Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Wings
When it comes to game day snacks or a casual weeknight dinner, nothing hits the spot quite like wings. These Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Wings are the perfect blend of sweet and savory, making them an irresistible treat that everyone will love. The best part? They are incredibly easy to whip up using your slow cooker, allowing you to enjoy tender, flavorful wings without the stress of constant monitoring. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that will have your family and friends clamoring for seconds.
The Upside of Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Wings
Slow cooking is a game-changer for busy cooks. The gentle heat allows the chicken wings to become incredibly tender while absorbing all the delicious flavors of the honey garlic glaze. Since the slow cooker does all the hard work, you can focus on other tasks or simply relax while the wings cook to perfection. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze with just one pot to wash.
The Ingredient Lineup
To create these mouthwatering Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Wings, you will need the following ingredients:
- 3 pounds chicken wings: Choose fresh or frozen wings; both will work beautifully in this recipe.
- 1 cup honey: This will provide the sweetness that balances out the savory flavors.
- ½ cup soy sauce: Adds a salty depth; opt for low-sodium if you prefer.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic: Fresh garlic will give the best flavor, but jarred works in a pinch.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger: A warm spice that complements the sweetness of the honey.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: This helps to crisp the wings when finishing them off.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce for a perfect glaze.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
What’s in the Gear List
To make these Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Wings, ensure you have the following tools on hand:
- Slow Cooker: A 6-quart size is ideal for cooking 3 pounds of wings.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measurements of your ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: To combine the honey garlic sauce ingredients.
- Whisk: For smooth and combined sauce.
- Serving platter: To present your delicious wings.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Wings Made Stepwise
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings
Begin by rinsing the chicken wings under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This will help the skin crisp up later. If you are using frozen wings, be sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ground ginger, and vegetable oil. Whisk until thoroughly blended. This sweet and savory sauce is the star of your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Wings.
Step 3: Add Wings to the Slow Cooker
Place the chicken wings in the slow cooker. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the wings, making sure they are all well coated. If needed, use a spoon to toss the wings gently in the sauce.
Step 4: Set the Slow Cooker
Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The low setting is best for optimal flavor and tenderness.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Once the wings are cooked, remove them from the slow cooker and set them aside on a platter. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the remaining sauce in the slow cooker and stir well. Turn the slow cooker to high and let it cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 6: Crisp the Wings (Optional)
For an extra crispy finish, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the cooked wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush them lightly with some of the thickened sauce and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown. This step adds a delightful texture to your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Wings.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Drizzle the remaining thickened sauce over the wings before serving. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired, and enjoy the compliments!
Seasonal Adaptations
These Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Wings can be tailored to suit different seasons and occasions:
- Summer: Serve with a fresh coleslaw and grilled corn on the cob for a backyard barbecue.
- Fall: Pair with pumpkin spice roasted vegetables for a cozy autumn meal.
- Winter: Enjoy with mashed potatoes and green beans for a hearty family dinner.
- Spring: Serve with a light salad and crusty bread for a fresh, seasonal meal.
Missteps & Fixes
Even the best cooks can run into problems. Here are some common missteps and how to fix them:
- Wings Not Cooked Through: Ensure you cook the wings for the full recommended time. If they’re still undercooked, simply let them cook longer.
- Too Saucy: If the sauce is too runny, thicken it with a cornstarch slurry as mentioned in the recipe.
- Wings Not Crispy: If you prefer crispy wings, follow the optional oven-baking step after cooking them in the slow cooker.
- Flavor Too Sweet or Salty: Balance the flavor by adding a bit more soy sauce or honey to taste.
Save It for Later
If you find yourself with leftovers, these Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Wings can be stored for later enjoyment:
You can refrigerate the cooked wings in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also freeze the wings for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Quick Q&A
Can I use other types of chicken for this recipe?
Yes! You can use drumsticks or boneless thighs if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is there a substitute for soy sauce?
Yes, you can use tamari or coconut aminos as a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.
How can I make these wings spicier?
To add some heat, include red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha in the honey garlic sauce.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the wings and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Just cook them in the slow cooker when you’re ready to serve.
Similar Recipes
If you love these Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Wings, you might also enjoy:
In Closing
These Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Wings are not just a meal; they are an experience. Perfect for gatherings, game days, or a cozy night in, they bring everyone together with their irresistible flavor. The slow cooker takes the hassle out of cooking, allowing you to enjoy the process and the delightful aroma filling your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy some of the best wings you’ve ever tasted!
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Wings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings - Rinse the wings under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce - In a mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ground ginger, and vegetable oil. Whisk until blended.
- Step 3: Add Wings to the Slow Cooker - Place wings in the slow cooker and pour the honey garlic sauce over them, ensuring they are well coated.
- Step 4: Set the Slow Cooker - Cover and set to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Step 5: Thicken the Sauce - Remove wings and mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir into remaining sauce and cook on high for 15-20 minutes.
- Step 6: Crisp the Wings (Optional) - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), place wings on a baking sheet, brush with sauce, and bake for 10-15 minutes.
- Step 7: Serve and Enjoy! - Drizzle remaining thickened sauce over wings and garnish as desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to make the wings spicy.
- These wings can be made ahead of time and reheated for convenience.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
