Slow cooker Buffalo wings capture the bold taste of classic Buffalo wings with a much easier method. Chicken wings simmer slowly in a blend of hot sauce, melted ghee or butter, and a dry ranch seasoning—homemade or store-bought—creating a flavorful, lower-carb version of this favorite. They’re ideal for game day, weekend gatherings, or busy weeknights. Finish under the broiler or in an air fryer for a quick crisp. Serve as an appetizer with crudités and dip, or make them the centerpiece of a meal.
Table of Contents
Ingredients For Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings
- Chicken wings — about 2 pounds (or adjust to taste)
- Hot sauce — 1 cup (use your favorite Buffalo-style sauce)
- Butter or ghee — 2 tablespoons, melted
- Dry ranch dressing seasoning mix — 2 tablespoons (homemade or one packet)
How To Make Buffalo Wings In The Crockpot
- Combine the hot sauce, melted butter or ghee, and the dry ranch seasoning in the slow cooker. Whisk or stir until smooth.
- Add the chicken wings and toss gently so they are evenly coated in the sauce.
- Cook on HIGH for 2–3 hours, or LOW for 4–6 hours, until the wings are tender and cooked through.
Optional but recommended for added texture:
- Remove the wings from the slow cooker and arrange them on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil for a few minutes per side or air-fry briefly until the skin crisps.
- Brush or drizzle the reserved sauce from the slow cooker over the wings before serving.
FAQs & Tips
Is this healthy?
Using ghee and a homemade dry ranch mix keeps this recipe low-carb and compatible with keto, paleo, and Whole30 approaches. You can also use butter if preferred.
Can you use another cut of chicken?
While this recipe is written for wings, you can adapt it to other cuts. Dark meat such as thighs or drumsticks works best if you want similar texture and flavor.
Do you have to use the homemade dry ranch seasoning mix?
No. Substitute one packet of store-bought dry ranch mix if you prefer convenience.
Will the skin be crispy?
Slow cooking makes the meat fall-off-the-bone tender but doesn’t produce crispy skin. For crispy wings, finish under the broiler or in an air fryer for a few minutes after slow cooking.
Is this a main course or appetizer?
Both. Serve smaller portions as an appetizer or increase quantity to make a full meal.
How do you serve this?
Traditional accompaniments include carrot and celery sticks and a dipping sauce such as ranch or blue cheese. Garnish with chopped parsley or sliced green onions if desired.
How do you store leftovers?
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat briefly in the oven or air fryer to refresh texture.
What size slow cooker did you use?
A compact 3.5-quart slow cooker fits the quantities shown; adjust cooking vessel size if you scale the recipe up or down.
Chicken Wing Recipes
- Lemon Pepper
- Honey Mustard
- Chili Lime
- Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
- Air Fryer Marinated Wings
Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings
Slow cooker Buffalo wings deliver classic Buffalo flavor with minimal effort. These wings slow-cook in hot sauce and ghee and are finished under high heat for a crisp exterior when desired.
- Author: Shannon Epstein
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Keto, Low-Carb, Paleo
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 1 cup hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter or ghee, melted
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing mix (see homemade below)
Homemade Dry Ranch Dressing Mix
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried onion flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Add the hot sauce, melted butter or ghee, and ranch seasoning to the slow cooker and whisk until well combined.
- Add the wings and toss to coat evenly.
- Cook on HIGH for 2–3 hours or LOW for 4–6 hours, until fully cooked and tender.
Optional but recommended:
- Remove wings and place on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil a few minutes per side or air-fry until crisp.
- Brush with reserved sauce from the slow cooker and serve hot.
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