These Easy Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are a treat! Sweet honey mixed with a little heat makes chicken that’s juicy and full of flavor, all cooked effortlessly in a slow cooker.
You can keep it simple by serving it on soft buns with some pickles on top. Trust me, your taste buds will dance! I love coming home to this delicious aroma wafting through the house.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I love using boneless, skinless chicken for this dish because it’s tender and easy to shred. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work beautifully as well!
Hot Honey: This is the star of the show! If you can’t find pre-made hot honey, simply mix equal parts honey and your favorite hot sauce. Adjust the spice level to your liking!
Apple Cider Vinegar: It adds a nice tang. If you’re out, white vinegar or lemon juice can do the trick in a pinch.
Smoked Paprika: This lends a smoky flavor. If it’s not available, regular paprika is fine, but you might miss that depth. Alternatively, a dash of chipotle powder can add a different kind of smokiness.
Pickles: They’re optional but recommended! They give a nice crunch and acidity that balances the sweetness of the sauce. You can use dill or bread-and-butter pickles based on your taste.
How Do You Shred Chicken Easily?
Shredding chicken can seem tricky, but it’s quick and easy! After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to avoid burns. Use two forks for best results. Hold one fork in each hand and pull the chicken apart, using one fork to hold it steady while the other shreds. If you have a hand mixer, you can even use that on low speed for a speedy shred!
- Make sure the chicken is cooked properly and tender before attempting to shred.
- Shred right in the slow cooker to mix it with the sauce for added flavor.
Easy Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup hot honey (a mix of honey and hot sauce or spicy honey if available)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon 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)
- 4 to 6 sandwich buns
- Pickles (optional, for topping)
- Butter (for toasting buns, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes around 15 minutes of prep time. Depending on your slow cooker setting, you’ll need to cook the chicken for about 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. After that, it’s just a few more minutes to assemble the sandwiches. So, you’ll be enjoying your hearty meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Sauce:
Start by grabbing your slow cooker. In it, whisk together the hot honey, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want some extra heat. This mixture is going to be flavorful!
2. Add the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts right into the slow cooker. Make sure they’re coated well with that spicy-sweet sauce you just mixed. You want every bite to be bursting with flavor!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is fork-tender and shreddable. It’s SO easy!
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should come apart easily!
5. Mix and Get Saucy:
Return your shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it back into that delicious sauce. Let it soak up all that amazing flavor for a few minutes.
6. Toast the Buns (Optional):
If you’d like, take a skillet and melt a little butter over medium heat. Toast the sandwich buns until golden brown for extra crunch. You won’t regret this step!
7. Assemble Your Sandwiches:
Now comes the fun part! Pile a generous amount of hot honey chicken onto each bun. If you like, add some pickles for that crunchy, tangy finish.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your sandwiches warm and enjoy every spicy-sweet bite! These are perfect for a cozy dinner or fun family gathering. Happy eating!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just ensure that you allow it to fully thaw before cooking, which you can do overnight in the fridge or by using the cold water method. Cooking from frozen may require additional time in the slow cooker, so aim for about 1-2 hours more on low heat.
What Kind of Hot Honey Should I Use?
You can use store-bought hot honey for convenience. If you can’t find any, simply mix regular honey with your favorite hot sauce to taste. Adjust the sweetness and spice level based on your preference!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover hot honey chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, ensuring it’s warmed through before serving again.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce a day in advance, then refrigerate the mixture. Just pop it in the slow cooker the next day, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go!
