These Easy Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are a tasty treat! Tender chicken soaks up a sweet and spicy sauce, making every bite yummy and satisfying.
You won’t believe how easy this is! Just toss everything in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic. I love serving it with crispy pickles on top—yum! 🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best for this recipe since they cook up tender and juicy. If you prefer dark meat, you can substitute with thighs—just adjust the cooking time slightly.
Honey: Honey brings the sweetness to balance the heat. If you need a substitute, try maple syrup or agave syrup, but note that they may alter the flavor slightly.
Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice for its flavor. If you’re looking for less heat, go for a milder sauce or even barbecue sauce for a different take.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a nice tang. If you don’t have it, white vinegar or lemon juice can work as alternatives.
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a lovely smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika is fine. Don’t skip the garlic powder—it adds a great depth!
How Do You Shred Chicken Perfectly?
Shredding the chicken is key to getting the right texture for your sandwiches. Here’s how to do it easily:
- When the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it cool for a few minutes so it’s easier to handle.
- Use two forks to pull the chicken apart. You can also use a hand mixer on a low setting to shred it quickly!
- Once shredded, return it to the slow cooker and mix it well with the sauce for a flavor boost.
Remember, the more you shred, the more surface area there is to soak up that delicious sauce!
Easy Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- For the Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- For Serving:
- 4-6 sandwich buns
- Butter or oil, for toasting buns
- Optional toppings: pickles, coleslaw, sliced onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes of preparation time. You’ll then need to let the slow cooker work its magic, which takes about 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. So, in total, you’re looking at around 4-5 hours plus a few minutes to get everything ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Make sure everything is nicely mixed, as this is the flavor base for your chicken!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour the hot honey sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. This will keep your chicken moist and flavorful while it cooks.
3. Let It Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You’re looking for the chicken to be fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once your chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it back into the delicious sauce.
5. Toast the Buns:
While the chicken absorbs more flavor, take some time to prepare your buns. Lightly butter or oil them and toast in a skillet or oven until they are golden brown. This step adds a nice crunch to each bite!
6. Assemble the Sandwiches:
It’s time to dig in! Pile the hot honey chicken onto your toasted buns. Feel free to add any optional toppings like pickles, coleslaw, or sliced onions to customize your sandwich.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Easy Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are ready to be devoured! Serve them warm and enjoy the burst of spicy-sweet flavors!
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 adjust the cooking time; cover and cook on high for about 3-4 hours instead of low, as frozen chicken takes longer to reach the ideal temperature.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you’re looking for extra heat, you can add more cayenne pepper to the sauce or use a spicier hot sauce. You can also incorporate sliced jalapeños as a topping for a fresh kick!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the shredded chicken and sauce ahead of time, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving it on the buns.
What Should I Serve with These Sandwiches?
These sandwiches pair wonderfully with a side of fries, potato chips, or a fresh garden salad. You could also serve them with some pickles or coleslaw on the side for added crunch!
