These Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are tasty and super easy to make! Tender chicken gets a sweet and spicy sauce that will make your taste buds dance.
Perfect for busy days, just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. I love serving mine with crunchy pickles on top—yum! 🥪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend boneless thighs for juicy sandwiches, but breast meat is leaner. You can also swap in rotisserie chicken if you want to save time—just mix it with the sauce, and you’re good to go!
Hot Honey: If you don’t have hot honey, you can mix regular honey with a little cayenne pepper or sriracha. This way, you control the spice level based on your preference!
Hot Sauce: I love Frank’s RedHot for its balanced flavor. However, you can substitute it with any favorite hot sauce—just be mindful of the heat! Less spicy sauces might need a pinch of pepper or extra vinegar.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds tartness. If you’re out, substituting with regular vinegar or lemon juice works too. It won’t taste the same, but it’ll still be delicious!
Buns: I prefer brioche buns for their buttery flavor and soft texture, but any sandwich buns will do. Whole wheat or gluten-free options are great as well!
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Shredded?
Shredding the chicken well is key for even flavor distribution! Here’s how to do it:
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, set it aside for a few minutes to cool slightly to avoid burns.
- Use two forks to pull apart the chicken. One fork holds the chicken steady while the other shreds it.
- Mix the shredded chicken back into the sauce in the slow cooker, ensuring every piece is coated for maximum flavor!
Don’t be afraid to shred it nice and fine—this makes for better bites in your sandwiches!
Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup hot honey (honey infused with chili or hot sauce)
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- 4-6 sandwich buns (brioche or soft hamburger buns work well)
- Pickles, for serving (optional)
- Coleslaw, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 4-6 hours of cooking in the slow cooker on low, or 2-3 hours on high. After that, you’ll spend a few minutes assembling the sandwiches. It’s hands-off cooking at its best!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts or thighs directly into your slow cooker. No need to cut or pre-cook them; they will cook beautifully in the sauce! This is where the magic begins.
2. Make the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the hot honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, butter, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir it all together until you have a nice, smooth sauce.
3. Coat the Chicken
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure each piece is well coated. This will keep the chicken flavorful and juicy!
4. Cook the Chicken
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken is done when it’s tender and easily shreds. You’ll know it’s perfect when the house smells amazing!
5. Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred it right in the slow cooker. Mix it back into the sauce to ensure it’s flavorful in every bite.
6. Toast the Buns
If you like your buns a little crispy, pop them in the toaster or on a skillet for a minute or two. This adds a nice crunch!
7. Assemble the Sandwiches
Take a generous scoop of the hot honey chicken and pile it onto a bun. You can top it with pickles and coleslaw if you want that extra crunch and coolness. Teaming flavors together is key for a delicious bite!
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the sandwiches warm and enjoy the sweet and spicy flavors of your Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches! They’re perfect for lunch, dinner, or any gathering.
FAQ for Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that the cooking time may increase slightly. To ensure even cooking, it’s best to thaw the chicken beforehand—either in the refrigerator overnight or using the quick method of submerging it in cold water.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep the chicken moist, try adding a splash of the sauce before sealing. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, stirring occasionally.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! If you like heat, you can add extra hot sauce to the sauce mixture or include diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes when cooking. Adjust based on your heat preference for the perfect kick!
What Can I Serve with These Sandwiches?
These sandwiches pair beautifully with sides like coleslaw, potato chips, or sweet potato fries for a fun meal. You can also serve them with a simple salad to balance the flavors with something fresh!
