Sticky Honey Chipotle Wings Made Easy in the Slow Cooker

These wings are the kind of recipe that makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking, “What smells so good?” The sweet honey, that smoky chipotle heat, and the slow cooker doing its thing all day? It’s basically magic. You get that sticky, caramelized glaze without hovering over the stove, and I am always here for that kind of easy.

What I really love about this recipe is how simple it is. We’re talking pantry staples, a quick whisk of sauce, and then you just let the crockpot handle the rest. After a few hours, the wings are fall-apart tender and coated in the most gorgeous sweet-and-spicy sauce. A quick trip under the broiler at the end gives them that irresistible, slightly charred finish that makes them taste like they came straight from your favorite sports bar.

These are perfect for game day, casual get-togethers, or even one of those cozy nights when you just want something fun and a little messy. Put out a stack of napkins and watch them disappear. I’ve made these for family nights and parties, and every single time someone asks for the recipe. And honestly? I don’t blame them. They’re that good.

Equipment

• 8-Quart Slow Cooker: This is where all the magic happens. It gives the wings plenty of room to cook evenly and get perfectly tender.

• Large Mixing Bowl: You’ll use this to whisk together that sweet and smoky sauce so everything blends nice and smooth.

• Whisk: Makes it super easy to combine the honey, ketchup, adobo sauce, and spices without any lumps.

• Tongs: These are so helpful for tossing the wings in the sauce and transferring them to the baking sheet without making a huge mess.

• Foil-Lined Baking Sheet: Lining it with foil makes cleanup a breeze, and it’s perfect for that quick broil at the end to caramelize the glaze.

• Basting Brush: This lets you brush on the extra sauce evenly so every wing gets that sticky, glossy finish.

• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Since we’re working with that sweet heat balance, measuring helps keep the flavors just right.

Ingredients

• 3 lb family pack of chicken wings: The star of the show, giving you plenty to feed a hungry crowd or a house full of wing lovers.

• 1 cup of ketchup: This creates the rich, tangy base for that sticky, glossy sauce we all love.

• 3/4 cup of honey: Adds the perfect natural sweetness that balances the smoky heat and helps everything caramelize beautifully.

• 4 tbsp of chilies in adobo (the sauce only): This is where that deep, smoky chipotle flavor comes in without overwhelming heat.

• 2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar: Just enough acidity to brighten everything up and keep the sauce from feeling too heavy.

• 1 tsp salt: Brings all the flavors together and makes sure every bite is well seasoned.

• 1 tsp pepper: Adds a subtle kick that plays so nicely with the smoky chipotle.

• 1 tsp onion powder: Gives the sauce a little savory depth that makes it taste like it simmered all day.

• 1 tsp garlic powder: Because garlic makes everything better, especially sticky sweet-and-spicy wings.

Recipe Instructions

You can find a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step 1: Place the chicken wings into an 8-quart slow cooker, spreading them out as evenly as possible.

Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, honey, adobo sauce, apple cider vinegar, and seasonings until smooth.

Step 3: Pour half of the sauce over the wings and gently toss to coat.

Step 4: Cover and cook on high for 4 hours, until the wings are cooked through and tender.

Step 5: Line a baking sheet with foil and transfer the wings to the pan in a single layer.

Step 6: Brush the remaining sauce evenly over the wings.

Step 7: Place the wings under the broiler for 3–4 minutes, watching closely, until lightly caramelized.

Step 8: Sprinkle with parsley if desired, then serve and enjoy!

Serving & Storing

• Serve them hot and fresh: They’re at their absolute best right after that quick broil when the sauce is glossy and slightly caramelized.

• Sprinkle with fresh parsley: Totally optional, but it adds a little pop of color and makes them look extra special.

• Add a cooling dip on the side: Ranch or blue cheese is perfect if you want to balance out that sweet smoky heat.

• Pair with simple sides: Think celery sticks, carrot sticks, fries, or even a big scoop of coleslaw to round things out.

• Keep warm for parties: If you’re serving these for game day, you can pop them back into the slow cooker on “warm” to keep them nice and hot.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container: They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3–4 days, and the flavor gets even deeper.

• Reheat in the oven or air fryer: This helps bring back that slightly crispy finish instead of making them soggy.

• Freeze for later if needed: Just let them cool completely, freeze in a sealed container, and reheat when you’re craving that sweet-and-spicy goodness again.

Variations & Substitutions

• Make them milder: If you’re cooking for kids or anyone sensitive to heat, just reduce the adobo sauce a bit and add a little extra honey to keep that sweet balance.

• Turn up the heat: Want more kick? Stir in a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce to really wake things up.

• Use chicken drumettes only: If you prefer one style over the other, you can absolutely buy just drumettes or just flats instead of a mixed pack.

• Swap the honey: Maple syrup works in a pinch and gives the sauce a slightly deeper, cozy sweetness.

• Try a different vinegar: Apple cider vinegar adds brightness, but white vinegar or even a squeeze of fresh lime juice will do the trick.

• Add a smoky twist: A little smoked paprika can deepen that smoky flavor even more if you’re a chipotle lover like me.

• Make them crispy without broiling: Toss them in the air fryer for a few minutes at the end if you want even more crispiness.

• Turn it into shredded chicken: Skip the broil, shred the cooked chicken, and serve it on slider buns for an easy party sandwich situation.

Little Tricks That Make a Big Difference

• Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker: Try to spread the wings out as evenly as you can so they cook more evenly and soak up all that sauce.

• Pat the wings dry first: If you have a minute, blot them with paper towels before adding them in. It helps the sauce cling better.

• Stir halfway through cooking: Just a gentle toss helps redistribute the sauce so every wing stays coated and flavorful.

• Save half the sauce for the end: Brushing on fresh sauce before broiling gives you that glossy, sticky finish instead of it all cooking off.

• Line your baking sheet with foil: Trust me, sticky honey glaze is not fun to scrub off a pan later.

• Watch closely under the broiler: They caramelize quickly, and those last 60 seconds can be the difference between perfect and too dark.

• Let them rest for a few minutes: Giving them a short rest after broiling helps the glaze set so it stays beautifully sticky instead of sliding off.

• Finish with a tiny sprinkle of salt: Just a pinch right at the end can make the sweet and smoky flavors pop even more.

What to Serve with Crockpot Honey Chipotle Wings

• Classic celery and carrot sticks: That cool crunch is perfect next to the sticky sweet heat, and it keeps things feeling balanced.

• Creamy ranch or blue cheese dip: A little drizzle or dunk takes the edge off the smoky spice and makes every bite extra good.

• Crispy fries or potato wedges: Because wings and fries are just meant to be together. You really can’t go wrong here.

• Coleslaw: Something creamy and slightly tangy pairs beautifully with that glossy honey chipotle glaze.

• Mac and cheese: If you’re leaning into comfort food, this combo is pure cozy goodness.

• Cornbread or dinner rolls: Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce left on your plate. And trust me, you won’t want to waste a drop.

• Simple side salad: If you want to lighten things up a bit, a fresh green salad with a zippy dressing does the trick.

• Slider buns: Turn them into saucy little sandwiches for parties and watch them disappear.

FAQs

Can you cook chicken wings in a crockpot?

Yes, you absolutely can. Cooking wings in a slow cooker makes them incredibly tender and juicy. They won’t be crispy straight from the crockpot, but a quick broil at the end gives them that caramelized, slightly crispy finish.

How do you make crockpot wings crispy?

After slow cooking, transfer the wings to a foil-lined baking sheet, brush them with extra sauce, and broil for 3–4 minutes. That quick blast of heat helps caramelize the honey chipotle glaze and adds a little crisp to the outside.

Are crockpot honey chipotle wings spicy?

They have a gentle smoky heat from the adobo sauce, but they’re more sweet and smoky than super spicy. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can reduce the adobo sauce slightly. If you love spice, you can easily add more.

Can I use frozen chicken wings?

It’s best to thaw the wings first for even cooking and food safety. If you start with frozen wings, they may release extra liquid and dilute the sauce.

How long do wings take to cook in a slow cooker?

On high, they’re usually fully cooked and tender in about 4 hours. If you prefer cooking on low, plan for 6–7 hours.

Can I make these wings ahead of time?

Yes, and they’re great for parties. You can cook them earlier in the day, then reheat and broil right before serving for that fresh, sticky finish.

How do you store leftover honey chipotle wings?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back some of that caramelized texture.

Can I make this recipe with drumsticks instead of wings?

Absolutely. Drumsticks work well with the same honey chipotle sauce. You may just need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on their size.