These Slow Cooker Sticky Chicken Wings are packed with flavor and are super tender thanks to the slow cooking process. Serve them as an appetizer or with a side of steamed rice and veggies for a full meal!