Taco Flavored Chicken Wings In Slow Cooker

These taco flavored chicken wings make a tasty dinner twist on Taco Tuesday or they also make a great party appetizer.

Who doesn't love a chicken wing? As a bonus, they cook up so easily in the slow cooker. A true, no fuss chicken dish!

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Jump to:

• Why cook chicken wings in a slow cooker
• Do I need to broil the wings
• Ingredients for taco flavored chicken wings
• What is the difference between party wings and whole chicken wings
• Cooking instructions
• Serving suggestion
• Printable Recipe Card

You know I love a good take on taco-inspired recipes like Instant Pot Taco Pasta, Taco Rice Skillet Meal and have you tried the recipe for Doritios Walking Tacos yet? So fun.

Why cook chicken wings in a slow cooker

Well, for one, it's super easy to do.

But also, chicken wings prepared in a slow cooker result in super tender meat.

And, you can make them early in the day and keep warm in the slow cooker until ready to serve.

Do I need to broil the wings

It's not totally necessary but I do highly recommend it. Wings that come straight out of the slow cooker simply won't have a crispy texture.

If that doesn't matter to you then go for it, eat them without broiling. I, however, prefer to just broil for 2-3 min or so.

As an alternative, you could also toss wings in an air fryer for a few minutes or even on a hot grill.

Ingredients for taco flavored chicken wings

This ingredient list couldn't be easier. Ready?

• Chicken wing portions
• Taco seasoning

Store bought taco seasoning is fine but if you really want something tasty try this Homemade Taco Seasoning or this smaller batch Taco Seasoning Mix; both delicious!

Optional:

• garlic powder
• cilantro (for garnish)

What is the difference between party wings and whole chicken wings

Okay, well, a whole chicken wing is just that, the whole wing - drum, flat & tip.

Party wings are wings that have already been cut for you into drums (or drumettes) and flats. The tips are not packaged up with party wings.

So, which are best?

If you are trying to save time, grab the party wings.

I typically will buy the whole wing because:

• whole wings are cheaper, you're typically paying a premium for the convenience
• the tips can be saved for making homemade chicken broth
• it really isn't difficult to cut them myself

Cooking instructions

If you have whole wings, start off by cutting the wings into drums and flats. Save the tips for making Bone Broth.

Next, put the wings in the slow cooker and season with the taco seasoning. If you want, add a little garlic powder. If you are using low-sodium taco seasoning, maybe add a little salt too.

Make sure to really rub the seasoning on the wings.

Cover and cook on either High for 2.5 hours or Low for 4.5 hours. No need to add liquid to the slow cooker.

When the timer is up, you can keep them on warm, if your slow cooker has that setting until you're just about ready to serve.

Again, you can serve them straight from the slow cooker but the skin texture is much better if you pop them under a broiler for a few minutes.

Place wings on a lined baking sheet. I give them a little spritz of oil and then broil for 3-4 minutes.

Looking for more mouth-watering chicken recipes? Try these "Sweet & Spicy Cranberry Chicken Wings! Crispy Oven Baked Wings Grilled Chicken Wings and Sweet and Spicy Oven Fried Chicken!

Serving suggestion

I like to serve my taco flavored wings with a side of ranch for dipping. An avocado crema would be a great choice too.

If serving for dinner, I also like to pair with rice and black beans or Instant Pot Refried Beans.

Cilantro works well as a garnish and a little green always makes a dish look prettier.

Printable Recipe Card