Slow Cooker Honey Chipotle Wings
These Slow Cooker Honey Chipotle Wings are sweet, smoky, sticky, and just the right amount of spicy. They cook low and slow until fall off the bone tender, then get a quick broil for that glossy, finger licking finish everyone loves.
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 lb family pack of chicken wings
- 1 cup of ketchup
- ¾ cup of honey
- 4 tbsp of chilies in adobo the sauce only
- 2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Load the Slow Cooker with the Wings - Add the chicken wings to an 8 quart slow cooker, spreading them out as evenly as you can so they cook evenly.
- Step 2: Whisk Together the Sweet and Smoky Sauce - In a small bowl, add the ketchup, honey, adobo sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Step 3: Coat the Wings in Half the Sauce - Pour half of the sauce over the wings in the slow cooker and gently toss or spread it around so every wing gets coated. Save the remaining sauce for later.
- Step 4: Let the Slow Cooker Do the Work - Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or until the wings are very tender and starting to pull away from the bone.
- Step 5: Transfer the Wings and Brush with Extra Sauce - Once the wings are done, carefully transfer them to a foil lined baking sheet. Brush the remaining sauce generously over the wings.
- Step 6: Broil for That Sticky Caramelized Finish - Place the wings under the broiler for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce bubbles and caramelizes on top. Keep a close eye on them so they do not burn.
- Step 7: Finish with a Little Freshness and Serve - Sprinkle parsley on top if you like, then serve warm and enjoy every sticky bite.
Notes
Substitutions
- Boneless chicken thighs: You can use boneless thighs instead of wings for a meatier option that stays juicy.
- Maple syrup: Maple syrup can replace honey for a deeper, slightly woodsy sweetness.
- White vinegar: If you are out of apple cider vinegar, white vinegar works in a pinch.
Variations
- Extra spicy wings: Add a little extra adobo sauce or a pinch of cayenne for more heat.
- Milder wings: Use less adobo sauce for a gentler spice level that kids love.
- Garlic honey chipotle wings: Add fresh minced garlic to the sauce for extra punch.
Tips and Tricks
- Broil carefully: Keep a close eye on the wings under the broiler since honey can caramelize quickly.
- Double baste: Basting halfway through broiling gives you an extra sticky coating.
- Check early: Some slow cookers run hotter, so check tenderness around the 3 hour mark.
- Low and slow option: You can cook these on low for 6 hours if that fits your day better.
- No broiler option: You can skip broiling and coat the wings with the remaining sauce in the slow cooker after draining the liquid.
Serving Ideas
- Celery and carrot sticks: The cool crunch balances the sweet heat of the wings.
- Creamy dipping sauce: Ranch or blue cheese dressing pairs beautifully with these flavors.
- Game day spread: Serve alongside sliders, nachos, and chips for an easy party table.
- Simple salad: A fresh green salad adds balance to this rich and sticky dish.
Storage and Make Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store wings in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.
- Reheat gently: Warm leftovers in the oven or air fryer to bring back the sticky texture.
- Make ahead: Cook the wings in advance and broil right before serving for best results.
- Freeze option: You can freeze cooked wings and reheat later for an easy snack.
Private Notes
Servings: 8 servings
