These Easy Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are a tasty treat! You’ll love the tender chicken cooked in sweet and spicy honey sauce, all piled high on soft buns.
I like to add some pickles for that extra crunch, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with this sandwich! It’s perfect after a long day—set it and forget it! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here. If you’re looking for a leaner option, chicken thighs work well, too, as they stay juicy. You can even use frozen chicken; just extend the cooking time slightly.
Honey: Honey is key for sweetness. If you want a sugar-free option, try using agave syrup or a sugar substitute appropriate for cooking. Just adjust to taste as each sweetener has a different strength.
Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is my favorite for its balance of heat and flavor. If you prefer more heat, use a spicier sauce like Sriracha or switch to a milder option like Tabasco if you’re cooking for kids.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds tanginess. You can swap it with white vinegar or lemon juice if needed, but apple cider vinegar gives a nice depth.
Smoked Paprika: This is optional but really enhances flavor. Don’t have it? Regular paprika works fine, or you can skip it altogether.
How Can I Ensure the Chicken Is Perfectly Shredded?
Shredding chicken to the right texture is key for these sandwiches. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Cook the chicken until it’s tender and shreds easily—this usually means it needs about 4 to 6 hours on low.
- Use two forks to pull the chicken apart gently. If it feels tough, it needs more cooking time.
- Once shredded, mix it back in with the sauce for maximum flavor. Letting it sit in the sauce for an additional 10-15 minutes enhances the taste.
Easy Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 to 6 sandwich buns
- Optional toppings: pickles, coleslaw, sliced onions, or lettuce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and then 4 to 6 hours for cooking. It’s a hands-off meal that lets your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy some free time. Perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start with the Chicken:
Place the 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your slow cooker. This is the base for our tasty sandwiches, so make sure you spread them out evenly!
2. Whisk the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if you’re using it), and a little salt and pepper. This sauce is what gives the chicken its sweet and spicy flavor—yum!
3. Coat the Chicken:
Pour that delicious sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure all the chicken is well coated—this is where the magic happens!
4. Cook It Up:
Cover your slow cooker and set it on low heat. Let it cook for 4 to 6 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and easily shreds with a fork. The longer, the better if you want it to be super tender!
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is done, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. It should fall apart easily, which is just what we want!
6. Mix it Back In:
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it around to soak up all that tasty sauce. Let it sit on low for another 10-15 minutes so it really blends the flavors.
7. Toast the Buns (Optional):
If you like crispy buns, go ahead and toast your sandwich buns in a toaster or on a skillet while the chicken soaks. A little crunch is always nice!
8. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Now it’s time to build your sandwiches! Pile the hot honey chicken onto the buns and top with your choice of pickles, coleslaw, sliced onions, or lettuce for added crunch and flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Dive into your delicious sandwiches immediately and enjoy the sweet and spicy goodness of hot honey chicken. They’re perfect for a casual dinner or a game day feast!
FAQs for Easy Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breast! Just add an extra hour to the cooking time and ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before shredding.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of hot sauce in the recipe. You can also mix in some sweet BBQ sauce for a great sweet-and-spicy balance!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave before assembling your sandwiches.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.
