Savory Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Wings

Ready in: 5 hours 30 minutes · Serves: 4-6 · Technique: Slow Cooking · Storage: Airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Quick Answer

Easily prepare sticky and savory Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Wings that are perfect for any festive gathering.

When the chilly winds of New York City start rustling the golden leaves, I know it's time to dust off my slow cooker and dive into comfort food season. One of my favorite dishes to serve during the holidays, especially for gatherings like Thanksgiving and Christmas, is these Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Wings. The combination of sticky sweetness and savory garlic is simply a crowd-pleaser, making it a must-try for your festive feasts or casual get-togethers.

A Delicious Holiday Treat

This recipe is all about easy preparation and incredible flavor, making it the perfect dish to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker takes care of the cooking while you enjoy your time with family and friends.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly tender and flavorful wings that are a hit at any gathering.
• The honey garlic glaze strikes a perfect balance between sweet and savory.
• Easy preparation and cooking process, allowing you to enjoy more time with your guests.
• Versatile dish that pairs well with various sides for a complete meal.
• Simple ingredient list that creates mouthwatering results.

Ingredients

To make these irresistible wings, gather the following ingredients:

Chicken and Marinade

• 2 pounds of chicken wings: Opt for fresh, good-quality wings without any added preservatives.
• ½ cup honey: I prefer using raw honey for its rich flavor and health benefits.
• ¼ cup soy sauce: Choose a low-sodium variety to keep the dish flavorful yet balanced.
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced: Fresh garlic provides a robust depth of flavor.
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: This'll add a tangy brightness to the glaze.
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Ground ginger adds a warm spiciness that beautifully complements the honey.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly cracked will give a more vibrant flavor.

Garnish

• Sesame seeds and sliced green onions (for garnish): These add a nice crunch and a pop of color.

How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Wings (Step-by-Step)

Follow these simple steps to create the ultimate honey garlic glazed wings for your next gathering.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Wings

Start by rinsing the chicken wings under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This step ensures that the wings crisp up a bit better during cooking. I like to trim any excess fat to avoid greasy results.

Step 2: Make the Glaze

In a mixing bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is glossy and well-blended, with the sweet and salty scents wafting through your kitchen.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Place your prepared chicken wings in the slow cooker, then pour the honey garlic mixture over them. Use a spoon to ensure all wings are nicely coated. Set the slow cooker on low and let them cook for 4-5 hours. The aroma that fills your home during this time is heavenly; it's like a warm hug on a chilly day.

Step 4: Finish Up

Once the cooking time is up, the wings should be beautifully tender. For a bit of char, you can broil them in the oven for 3-5 minutes after transferring them to a baking sheet. Just watch closely to avoid burning, but trust me, this step adds delightful caramelization and flavor.

Step 5: Garnish

Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top before serving. Their freshness brightens the dish visually and enhances the flavor profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the drying process: Don't forget to pat the wings dry - excess moisture can prevent them from crisping up if you choose to broil.
• Using low-quality soy sauce: This dish relies heavily on the sauce's flavor, so opt for a good quality soy sauce for the best results.
• Overcrowding the slow cooker: If you're tempted to double the recipe, consider using two separate cookers instead. Overcrowding can prevent even cooking.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to adjust the honey and soy sauce levels to find your perfect sweet-savory balance.
• Pair with Sides: These wings are delicious with a side of coleslaw or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness.
• Add Spice: If you like a kick, throw in a teaspoon of red pepper flakes into the glaze.

Variations

• Use smoked wings for a deeper flavor.
• Substitute agave nectar for honey for a vegan version.
• Add a splash of orange juice for a citrusy twist.
• Try using different types of vinegar, like balsamic, for varied flavor profiles.

How to Serve

• Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for a classic touch.
• Pair alongside a fresh garden salad for balance.
• Offer with a selection of dipping sauces, such as spicy mustard or ranch.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: The honey garlic glaze can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
• Storage: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat wings in the oven to regain some of that crispy edge.
• Freezing: Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible for longer storage.

Recipe Notes / What I Learned

During my many trials with this recipe, I've realized that letting the wings marinate in the honey garlic sauce for an hour before cooking can elevate the flavors even further. It's these little touches that make the dish truly special!

Yield and Serving Size

Yield: 6 · Serving Size: 4 wings

Nutrition Snapshot

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~300 calories · 20g protein · 15g carbs · 18g fat

Recipe by:

Elena SMITH

Savory Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Wings

Easily prepare sticky and savory Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Wings that are perfect for any festive gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 hours hrs

Total Time 5 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Calories: 300

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Group: Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken wings Opt for fresh, good-quality wings without any added preservatives.
• ½ cup honey I prefer using raw honey for its rich flavor and health benefits.
• ¼ cup soy sauce Choose a low-sodium variety to keep the dish flavorful yet balanced.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic provides a robust depth of flavor.
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar This'll add a tangy brightness to the glaze.
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger Ground ginger adds a warm spiciness that beautifully complements the honey.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper Freshly cracked will give a more vibrant flavor.
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Sliced green onions for garnish

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Baking sheet

Method

 

1. Start by rinsing the chicken wings under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is glossy and well-blended.
3. Place your prepared chicken wings in the slow cooker, then pour the honey garlic mixture over them. Use a spoon to ensure all wings are nicely coated. Set the slow cooker on low and let them cook for 4-5 hours.
4. Once the cooking time is up, you can broil them in the oven for 3-5 minutes to achieve a bit of char. Just watch closely to avoid burning.
5. Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top before serving.

Notes

Letting the wings marinate in the honey garlic sauce for an hour before cooking can elevate the flavors even further.

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