Crockpot Buffalo Wings with Spicy Seasoning and Oven Finish Recipe

Introduction

Crockpot Buffalo Wings are a perfect game day or snack-time treat that combines tender, slow-cooked chicken wings with a spicy, buttery hot sauce. This easy recipe uses simple spices and finishes in the oven for crispy, flavorful wings every time.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 pounds chicken wings, fresh or frozen
• 1 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s)
• ½ cup melted butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper. Mix well to create the seasoning blend.
2. Step 2: Place the chicken wings in the crockpot and sprinkle the seasoning mix over them. Stir gently to coat the wings evenly on all sides.
3. Step 3: Cover with the lid and cook on high for 4-5 hours, or on low for 6-7 hours until the wings are tender.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 425˚F. Remove the wings from the crockpot and transfer them to a large bowl. Try to remove as much liquid as possible so the sauce will stick better.
5. Step 5: Whisk together the hot sauce and melted butter until well combined. Pour the sauce over the wings and toss to coat thoroughly.
6. Step 6: Arrange the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast on the top oven rack for 15-18 minutes to crisp up the skin.
7. Step 7: Brush the wings with additional sauce from the bowl before serving hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispy wings, broil them for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• Try swapping smoked paprika for regular paprika if you prefer milder smoky flavor.
• Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for extra heat.
• If you like milder wings, use half the hot sauce and increase butter for a creamier sauce.

Storage

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375˚F for 8-10 minutes to retain crispiness, or microwave briefly if short on time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen wings in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen wings straight from the freezer. Cooking times may be a bit longer, but the slow cooker will handle thawing while cooking.

What type of hot sauce works best for Buffalo wings?

A vinegar-based hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot is classic for Buffalo wings, but you can experiment with other brands to suit your taste preferences.

Crockpot Buffalo Wings with Spicy Seasoning and Oven Finish Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 76 reviews

• Author: Ethan
• Total Time: Approx. 5 hours 30 minutes (if cooking on high) or 7 hours 15 minutes (if cooking on low)
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

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Description

These Crockpot Buffalo Wings are a perfect combination of tender, slow-cooked chicken wings coated in a flavorful homemade spice blend and soaked in classic buffalo sauce. Slow-cooked in a crockpot for hours to ensure juicy meat, then finished off in a hot oven to get crispy edges, these wings make an ideal appetizer or game day snack.

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Ingredients

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Spice Mix

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Main Ingredients

• 4 pounds chicken wings, fresh or frozen
• 1 cup hot sauce (such as Franks)
• ½ cup melted butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a balanced seasoning blend.
2. Season the Wings: Place the chicken wings into the crockpot. Sprinkle the prepared seasoning mix evenly over the wings. Stir gently to ensure all wings are coated thoroughly with the spices.
3. Cook in Crockpot: Cover with the crockpot lid and cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 6-7 hours. This slow cooking ensures the wings become tender and absorb the spice flavors.
4. Preheat Oven: Towards the end of the crockpot cooking, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for finishing the wings.
5. Remove and Dry Wings: Carefully remove wings from the crockpot, draining off as much liquid as possible to allow the sauce to adhere well. Place the wings into a large mixing bowl.
6. Make Buffalo Sauce and Coat Wings: In a separate bowl, whisk together the hot sauce and melted butter until smooth and combined. Pour this sauce over the wings in the bowl and toss thoroughly to coat each wing evenly.
7. Crisp Wings in Oven: Arrange the coated wings on a baking sheet in a single layer. Place the sheet on the top rack of the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes to crisp the skin and meld the sauce.
8. Brush with Additional Sauce and Serve: Remove wings from the oven, brush with any leftover sauce from the bowl for extra flavor, then serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• For best flavor absorption, seasoning the wings before slow cooking is key.
• Removing excess liquid from the crockpot before saucing helps the sauce stick better.
• You can adjust the heat level by choosing a milder or hotter hot sauce.
• Oven finishing crisps the wings without deep frying, making them less greasy but still flavorful.
• Leftover wings can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours (high) or 7 hours (low) plus 18 minutes oven time
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Slow Cooking and Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Buffalo Wings, Crockpot Wings, Slow Cooker Chicken Wings, Buffalo Sauce, Appetizer, Game Day Recipe