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These Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Wings are sweet, sticky, and fall-apart tender. A cozy, no-fuss dinner your whole family will ask for again and again!

If you’ve been around here for a while, you know that I am always looking for those magical recipes that make dinnertime easier without sacrificing flavor. With three kids at the table and a husband who loves hearty meals, I need recipes that taste like I’ve been in the kitchen all day, even when I haven’t. That’s where these Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Wings come in.

These wings are sticky, tender, and so flavorful, thanks to a sauce made from honey, garlic, soy sauce, and brown sugar. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while I get to check off everything else on my list. By the time dinner rolls around, the house smells amazing, and I have a big pot of saucy wings ready to serve.

My teenager, Dean, is absolutely wing-obsessed. If I ever ask him what he wants for dinner, nine times out of ten his answer is “wings.” For the longest time, that meant grabbing takeout, but once I started making them in the slow cooker, everything changed. Now I can whip up his favorite meal at home with hardly any effort, and he loves them just as much (if not more!) than the restaurant version. These wings have definitely earned a permanent spot on our family meal plan.

What are Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Wings?

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Wings are chicken wings cooked low and slow in a sweet and savory sauce. Instead of frying, the wings simmer in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and brown sugar until the meat is juicy and tender.

The best part is the sauce, it thickens and clings to every piece of chicken, giving you that sticky, finger-licking glaze. If you want them extra glossy, you can even pop them under the broiler for a few minutes at the end. It’s comfort food without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Set it and forget it – the slow cooker makes this practically hands-free.

• Kid-approved – the sweet, sticky sauce is one my boys never argue with.

• Simple ingredients – pantry staples you probably already have.

• Tender and juicy – no dry wings here, just saucy goodness.

• Flexible – serve as a main dish, with sides, or even as a fun weekend dinner.

When to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Wings

In our house, these wings have turned into one of those recipes that works anytime:

• Busy weeknights – throw everything in the slow cooker earlier in the day, and dinner is ready by evening.

• Family movie nights – set out a big platter, some napkins, and let everyone dig in.

• Cozy weekends – pair with mashed potatoes or rice for a comforting sit-down meal.

• Kid favorites – perfect for when you want something fun that still feels like a “real” dinner.

They’re the kind of recipe that feels special without being fussy, my favorite kind.

Ingredients 

• 2–3 pounds chicken wings – I like fresh wings, split into flats and drumettes so they cook evenly.

• 1 cup honey – brings sweetness and that sticky texture.

• ½ cup low sodium soy sauce – balances the honey and adds depth.

• 4 garlic cloves, minced – don’t skimp here; garlic makes the sauce sing.

• ⅓ cup brown sugar – adds richness and a little caramel flavor.

How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Wings

1. Add the wings: Place fresh chicken wings directly into your slow cooker.

2. Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and brown sugar.

3. Save a little: Set aside ¼ cup of sauce for finishing later.

4. Cook low and slow: Pour the rest of the sauce over the wings, cover, and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours until tender.

5. Optional step: For that shiny, caramelized look, place wings on a foil-lined baking sheet, brush with the reserved sauce, and broil for a few minutes.

6. Serve: Pile onto a platter and watch them disappear.

Substitutions

• Honey → swap with maple syrup or agave.

• Soy sauce → coconut aminos or tamari for gluten-free.

• Brown sugar → white sugar, honey, or even a little molasses.

• Garlic → use garlic powder if that’s what you have on hand.

Variations

• Sweet & Spicy – add red pepper flakes or a squeeze of sriracha.

• Garlic Lover’s Wings – double the garlic for extra punch.

• Citrus Twist – add a splash of orange juice for brightness.

• Herb Infused – toss in some fresh rosemary or thyme.

Tips & Tricks

• Use parchment or a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.

• Stir halfway through cooking so every wing gets coated.

• If your family likes crispier wings, don’t skip the broiler step.

• Save a little extra sauce on the side for dipping.

• For even cooking, make sure wings are in a single layer or as close as possible.

FAQs

Do I need to broil the wings?
Not at all, but it gives them that glossy, caramelized finish.

Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, just thaw them first for best results.

Will this recipe work with drumsticks or thighs?
Definitely! Adjust cooking time slightly depending on size.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but only if your slow cooker is large enough. Otherwise, cook in batches.

How do I store leftovers?
Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze cooked wings in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

How do I reheat without drying them out?
Warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through, or microwave in short bursts with a splash of sauce.

Serving Ideas

• With a simple side of rice and steamed broccoli.

• Alongside mashed potatoes and green beans for a cozy, stick-to-your-ribs dinner.

• With a big salad and crusty bread for something lighter.

• On their own for a fun “finger food” dinner the kids will love.

• Shredded and piled onto sandwiches or wraps the next day.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 days.

• Freeze: Freeze cooked wings for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

• Reheat: Warm in the oven for the best texture.

• Make Ahead: Mix the sauce a day in advance, then add to wings when ready to cook.

 

Did you make this SLOW COOKER HONEY GARLIC WINGS, tell me how you liked it in the comments! For more delicious family friendly recipes you can follow me on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK 

If you love sticky, flavorful wings, these Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Wings are about to be your new go-to appetizer! They’re tender, juicy, and coated in a sweet and savory glaze that’s perfect for game day or an easy dinner. And if you’re looking for more slow cooker favorites, check out these recipes:

• Slow Cooker Monterey Chicken – Juicy chicken breasts topped with BBQ sauce, bacon, and cheese, all cooked to perfection in the crockpot.

• Slow Cooker Pot Roast Stroganoff – A hearty twist on classic stroganoff with tender pot roast and creamy mushroom sauce.

• Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Casserole – All the flavors of classic chicken pot pie made easy in the slow cooker with a creamy filling and biscuit topping.

• Slow Cooker French Onion Meatloaf – Juicy meatloaf slow cooked with French onion flavor and topped with melty cheese.

• Slow Cooker Chinese Pork Chops – Tender pork chops cooked in a savory-sweet Asian-inspired sauce for a set-it-and-forget-it dinner.

At the end of the day, I’m all about meals that bring everyone to the table with a smile, and these Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Wings never disappoint. They’re sticky, tender, and so full of flavor, but most importantly, they’re easy.

I love that I can toss everything together in just minutes, let the slow cooker do its thing, and still serve something that feels homemade and comforting. It’s the kind of recipe that reminds me why I fell in love with slow cooker dinners in the first place.

If your family is anything like mine, you’ll make these once and immediately add them to your regular dinner rotation.