These Easy Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are a tasty treat! Tender chicken soaked in sweet and spicy honey sauce makes for an amazing meal.
It’s like a hug in a bun! I love making these for gatherings—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. So easy and oh-so-yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here for their tenderness. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you could use chicken thighs, which will add more flavor. For a vegetarian spin, tofu or jackfruit can work well!
Honey: Honey brings sweetness to balance out the heat. If you need a substitute, maple syrup or agave syrup can work, though they may slightly change the taste. Remember to adjust the amount of other sweet elements if using a different sweetener.
Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a great choice for heat. If you want something milder, try using sriracha or a milder hot sauce. For a spicier kick, a few dashes of cayenne pepper can enhance heat levels without changing the sauce’s consistency.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a tangy flavor. If you don’t have it, white wine vinegar or lemon juice are decent substitutes. Just keep in mind that the flavor might shift a little, but it will still be delicious!
Smoked Paprika: This enhances the overall depth of flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or even chipotle powder can add a different but nice twist. Just use a little less chipotle if you’re sensitive to heat.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Shredded Chicken?
Getting that perfect shredded chicken is easier than it seems! Once your chicken is cooked through, here’s how to make it just right:
- Take the cooked chicken out of the slow cooker and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly; this makes shredding easier.
- Using two forks, start to pull apart the chicken. Hold the chicken with one fork and shred with the other.
- Shred until it reaches your desired texture—some like it more chunked, while others prefer very fine shreds.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix well with the sauce for even flavor distribution.
Shredding this way ensures your chicken is tender and delicious, perfect for piling on buns!
Easy Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
For Serving:
- 4-6 sandwich buns or rolls
- Butter or oil (for toasting buns)
- Optional toppings: sliced pickles, coleslaw, lettuce, sliced red onion
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep time and between 3-7 hours in the slow cooker, depending on your cooking setting. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the high setting, but the low setting brings out even more flavor and makes the chicken super tender. Perfect for a laid-back day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts straight into the slow cooker. You won’t need to do much else here; they’re going to soak up all that delicious sauce!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and, if you like a bit of extra spice, the crushed red pepper flakes. This sauce is what makes the chicken shine!
3. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Once your sauce is ready, pour it all over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure every piece of chicken is coated. It’s going to cook beautifully!
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is tender and falls apart easily when you shred it with a fork.
5. Shred the Chicken:
After cooking, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should come apart easily—what a treat!
6. Mix the Shredded Chicken:
Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir it into the remaining sauce. This will help ensure every morsel of chicken is full of flavor!
7. Toast the Buns:
While the chicken sits in the sauce, take your sandwich buns or rolls and lightly butter or oil them. Toast them on a skillet or in the oven until they are golden brown. This adds a delightful crunch!
8. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Now for the fun part! Pile the hot honey chicken on the toasted buns just as you like it. Don’t hold back—make it generous!
9. Add Toppings:
If you want to take your sandwiches to the next level, add optional toppings like pickles, coleslaw, lettuce, or sliced red onions for that extra crunch and flavor.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious sandwiches immediately and dig in! You’re in for a mouthwatering meal that everyone will love.
These Easy Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches bring together the sweetness of honey and the kick from hot sauce, resulting in a truly delicious, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to increase the cooking time. Frozen chicken will need about 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
How Do I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder version, reduce or omit the hot sauce and crushed red pepper flakes. On the flip side, for a spicier sandwich, add extra hot sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance—just store everything in the slow cooker insert in the fridge overnight. In the morning, pop it in the slow cooker and let it cook while you’re away!
How to Store Leftover Chicken?
Store any leftover hot honey chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water to keep it saucy!
