These Easy Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are a real treat! Tender, juicy chicken is cooked low and slow with a sweet and spicy honey sauce. Yum!
What’s better than pulled chicken piled high on a soft bun? I love adding extra toppings like pickles for a fun crunch. Perfect for a cozy dinner, don’t you think?
These sandwiches are super simple to make—just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Dinner has never been this easy and tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless thighs for extra juiciness, but breasts work just fine too. If you’re in a pinch, rotisserie chicken can make this even easier!
Honey: The star of the sauce! If you’re looking for a lower sugar option, try agave nectar or maple syrup, though the flavor will change a bit.
Hot Sauce: Frank’s is a classic choice, but feel free to use your favorite hot sauce. For less heat, use a milder sauce or even a barbecue sauce if you prefer sweetness over spice.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a tangy flavor. You could swap it with white vinegar or lemon juice if needed, but keep the sour notes in mind.
Buns: Any kind of sturdy sandwich bun works well! I love using potato rolls for their softness, but you can go with whole wheat or gluten-free options too.
How Do You Get Perfectly Shredded Chicken?
Shredding chicken may seem tricky, but it’s easy with the right technique! The key is to cook it low and slow in the slow cooker until it’s fork-tender.
- After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes.
- Use two forks to pull the meat apart, shredding it in the direction of the grain for the best texture.
- Return the shredded chicken to the sauce in the slow cooker for extra flavor!
Trust me, shredded chicken makes for delicious sandwiches that are easy to assemble and even easier to enjoy!
Easy Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 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
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- 4-6 sandwich buns or rolls
- Optional toppings: sliced pickles, coleslaw, ranch or blue cheese dressing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, plus cooking time of 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high in the slow cooker. Just set it and forget it, and you’ll have delightful sandwiches ready to enjoy later!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper together until it’s well combined. This will be your sweet and spicy sauce that makes everything delicious!
2. Set Up the Chicken:
Place the chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker. This will soak up all the wonderful flavors from the sauce.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Pour your honey-hot sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure to coat the pieces thoroughly. Every bite will be bursting with flavor!
4. Cooking Time:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is tender and can easily be shredded with a fork.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. It’s so tender!
6. Mix Back Into the Sauce:
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir it into the sauce until well coated, so every piece gets that sweet and spicy goodness.
7. Prepare the Buns:
While the chicken is soaking up the flavors, lightly toast your sandwich buns to add some nice texture.
8. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Serve the hot honey shredded chicken on the toasted buns. Feel free to add any optional toppings you like, such as sliced pickles or coleslaw for added crunch.
9. Enjoy!
Dig into your flavorful, spicy-sweet slow cooker chicken sandwiches and savor every bite! These are sure to become a family favorite.
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just add an extra hour of cooking time if using frozen chicken. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and place the chicken in the slow cooker the night before. Just store it in the fridge overnight and start cooking in the morning!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
What Are Some Good Toppings for These Sandwiches?
Great question! I love using sliced pickles and coleslaw for extra crunch. You could also try shredded lettuce, jalapeños for added heat, or a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing for creaminess!
