Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Wings

These Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Wings are the ultimate sweet and savory indulgence. Slow-cooked until tender and juicy, then coated in a rich, sticky teriyaki glaze, they are perfect for game nights, family dinners, or meal prepping. The combination of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger creates an umami-packed flavor that keeps you coming back for more. What makes this dish even better is its effortless preparation. With just a few pantry staples and a slow cooker, you can create restaurant-quality wings at home without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether served as an appetizer, a main dish over rice, or as a party snack, these wings are guaranteed to impress!

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Wings: Pat dry the chicken wings with paper towels and place them in the slow cooker.
2. Make the Teriyaki Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
3. Slow Cook: Pour the sauce over the chicken wings, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the wings are tender.
4. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water. Remove the wings from the slow cooker, then stir in the cornstarch mixture. Cook on HIGH for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Broil for Crispy Skin (Optional): For crispy wings, transfer them to a baking sheet, brush with the thickened sauce, and broil for 2-3 minutes until caramelized.
6. Serve & Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 5-6 hours (LOW) or 2-3 hours (HIGH) | Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 4

Why You’ll Love These Teriyaki Chicken Wings

If you love the deep, savory flavors of teriyaki but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Wings are the perfect solution. These wings are tender, juicy, and coated in a rich, sticky glaze that’s packed with umami flavor. This dish is perfect for game day, weeknight dinners, meal prep, or party appetizers. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing the chicken to cook to fall-off-the-bone perfection while the teriyaki sauce thickens into a glossy, caramelized glaze. This recipe combines the bold flavors of Japan’s famous teriyaki sauce with the convenience of slow cooking, making it an easy, no-fuss meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

The History of Teriyaki & Why It Works for Wings

Origins of Teriyaki Sauce

Teriyaki sauce is a staple of Japanese cuisine, dating back to the 17th century during the Edo period. The word “teriyaki” comes from two Japanese words:

• “Teri” (照り) – meaning “shine” or “glaze”
• “Yaki” (焼き) – meaning “grilled” or “broiled”

Originally, fish was marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin (sweet rice wine), and sugar before being grilled to perfection. When teriyaki made its way to Hawaii and the U.S., it evolved into the richer, slightly sweeter, and thicker sauce we know today, often enhanced with garlic, ginger, and honey.

Why Chicken Wings?

Chicken wings have the perfect ratio of skin, meat, and fat, making them ideal for slow cooking. As they cook low and slow, the fat renders, leaving you with incredibly juicy meat and a crispy, flavorful exterior when finished. This method infuses the wings with teriyaki flavors while keeping them moist and tender, and the thickened sauce at the end creates a sticky, glossy glaze that clings beautifully to each bite.

Why This Recipe Is the Best Choice

1. Hands-Off Cooking – No Babysitting Required!

• The slow cooker allows you to set it and forget it. Simply toss in the ingredients, let them cook slowly, and come back to deliciously tender chicken wings. No constant stirring, no flipping, and minimal cleanup.

2. Naturally Tender and Juicy

• Slow cooking breaks down the connective tissue in chicken wings, making them juicy and fall-off-the-bone tender.

3. The Perfect Balance of Sweet, Savory & Umami

• Soy Sauce – Adds deep umami flavor
• Honey & Brown Sugar – Create a rich, caramelized sweetness
• Garlic & Ginger – Bring warmth and depth
• Rice Vinegar – Adds brightness and balance
• Sesame Oil – Enhances the nutty, aromatic profile

4. A Healthier Alternative to Fried Wings

• Unlike deep-fried wings, these are cooked in their own juices, reducing excess oil while still keeping them incredibly flavorful.

5. Customizable to Your Taste

• Want it spicier? Add sriracha or red pepper flakes.
• Prefer a thicker sauce? Let it simmer with cornstarch at the end.
• Need a low-sugar version? Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and swap honey for a sugar-free alternative.

Tips for the Best Teriyaki Chicken Wings

1. Choose the Right Chicken Wings

• Using fresh or thawed wings (instead of frozen) ensures better flavor absorption and more even cooking.

2. Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker

• If too many wings are packed in, they may not cook evenly. Layer them lightly for the best results.

3. Want a More Intense Flavor?

• Let the wings marinate in the sauce in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

4. Make It a Meal

Serve your wings with:

• Steamed Rice – To soak up that delicious sauce.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables – Adds freshness and crunch.
• Asian Slaw – Balances the richness of the wings.

How to Store & Reheat Leftover Wings

Refrigeration:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

• Freeze cooked wings for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating:

• Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until warmed through.
• Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-6 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until hot.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Wings are the ultimate combination of sweet, savory, and tender perfection. This easy, hands-off recipe delivers a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, game day, or meal prep, these wings are guaranteed to impress everyone at the table. Try this recipe today and enjoy the easiest, most flavorful chicken wings ever!