Slow Cooker Sticky Chicken Wings Recipe | Easy Game Day Appetizer
Make slow cooker sticky chicken wings with tender meat and a sweet, glossy glaze. This easy recipe is perfect for game day, parties, or family dinners — finger-licking good and effortless to prepare.
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Mixing bowl & whisk
- Baking sheet + foil (for broiling) or air fryer
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings (flats and drumettes, trimmed)
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Optional spice: ½ tsp cayenne, chili flakes, or sriracha
- Garnishes: sesame seeds, sliced scallions, fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Prep wings: Pat dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Make sauce: In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and brown sugar until smooth. Stir in sesame oil and optional spice.
- Slow cook: Place wings and onion slices in slow cooker. Pour sauce over, coating evenly. Cover and cook on high for 3–4 hours or low for 6–7 hours.
- Finish: Transfer wings to a foil-lined baking sheet or air fryer basket. Broil or air-fry for 3–5 minutes until glaze bubbles and skin caramelizes.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds, scallions, and cilantro. Enjoy hot.
Notes
- Make-ahead: Wings can be cooked in advance and broiled just before serving.
- Variations: Try hoisin for Asian-style, BBQ sauce for smoky flavor, or pineapple juice for sweetness.
- Tip: Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker—wings need space to cook evenly.