Get ready to elevate your appetizer game with a recipe that promises an explosion of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors: Slow Cooker Honey Sriracha Barbecue Chicken Wings. Perfectly cooked to tender perfection in your slow cooker, these wings are coated in an irresistible glaze featuring the bold kick of CHA! by Texas Pete Sriracha Sauce. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a casual get-together, or simply craving a delicious and easy meal, these wings are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and a staple in your recipe collection.
Unlocking Flavor: Slow Cooker Honey Sriracha Wings
The secret to truly sensational chicken wings often lies in the balance of flavors and the cooking method. Our Slow Cooker Honey Sriracha Wings master both, offering a remarkably simple yet incredibly rewarding culinary experience. The slow cooking process ensures the chicken wings become incredibly tender, practically falling off the bone, while allowing the rich barbecue sauce to deeply infuse every piece. This hands-off approach makes it an ideal recipe for busy hosts who want to impress without being tied to the kitchen.
My husband is absolutely passionate about CHA! by Texas Pete Sriracha Sauce. He uses it on almost everything, so when the opportunity arose to develop a recipe highlighting this fantastic product, his excitement was palpable. What followed was an entertaining two-week culinary debate, ranging from wildly ambitious ideas to recipes that were actually practical and delicious. Thankfully, we eventually landed on these Slow Cooker Honey Sriracha Barbecue Chicken Wings, a choice that proved to be a winning decision.
We aimed for a recipe that was perfect for football season – an appetizer that everyone would adore and that utilized our favorite kitchen companion: the slow cooker. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your palate. For those who, like my husband, crave a robust heat, feel free to be generous with the CHA! by Texas Pete Sriracha. If you prefer a milder zing, simply reduce the amount. The versatility ensures these wings will be a hit with all your guests, no matter their spice preference.
The Ultimate Game Day Snack: Why These Wings Rule
When it comes to game day food, convenience and flavor are paramount. These slow cooker wings check both boxes effortlessly. Imagine preparing your main dish or other appetizers while your wings slowly simmer to perfection, filling your home with an intoxicating aroma. No constant flipping, no worrying about dry chicken – just consistently moist, flavorful wings ready to be devoured. They are hearty enough to satisfy hungry fans but light enough not to spoil the main meal. Plus, the vibrant colors and glossy glaze make them incredibly appealing on any party spread.
Crafting the Perfect Honey Sriracha Barbecue Sauce
The magic of these wings lies in their meticulously crafted sauce. It’s a harmonious blend of classic barbecue elements with an exhilarating sweet and spicy twist. Let’s explore the key components that make this sauce so irresistible:
- Ketchup: Forms the rich, tangy base of our barbecue sauce, providing a familiar and comforting foundation.
- Onion & Garlic: These aromatic powerhouses are essential for building depth and savory complexity. Roughly chopped, they release their flavors slowly into the sauce, creating a nuanced backdrop for the other ingredients.
- Honey: The natural sweetness of honey perfectly complements the heat of the sriracha, creating that coveted sweet-spicy dynamic. It also helps achieve a beautiful, glossy glaze on the wings.
- CHA! by Texas Pete Sriracha Sauce: This is where the wings get their distinctive kick. CHA! by Texas Pete offers a balanced sriracha flavor – vibrant chili notes without overwhelming vinegar, making it ideal for incorporating into a barbecue sauce. It’s truly the star of the show.
- Soy Sauce: A splash of soy sauce adds a crucial layer of umami, deepening the savory profile and tying all the flavors together for a more complex and satisfying taste.
Together, these ingredients simmer down to create a sticky, finger-licking sauce that clings to every piece of chicken, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor.
Equipment Essentials for Effortless Cooking
While the recipe itself is straightforward, having the right tools can make the process even smoother. For these Slow Cooker Honey Sriracha Barbecue Chicken Wings, your most important piece of equipment is, naturally, a slow cooker.
We highly recommend using a slow cooker that features a digital timer and an automatic warm setting. This functionality is a game-changer for set-it-and-forget-it cooking. Once your wings have finished cooking, the slow cooker will automatically switch to “warm,” preventing overcooking and ensuring your dish is held at the perfect serving temperature until you’re ready. This eliminates the stress of constantly checking the clock and ensures perfectly cooked results every time, whether you’re out running errands or enjoying quality time with family.
Once cooked, serve these magnificent wings on a large platter or in a big bowl. Be sure to have an abundance of napkins nearby – these sticky, saucy wings are meant to be enjoyed hands-on!
Slow Cooker Honey Sriracha Barbecue Chicken Wings Recipe
Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Refrigeration: 1 hour
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Calories: 774kcal per serving
Author: Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 1 onion, peeled and roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and roughly chopped
- ½ cup honey
- 1-3 tablespoons CHA! by Texas Pete Sriracha Sauce (adjust to your preferred spice level)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 package (approx. 2.5-3 lbs) chicken wings, patted dry
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ketchup, chopped onion, minced garlic, honey, CHA! by Texas Pete Sriracha Sauce, and soy sauce. Whisk until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the sauce is smooth. This forms your flavorful marinade and cooking sauce.
- Place the patted-dry chicken wings into a large, resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken wings, ensuring each wing is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours. For deeper flavor penetration, you can marinate overnight (up to 8 hours).
- Once marinated, transfer the chicken wings and your preferred amount of sauce into the slow cooker. I tend to enjoy really saucy wings, so I typically pour in most, if not all, of the marinade. Ensure the wings are arranged in a single layer if possible, or stacked loosely to allow for even cooking.
- Cook the chicken wings on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 6-8 hours. Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model. Always ensure the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken wings reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- For an even stickier glaze and a slight crispness on the skin, you can transfer the cooked wings to a baking sheet and broil them for 2-3 minutes per side after slow cooking. Watch them closely to prevent burning, as the honey in the sauce can caramelize quickly under high heat.
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker (preferably with a digital timer and auto-warm function)
- Large mixing bowl
- Resealable bag or shallow dish for marinating
- Whisk
- Meat thermometer
- Optional: Baking sheet for broiling
Nutrition Facts
Slow Cooker Honey Sriracha Barbecue Chicken Wings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 774 (Calories from Fat 9)
% Daily Value*
Fat 1g (2%)
- Saturated Fat 0.1g (1%)
- Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g
- Monounsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 1mg (0%)
Sodium 3656mg (159%)
Potassium 856mg (24%)
Carbohydrates 203g (68%)
- Fiber 3g (13%)
- Sugar 183g (203%)
Protein 8g (16%)
Vitamin A 928IU (19%)
Vitamin C 18mg (22%)
Calcium 81mg (8%)
Iron 3mg (17%)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
These Honey Sriracha Barbecue Chicken Wings are incredibly versatile. For game day, serve them alongside classic football party appetizers like mini hot dogs, nachos, or a fresh vegetable platter with ranch dip. They also pair wonderfully with a simple side salad or coleslaw for a lighter meal. For an added touch, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or green onions before serving.
Feeling adventurous? Try these variations:
- Extra Zest: Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the sauce after cooking for a bright, tangy finish.
- Smoky Flavor: A dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika in the sauce can add a delightful depth.
- Different Cuts: This sauce also works beautifully with boneless chicken thighs or drumsticks, though cooking times may need slight adjustment.
- Vegetarian Option: Toss cauliflower florets in the sauce and slow cook for a delicious plant-based alternative.
Tips for Success
- Pat Your Wings Dry: Before marinating, thoroughly pat your chicken wings dry with paper towels. This helps the sauce adhere better and can contribute to a slightly crispier skin if you choose to broil them at the end.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: For best results, avoid packing the slow cooker too tightly. This allows for more even cooking and sauce distribution. If making a very large batch, consider cooking in two rounds or using a larger slow cooker.
- Adjust Spice to Taste: Remember, the amount of CHA! by Texas Pete is a guideline. Start with less and add more if you prefer extra heat. You can even offer extra sriracha on the side for those who like a fiery kick.
- Thicken the Sauce: If your sauce is thinner than desired after cooking, you can remove the wings, then transfer the sauce to a saucepan and simmer on the stovetop until it reduces and thickens to your liking. A cornstarch slurry can also be used.
- Storage and Reheating: Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave, oven, or air fryer until warmed through. Broiling or air frying will help maintain some crispness.
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