Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy Wings

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Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy Wings

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or an easy main dish that’s loaded with bold flavor, these Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy Wings are the perfect choice. They’re sticky, tender, and packed with just the right balance of sweetness and heat — all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. Whether it’s game day, a family dinner, or a weekend treat, these wings will disappear fast!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, making it perfect for busy days.
  • Incredible flavor: The combination of sweet honey, tangy ketchup, and a touch of chili sauce creates a sauce that’s irresistible.
  • Perfect texture: The wings cook to fall-off-the-bone tenderness in the slow cooker, then get caramelized under the grill for that sticky, golden finish.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup ketchup – gives the sauce its rich, tangy base
  • ½ cup sweet chili sauce – adds a gentle kick of spice with sweetness
  • ¼ cup brown sugar – deepens the caramel flavor
  • ¼ cup honey – adds shine and natural sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – for a savory, umami balance
  • 1 tablespoon dark sweet soy sauce – gives color and depth to the sauce
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely grated – for aromatic flavor
  • 1 kg chicken wings (drummettes or whole wings) – use fresh or thawed wings

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In the bowl of your slow cooker, combine the ketchup, sweet chili sauce, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, dark soy sauce, and grated garlic. Stir well until all the ingredients are blended into a smooth sauce.

Step 2: Add the Chicken

Add the chicken wings to the slow cooker and toss them gently in the sauce until they’re completely coated. Make sure every piece is covered for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Cover with the lid and cook:

  • On HIGH: for about 3 hours, or
  • On LOW: for 6–8 hours, if you prefer to set it and forget it while you go about your day.

The wings should be tender and fully cooked through when done.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Once the wings are ready, transfer them to a baking tray lined with foil. Pour the remaining cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan and place it over high heat. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat slightly and let it simmer for about 10–15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Caramelize Under the Grill

Preheat your oven’s grill to high heat. Brush each wing generously with the thickened sauce and grill for 3 minutes. Flip the wings, brush with more sauce, and grill for another 3 minutes, until beautifully glazed and slightly charred at the edges.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange the wings on a serving platter, drizzle with any remaining sauce, and if you like, sprinkle with a bit of chili flakes or chopped green onions for a fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy that irresistible combination of sweet, spicy, and sticky perfection.

Tips and Variations

  • For extra heat: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  • For extra crispiness: After grilling, let the wings rest for 5 minutes to allow the glaze to set.
  • Make ahead: You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

What to Serve With

Pair these wings with steamed rice, coleslaw, potato wedges, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. They’re also a hit alongside classic party favorites like mac and cheese or loaded fries.

 

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