Get ready to transform your ordinary chicken wings into an extraordinary culinary masterpiece that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe! These Slow Cooker Asian Orange Wings are not just another wing recipe - they're a flavor explosion that combines the tangy sweetness of orange, the rich umami of soy sauce, and a subtle kick of heat that will make your mouth water before the first bite. Perfect for game day, family dinners, or when you want to impress your guests with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the chicken wings. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to ensure that the wings will crisp up nicely during cooking.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended. This mixture will serve as the marinade and sauce for the wings.
- Place the chicken wings in the slow cooker. Pour the orange juice mixture over the wings, making sure they are well coated. You can use a spatula or tongs to toss the wings gently in the sauce.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to low heat and cook for 4 hours. This slow cooking process allows the wings to absorb all the flavors from the marinade and become tender.
- After 4 hours, check the wings for doneness. They should be tender and cooked through. If you prefer them to be a bit crispy, you can transfer them to a baking sheet lined with foil.
- If you choose to crisp the wings, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the wings on the baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You can also baste them with some of the sauce from the slow cooker for extra flavor.
- Once the wings are cooked and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This will help the juices redistribute within the wings.
- Serve the wings hot, garnished with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired. You can also serve them with additional orange slices or a side of steamed rice to complete the meal.
Tips
- Pat the chicken wings completely dry before cooking to ensure better sauce absorption and potential crispiness.
- For extra flavor depth, marinate the wings in the sauce for 30 minutes to 2 hours before slow cooking.
- Use fresh garlic and ginger if possible - they provide a more vibrant flavor compared to pre-minced versions.
- If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with the marinade or reduce the sauce in a pan after cooking.
- For a crispier finish, always do the optional oven-crisping step - it elevates the texture dramatically.
- Consider garnishing with toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped green onions for added visual appeal and fresh flavor.
- Leftover wings can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated in the oven to maintain their crispy texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 120mg
