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Honey Garlic Wings on a white serving platter with a ramekin of honey and honey dipper
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Honey Garlic Wings

These slow cooker honey garlic wings are tender, flavorful, and finished under the broiler for a perfectly sticky glaze. An easy appetizer or dinner your family will love!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time4 hours
Total Time4 hours 5 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Honey Garlic Wings
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 612kcal
Author: Lois

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds chicken wings, fresh or frozen
  • 1 ½ cups hot sauce
  • 1 cup honey
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • red pepper flakes (optional garnish)
  • fresh chopped parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions

  • Place wings into the slow cooker.
  • In a medium bowl, mix the hot sauce, honey, melted butter, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  • RESERVE 1 cup of the sauce for basting later.
  • Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken wings.
  • Cover with lid and cook frozen wings on HIGH for 3-4 hours OR defrosted/fresh wings on LOW for 4-5 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked, tender, and has reached an internal temp of 165°F.
  • Once cooked, preheat the oven broiler. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil, and spray with cooking spray to help prevent sticking.
  • Place the wings onto the prepared baking sheet and baste with more of the hot honey sauce. Broil for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until desired crispiness is reached.
  • Garnish with red pepper flakes and fresh parsley if desired. Serve with dipping sauces like honey or habanero sauce, along with fresh limes. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Use the Right Size Slow Cooker: Make sure your slow cooker is large enough for the amount of wings so they cook evenly.
  • Wings to Use: Frozen party wings with flats and drumettes work great. Larger wings or drumsticks can be used, but adjust the cook time until the internal temp reaches 165°F.
  • Frozen vs. Fresh:
    • Frozen wings: Cook on HIGH to reduce time in the danger zone (40°F–140°F).
    • Fresh or thawed wings: Cook on LOW for tender results.
  • Drain Excess Liquid: Frozen wings release a lot of moisture—discard it before broiling for best texture.
  • Broiling Tips: For a thick, sticky glaze, baste wings every few minutes during broiling. Flip and repeat to coat both sides.
  • Hot Honey Sauce: Use store-bought or homemade hot sauce mixed with honey and seasonings. Adjust spice to taste—use mild sauce and skip extra cayenne if you prefer it less spicy.
  • Serving Suggestions: Pair with ranch, blue cheese, or citrus wedges to balance the heat.
  • Storage: Cool completely before storing. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 612kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 146mg | Sodium: 2155mg | Potassium: 394mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 47g | Vitamin A: 849IU | Vitamin C: 47mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 2mg