These Easy Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are a total crowd-pleaser! The chicken becomes tender and tasty, coated in sweet and spicy honey sauce. Yum!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a warm, gooey sandwich? I like to pair mine with some crunchy pickles on the side for that extra zing! Just set it and forget it, and you’ll be loving life!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: These are perfect for a juicy sandwich. If you’re in a pinch, you can use chicken thighs, which are extra flavorful. You could also try shredded rotisserie chicken if you want to save time!
Hot Honey: This gives the dish its sweet and spicy kick. You can make your own by mixing honey with a bit of hot sauce or chili flakes! If you’re looking for less spice, regular honey or a mild barbecue sauce will work too.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite brand or make one at home. If you prefer a sugar-free option, there are plenty of sauces available. You can also use teriyaki sauce for a different flavor twist!
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds acidity and balances the sweetness. If you don’t have any, lemon juice can work as a substitute, bringing in a bright flavor.
Sliders or Buns: I love soft brioche buns for this recipe! If you’re avoiding gluten, go for gluten-free buns. Lettuce wraps are also a great option for a low-carb version.
How Do I Shred Chicken Like a Pro?
Shredding chicken might seem tricky, but it’s really quite simple! After cooking, let the chicken rest briefly to cool down, then use two forks to pull it apart. You can also use a hand mixer or stand mixer on low speed to shred quickly! Just be gentle so you don’t turn it into mush.
- Let the cooked chicken cool for a few minutes.
- Hold one fork in each hand, and use them to pull the chicken apart in opposite directions.
- Shred until you reach your desired texture, then return it to the sauce for flavor.
A quick tip: Work fast so the chicken stays warm and absorbs that delicious sauce!
Easy Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup hot honey (honey infused with chili or hot sauce)
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sandwiches:
- Slider or sandwich buns (about 6-8)
- Coleslaw or pickles (optional, for topping)
- Butter (for toasting buns)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and set up, and then you’ll need to let your slow cooker do its magic for 5-6 hours on low, or 2.5-3 hours on high. You can prepare everything in the morning, go about your day, and come home to a delicious dinner waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. This will be the base of your yummy sandwiches!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, grab your hot honey, barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. This sauce is where all the flavor comes from!
3. Pour Sauce Over Chicken:
Now, take that delicious sauce and pour it over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is nicely coated in that sweet and spicy goodness!
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for about 5-6 hours, or if you’re in a hurry, set it to high for 2.5-3 hours. The chicken is ready when it’s super tender and can be shredded easily.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, take it out of the cooker and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. It’s fun and super easy!
6. Mix Back Into Sauce:
Put the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir it well into the sauce. You want every bite to be packed with flavor!
7. Toast the Buns:
While the chicken is resting in its sauce, take the sandwich buns and spread some butter on them. Toast them in a skillet or under a broiler until they’re golden and warm. Nothing beats a nice toasty bun!
8. Assemble Your Sandwiches:
Now it’s assembly time! Spoon the hot honey chicken onto each bun. If you like it crunchy, add some coleslaw or pickles on top for added texture and flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve those warm sandwiches right away and enjoy every sweet and spicy bite! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
FAQ About Easy Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it’s best to thaw them first for even cooking. If you forget to thaw, you can cook them from frozen, but increase the cook time by about an hour on low or 30 minutes on high.
How Do I Make This Recipe Spicier or Milder?
To add more heat, you can increase the amount of hot honey or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. For a milder flavor, reduce the hot honey and use regular honey or a sweeter barbecue sauce instead!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prep the chicken and sauce the night before and store them separately in the fridge. Just combine them and cook them the next day according to the instructions, or cook the chicken and store the leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to keep the chicken moist. You can enjoy the leftovers in a sandwich, salad, or even on nachos!
