Slow Cooker Teriyaki Sesame Chicken Wings Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To achieve a more intense flavor, you can marinate the raw chicken wings in half of the teriyaki sauce for up to two hours in the refrigerator before placing them in the slow cooker. This extra step allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat. If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce along with the garlic powder; this adds a subtle kick that balances the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce perfectly.

If you are serving these wings for a large group, you can easily double the recipe, provided your slow cooker has the capacity. If using a larger slow cooker, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly. Always ensure the wings are arranged in a way that allows the heat to circulate. If you find the wings are not browning enough, you can quickly broil them on a baking sheet for 2-3 minutes after they come out of the slow cooker to achieve a slightly charred, crispy finish.

Variations

• Spicy Teriyaki Wings: Add two tablespoons of chili garlic sauce or a tablespoon of sriracha to the teriyaki sauce before pouring it over the wings to introduce a spicy, tangy dimension to the flavor profile.
• Ginger Teriyaki Wings: Incorporate one tablespoon of freshly grated ginger into the slow cooker along with the garlic powder to provide a bright, zesty aroma and flavor that complements the sweetness of the teriyaki.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

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

Reheat

Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.

Store any leftover wings in an airtight container to maintain their moisture and flavor. It is crucial to let the wings cool down at room temperature for no more than two hours before placing them in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.

Properly stored, the wings will maintain their quality for up to three days. When preparing to store, remove as much air as possible from the container to prevent the sauce from drying out or the chicken from absorbing other odors in the fridge.

You can prepare the wings in advance by seasoning them and keeping them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook. However, do not add the sauce until you are ready to turn on the slow cooker, as the salt content in the teriyaki can draw out moisture if left too long.

Alternatively, you can cook the wings completely, let them cool, and reheat them later. This is a great way to save time on the day of your event, as the flavors often meld and improve after resting in the refrigerator overnight.

Serving ideas

Serve these wings hot, directly from the slow cooker or arranged on a warm platter. They pair excellently with simple sides that balance the sweetness of the teriyaki glaze, such as steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried bok choy, or a crisp cucumber salad with a light vinegar dressing.

Providing extra napkins is a must, as these wings are deliciously sticky. For a more formal presentation, garnish with additional fresh green onion slivers and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to provide a vibrant pop of color.

If serving as an appetizer, offer small plates and toothpicks to make them easier for guests to handle. You can also provide a small bowl of extra teriyaki sauce on the side for those who prefer an extra layer of glaze.

The wings are versatile enough to be part of a larger spread of Asian-inspired dishes or to stand alone as the main attraction. Keep the platter warm by using a warming tray or by keeping the wings in the slow cooker on the 'keep warm' setting if available.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Sesame Chicken Wings

Prep 5 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 5 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken wings, tips removed
• 3 stalks green onions, chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Place the raw chicken wings into the bottom of the slow cooker basin. Ensure they are arranged in an even layer to promote consistent cooking throughout the process.
2. Scatter the chopped green onions over the chicken wings. Evenly sprinkle the garlic powder over the entire layer of chicken to ensure every piece gets flavor.
3. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the seasoned chicken wings. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for approximately 4 hours, or until the wings are fully cooked through.
4. Once the wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), remove them from the slow cooker. Arrange the wings on a platter and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving immediately.

Contains: gluten, soy, sesame

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

22 g

Carbohydrates

18 g

Fat

17 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

14 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.