Easy Delicious Crockpot Buffalo Wings for Game Day

There’s something truly comforting about a batch of Crockpot Buffalo Wings that have been slow-cooked to tender, juicy perfection. I first stumbled on this recipe after several busy weeknights when I needed something that was easy but still packed with bold flavor. These wings have since become a regular in my cooking routine because they’re that reliable dish that brings warmth and a little kick to the table. They’re simple to prep, and the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting — perfect for anyone who wants satisfying food without the fuss.

What I love most about Crockpot Buffalo Wings is how the spicy buffalo wing sauce clings to slow cooked chicken wings, soaking right into the meat for maximum flavor. It feels like the kind of food you can trust to please a crowd or just yourself after a long day — no stress, just good taste. I often double the recipe when I know friends are coming over or there’s a big game on; these wings have a way of bringing people together, practically begging for extra napkins and good conversations.

If you’re new to slow cooker buffalo chicken wings or looking for an easy crockpot wing recipe that’s both approachable and reliable, this one’s going to be your new best friend. It’s forgiving, delicious, and that spicy buffalo wing sauce? Pure comfort. Plus, it’s a dish that’s just as good as leftovers, which is always a bonus in my book. So if you’re ready to add a hearty, juicy, crowd-pleasing recipe to your collection, let’s get started on these Crockpot Buffalo Wings together.

You’ll find this recipe fits easily into your weeknight routine, and it’s one of those dishes that always feels like a little celebration on your plate. Whether it’s for a casual family dinner or a friends’ gathering, this dish satisfies that craving for bold yet homey food. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own — you’re going to love how hands-off and rewarding cooking crockpot buffalo wings can be.

What You’ll Need for This Crockpot Buffalo Wings:

Ingredients for Crockpot Buffalo Wings laid out on a kitchen counter

Let’s keep this simple, friends. This Crockpot Buffalo Wings recipe uses basic ingredients you can find at most grocery stores, which makes it easy to pull together any time you’re craving those slow cooked chicken wings drenched in bold buffalo flavors.

  • 3 pounds chicken wings, tip removed (about 20 wings) — fresh or frozen works fine for this crockpot buffalo wings
  • 1 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is my go-to for that classic spicy buffalo wing sauce)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted — gives that silky richness to the buffalo wing marinade
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar — balances the heat and adds brightness
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce — a bit of umami depth in this crockpot buffalo wings
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder — simple flavor boost that blends in beautifully
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

If you don’t have white vinegar on hand, apple cider vinegar makes a great swap for this crockpot buffalo wings recipe. And if you want to cut down on fat, you can halve the butter or try a butter substitute — though I always include a little extra butter for that cozy richness.

These ingredients keep this crockpot buffalo wings recipe approachable and budget-friendly, which is great for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank. Plus, chicken wings are often on sale at my local grocery store, so I make sure to stock up when I see a deal.

Quick prep tip: Pat your chicken wings dry before tossing in the spicy buffalo wing sauce to help them soak up more flavor during slow cooking. You can prep your buffalo wing marinade ahead of time and keep it in the fridge, so when you’re ready to cook, it’s a quick toss and go.

If you want to keep things organized, store your wings in an airtight container or on a tray covered with plastic wrap in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Making this Crockpot Buffalo Wings becomes even simpler when your ingredients are ready to roll.

What started as a way to get dinner on the table quickly has turned into a slow cooker buffalo chicken wings recipe my family always asks for. And if you’re interested in other ways to enjoy buffalo flavors, you might enjoy my Buffalo Chicken Taquitos for a crispy spicy fusion that’s just as fun.

How to Make This Crockpot Buffalo Wings:

Get ready to savor some of the easiest and most satisfying slow cooked chicken wings you’ll make at home. From start to finish, this Crockpot Buffalo Wings takes about 5 to 6 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high, depending on your slow cooker. Here’s how it goes — I promise, this process is as friendly as the flavors!

1. Prep those wings

Before anything else, if your chicken wings are frozen, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Pat wings dry on a paper towel. This small step helps your buffalo wing marinade stick better, making every bite pop with flavor.

2. Make the buffalo wing marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together your hot sauce, melted butter, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This spicy buffalo wing sauce is simple but packs that classic kick.

3. Toss wings in sauce

Place chicken wings in your crockpot and pour the buffalo wing marinade over, stirring gently to coat each wing evenly. You want the sauce to cover them well but don’t worry about perfection here.

4. Cook low and slow

Cover and slow cook on low for 5 to 6 hours. If you’re short on time, high for 3 to 4 hours works, but low and slow gives your Crockpot Buffalo Wings the best texture.

5. Optional crisp finishing

Once slow cooked, your wings will be tender and juicy but a little soft on the skin. If you want that crispy bite, place them under the broiler for 4-5 minutes or air fry at 400°F for 5 minutes. Watch closely so they don’t burn!

6. Serve and enjoy!

Your kitchen will smell amazing, and these Crockpot Buffalo Wings will be bursting with that spicy buffalo wing sauce flavor ready to dig in.

If your wings look a little wet or saucy at the end, don’t worry — that’s the rich marinade doing its thing. You can spoon some sauce over when serving or save for dipping. This is the step where patience pays off with your Crockpot Buffalo Wings.

While the wings cook, you can get your sides ready, clean up your prep area, or just sit back with a refreshing drink. The slow cooker really takes the workload off you here.

If you like, check out some ideas for crispy finishes from Crock Pot Chicken Wings, which gives great tips if you want extra crunch after your slow cooking.

This crockpot buffalo wings recipe has become a neighborhood hit for me. It’s dependable, so every time I make it, the reaction is the same: “Please make these again!”

Serving Your Crockpot Buffalo Wings:

A bowl of freshly cooked Crockpot Buffalo Wings served with celery and dipping sauces

One of the best things about these Crockpot Buffalo Wings is how naturally they pair with so many classic sides. I love to serve them with crunchy celery sticks and creamy blue cheese or ranch dip; the coolness balances the spicy buffalo wing sauce perfectly.

Other times, I’ll make a big batch of garlic mashed potatoes or crispy oven fries to soak up all those extra sauces from the wings. Sweet potato fries are also a favorite here—it adds a subtle sweetness to contrast the spicy buffalo flavor.

This Crockpot Buffalo Wings really shine at casual gatherings—think game night, birthday parties, or even just a Friday night dinner when you want something that feels festive without a fuss. They’re perfect finger food that brings people together with minimal effort from you.

Presentation tip: Serve the wings in a large shallow bowl lined with parchment paper for that informal, welcoming feel. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color that makes your Crockpot Buffalo Wings look extra inviting.

Don’t toss leftovers—they make fantastic sandwiches! Just add some crunchy slaw and extra sauce, and you’ve got an easy lunch or dinner the next day. I’ve even used leftover wings chopped into a salad with a drizzle of ranch for a spicy twist on greens.

If you want to switch things up seasonally, try adding a little honey or brown sugar to your spicy buffalo wing sauce for a sweet heat perfect for colder months. Or mix in some fresh lime juice to brighten the flavor in warmer weather.

My family and friends always ask for this Crockpot Buffalo Wings whenever we get together, so I know it’s a winner. If you want a recipe that delivers consistent, tasty wings with minimal effort, this is it. For even more slow cooker buffalo chicken wings inspiration, check out the Awesome Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings Recipe — it’s a fantastic variation to compare notes on sauce ideas.

Common Questions About This Crockpot Buffalo Wings:

Can I make parts of this Crockpot Buffalo Wings ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the buffalo wing marinade a day in advance and store it in the fridge. The wings can also be prepped and tossed in sauce early, kept covered in the fridge, then cooked when you’re ready. I sometimes do this when hosting, so dinner feels mostly hands-off.

What’s a good substitute for the hot sauce in this Crockpot Buffalo Wings?
If classic wing sauce is too spicy or unavailable, try buffalo sauce with less heat or even a mix of BBQ sauce and hot sauce for milder buffalo wing marinade. Frank’s RedHot is my favorite, but Sriracha or chipotle sauces make interesting swaps worth trying.

How do I adjust this Crockpot Buffalo Wings recipe for more or fewer people?
Easy! Just scale the wings and sauce proportionally. For smaller batches, 1 pound of wings with 1/3 cup sauce usually works well. For feeding a crowd, double or triple the ingredients and cook in a large slow cooker or batches.

Can I skip the butter in the spicy buffalo wing sauce?
Butter adds richness and helps mellow the heat. You can try using a butter substitute or a little oil, but the flavor and texture will be different. I recommend at least some fat in your crockpot buffalo wings sauce for the best results.

Will these slow cooker buffalo chicken wings be crispy straight from the crockpot?
They won’t be crispy right after slow cooking but will be fall-apart tender and juicy. For crispy skin, finish under the broiler or in an air fryer briefly. This step is optional but recommended for that classic wing texture.

Can I use drumettes or boneless wings?
Yes! Drumettes work beautifully in this crockpot buffalo wings recipe. Boneless wings can also be used but will cook faster; adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid drying out.

What if my Crockpot Buffalo Wings looks saucy or watery at the end?
Don’t worry—that’s just the buffalo wing marinade mixing with natural juices. You can spoon some over the wings when serving or strain and reduce it slightly on the stove if you want thicker sauce. It’s all part of that juicy, saucy experience.

For more questions and tips on slow cooker buffalo chicken wings, I also recommend checking Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings (fall-apart tender!)- Bowl of Delicious. It’s a helpful resource for all things buffalo wings made easy.

Final Thoughts on This Crockpot Buffalo Wings:

This Crockpot Buffalo Wings recipe holds a special place in my collection because it hits all the right notes — it’s simple, satisfying, and flexible enough to make your own. It’s the kind of dish that reliably brings smiles and seconds to the table.

My Top Tips for This Crockpot Buffalo Wings:

  • Dry your wings before tossing in sauce to help that spicy buffalo wing sauce stick better during slow cooking.
  • Cook on low for tender, juicy results, then broil for a few minutes if you want crispy skin that still melts in your mouth.
  • Double the sauce if you like wings extra saucy; I often do because you can never have too much buffalo wing marinade!

As for variations, I love trying a honey-buffalo blend for a touch of sweetness, a garlic-buffalo twist for deeper flavor, or even a smoky chipotle buffalo wing sauce for something different. But the classic version gets requested most often — it’s a true crowd-pleaser.

Whatever you decide, I hope you enjoy making these Crockpot Buffalo Wings as much as I enjoy sharing them. They’re an easy, reliable way to bring a little bit of joy and spice to your table, and that’s what good home cooking is all about.

If you want more inspiration with that spicy buffalo wing sauce flavor, don’t forget to check back for more recipes here or try my Buffalo Chicken Taquitos for a fresh twist on buffalo flavors.

Here’s to many delicious meals and happy gatherings with your Crockpot Buffalo Wings! Keep cooking with joy, friends.

Print

Crockpot Buffalo Wings

Tender, spicy Crockpot Buffalo Wings simmered to perfection and coated in a tangy homemade buffalo sauce, perfect for game day or a flavorful snack.

  • Author: Lissandra Hayes
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs chicken wings, tips removed
  • 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for serving

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken wings dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together hot sauce, melted butter, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder to make the buffalo sauce.
  3. Place wings in the crockpot and pour half of the buffalo sauce over them; toss to coat.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until wings are fully cooked and tender.
  5. About 30 minutes before serving, toss wings with the remaining buffalo sauce to coat them evenly and let the flavors meld.
  6. Serve hot with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing on the side, if desired.

Notes

For extra crispy wings, briefly broil the cooked wings in the oven for 3-5 minutes before tossing with the remaining sauce.

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