Let’s be honest—no game day spread is complete without a platter of saucy, spicy Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings. But here’s the thing: you don’t need a deep fryer (or a pile of dishes) to get those crave-worthy wings on the table. With this easy, crockpot buffalo wings recipe, your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, so you can focus on cheering for your team—or, let’s be real, perfecting your snack station.
These wings are juicy, perfectly tangy, and made with just 4 simple ingredients. Yes, you read that right—four! It’s the ultimate low-effort, high-reward appetizer that always disappears in minutes. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a casual get-together, or simply treating yourself to a wings night, this recipe is a total winner.
Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings
There’s something magical about tossing everything in a slow cooker and letting it work its simmering magic. These crockpot buffalo wings are fall-off-the-bone tender, infused with bold buffalo flavor, and require virtually no hands-on time.
The best part? You don’t need a long shopping list. This recipe is a 4 ingredient wings miracle: hot sauce, butter, vinegar, and Worcestershire. Simple, straightforward, and oh-so-satisfying.
And if you love your wings with a crispy edge, a quick broil at the end will give you that perfect golden finish without the hassle of frying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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2/3 cup (160ml) Frank’s Red Hot pepper sauce
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1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
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1 1/2 tbsp (22ml) white vinegar
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1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce
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4 pounds (1.8kg) chicken wings
How to Make Easy Buffalo Wings in the Slow Cooker
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Make the Buffalo Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine Frank’s Red Hot sauce, unsalted butter, white vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk continuously until the butter melts and the sauce starts to bubble gently. This only takes a couple of minutes but sets the flavor tone for the whole dish.
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Prep the Wings: Place your chicken wings in the slow cooker, spreading them out evenly so they all get coated in the saucy goodness.
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Sauce & Slow Cook: Pour the hot buffalo sauce over the wings, turning them gently to coat. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, until the wings are tender, juicy, and infused with that signature Buffalo kick.
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Optional Crisp-Up (Highly Recommended!): For that irresistible crispy finish, transfer the cooked wings to a baking sheet lined with foil. Pop them under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until the skin is golden and slightly crispy. Keep a close eye—things happen fast under the broiler!
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Serve & Devour: Pile the wings onto a platter and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces—ranch, blue cheese, or even extra buffalo sauce if you’re feeling bold. Don’t forget the celery and carrot sticks for that classic combo!
Buffalo Wing Tips & Tricks for Game Day Success
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Don’t skip the broil! If you like a bit of texture on your wings, broiling gives them that crispy edge while keeping the insides fall-apart tender.
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Love extra saucy wings? Reserve some buffalo sauce on the side to brush on after broiling.
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Use fresh or thawed wings—frozen wings will release too much water and dilute the sauce.
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If you prefer a milder heat, adjust by using a mild buffalo sauce or adding a splash of honey to the mix for a touch of sweetness.
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Hosting a crowd? You can easily double this recipe—just make sure your slow cooker has the room!
How These Slow Cooker Wings Became My Secret Party Weapon
Let me confess something—I’m usually the person running around last minute before guests arrive, hair half-done, trying to plate appetizers. That all changed when I discovered the magic of Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings.
Now, I toss everything into the crockpot hours before anyone shows up, and by the time friends are knocking on the door, my house smells like a wing joint in the best possible way. A quick broil while everyone’s grabbing drinks, and bam—game day appetizers are served with zero stress. They’ve become a permanent fixture at every family gathering, casual hangout, and yes, even those Tuesday nights when I just want to treat myself.
What to Serve with Crockpot Buffalo Wings
These wings are a flavor bomb all on their own, but the right sides and dips can turn them into a full-blown feast. Classic celery and carrot sticks bring a refreshing crunch, while creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing provides the perfect cooling contrast to the spicy heat.
For heartier sides, serve with loaded potato skins, a big bowl of tortilla chips with guacamole, or a zesty coleslaw. And if you’re hosting a party, consider setting up a DIY wing station with assorted sauces—think honey garlic, BBQ, or even a creamy parmesan garlic dip for variety.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Though they’re usually devoured immediately, if you do happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the wings on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes until heated through. The oven keeps them crispy—microwaving tends to make them soggy, so try to avoid it if you can.
You can also freeze the cooked wings for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook these wings on HIGH in the slow cooker?
Yes, but I recommend cooking on HIGH for 2.5 to 3 hours. However, low and slow yields the most tender, fall-off-the-bone results.
Do I need to separate the wingettes and drumettes?
If your wings are whole, it’s a good idea to separate them for easier cooking and serving, but it’s not strictly necessary.
Can I make these wings less spicy?
Absolutely! Mix in a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar into the buffalo sauce to mellow out the heat.
Do I have to broil the wings?
While optional, broiling adds that delicious crispy finish that mimics oven-baked or fried wings. It’s a quick step that makes a big difference.
Game Day Perfection: Make These Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings!
When it comes to easy buffalo wings that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen (spoiler: you didn’t), this Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings recipe is pure gold. It’s the ultimate game day MVP—juicy, flavorful, minimal effort, and customizable. So whether you’re cooking up a batch for a party or just feeding your own wing-loving heart, this 4-ingredient wonder is about to be on repeat in your kitchen.
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Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Description
These Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings are the ultimate game day appetiser—juicy, fall-off-the-bone tender, and bursting with bold, tangy buffalo flavour. Made with just 4 ingredients and minimal effort, they’re the easiest crowd-pleasing wings you’ll ever serve, with an optional broil for that irresistible crispy finish.
Ingredients
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2/3 cup (160ml) Frank’s Red Hot pepper sauce
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1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
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1 1/2 tbsp (22ml) white vinegar
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1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce
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4 pounds (1.8kg) chicken wings
Instructions
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In a small saucepan, combine hot sauce, butter, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce over medium heat. Whisk until butter melts and sauce bubbles slightly.
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Place chicken wings in a slow cooker and pour the buffalo sauce over them, turning to coat evenly.
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Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours until wings are tender and infused with flavor.
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Optional: For a crispy finish, transfer wings to a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes until golden.
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Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery, and carrot sticks. Extra buffalo sauce for dipping is highly encouraged.
Notes
For crispier wings, don’t skip the broiling step.
Adjust heat level by using a milder sauce or adding a splash of honey.
Always use fresh or thawed wings for the best texture.
You can double the recipe, ensuring your slow cooker isn’t overcrowded.
Reserve extra sauce to brush on after broiling for extra sauciness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (including optional broiling)
- Category: Apéritifs
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American