Delicious Honey-Glazed Slow Cooked Chicken Wings
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs15gram
Fat20gram
Protein25gram
Ingredients
- Chicken wings (fresh or thawed; skin-on for best flavor) - choose firm, pink wings with no odor1 kg
- Honey (preferably raw or organic) - adds natural sweetness and shine3 tbsp
- Soy sauce (low sodium) - balances sweetness with umami2 tbsp
- Garlic cloves (fresh, peeled) - ensure no green sprouts as they can be bitter3 pieces
- Apple cider vinegar (for slight tanginess)1 tbsp
- Olive oil (extra virgin)1 tbsp
- Salt (use sparingly as soy sauce adds saltiness)0.5 tsp
- Black pepper (freshly ground)0.5 tsp
- Chili flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)0.25 tsp
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)2 tbsp
Enjoy irresistibly tender and flavorful honey-glazed chicken wings, slow cooked to perfection. This foolproof recipe uses simple ingredients and a slow cooker to bring out the best taste and texture. The sweet and sticky honey glaze perfectly complements the savory wings. Total ingredient cost is approximately $12 USD, €11, £9, and ₹900. The dish serves 4 and contains around 350 calories per serving. It is a medium complexity recipe, ideal for a comforting weekend meal, and takes just under 4 hours from preparation to table.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the garlic and marinade
1Finely mince the garlic cloves. In a bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes. Whisk until well blended. This marinade will give your wings a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
Marinate the chicken wings
2Place the chicken wings in a large bowl or zip-lock bag. Pour the marinade over the wings and toss well to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally 2-3 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
Prepare the slow cooker
3Lightly grease the slow cooker insert with a little olive oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken wings inside, spreading them out evenly.
Slow cook the wings
4Set the slow cooker on low heat and cook the wings for 3 to 3.5 hours. Check once halfway through to gently turn the wings, ensuring even cooking and coating.
Check doneness and temperature
5Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken wings has reached 75°C (165°F), the safe minimum temperature for poultry. This guarantees that the wings are fully cooked and safe to eat.
Glaze the wings
6Once cooked, carefully remove the wings from the slow cooker and transfer to a baking sheet lined with foil. Brush the wings with extra honey for shine and place under a preheated broiler for 3-5 minutes until the glaze caramelizes lightly, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Garnish and serve
7Remove wings from the broiler. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your tender, honey-glazed slow cooked chicken wings!
Cooking Tips
1If you don't have a slow cooker, you can bake the marinated wings in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 30-35 minutes, turning once, until cooked through.
2Avoid cross-contamination by washing your hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly after handling raw chicken.
3Feel free to substitute honey with maple syrup or brown sugar in the glaze for a different flavor.
4Pat the wings dry with paper towels before marinating to help the glaze stick better.
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker
- Meat thermometer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Knife and chopping board
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Basting brush
- Tongs
Shopping List
- [ ] 1 kg fresh chicken wings (~$8): Choose fresh, firm wings with no unpleasant odor or discoloration.
- [ ] Honey (~$3 for 100g): Opt for raw or organic honey for best flavor.
- [ ] Soy sauce (~$2 for 150ml): Use low sodium to control the saltiness.
- [ ] Fresh garlic (~$0.50 for 3 cloves): Choose firm cloves with no green sprouting.
- [ ] Apple cider vinegar (~$1.50 for 250ml): Look for organic or unfiltered options.
- [ ] Olive oil (~$3 for 250ml): Extra virgin for better taste.
- [ ] Salt and pepper (~$1 combined): Common pantry staples.
- [ ] Optional chili flakes (~$1): Adds a nice heat if desired.
- [ ] Fresh parsley (~$1): For garnish, choose vibrant green leaves. Total approximate cost: $12 - $15
FAQ
Can I prepare the wings without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can bake the marinated wings in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 30-35 minutes, turning once halfway through until fully cooked.
How do I know when the chicken wings are safe to eat?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached at least 75°C (165°F), which ensures the chicken is safely cooked.
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.
What if I don't have honey?
You can substitute honey with maple syrup or brown sugar dissolved in a little water for a similar sweet glaze.