These Easy Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are a tasty treat! Juicy chicken simmers in a sweet and spicy honey sauce, making each bite really flavorful.
What I love is how simple it is to whip these up. Just toss everything in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic while I relax. Perfect for busy days! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: You can use either chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. While I love how thighs stay juicy, breasts work well too. If you’re looking for a quicker option, shredded rotisserie chicken is a great substitute!
Honey: This ingredient gives sweetness and a sticky texture. If you’re watching your sugar intake, try agave syrup or maple syrup instead, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Hot Sauce: I enjoy using Frank’s RedHot for its balance of flavor and heat. If you prefer less spice, opt for a milder hot sauce or even BBQ sauce for a sweet flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling salt levels in the recipe. If you want to keep it dairy-free, you can use olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
How Do I Get the Best Shredded Chicken?
Shredding the chicken right is key for these sandwiches. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes in the slow cooker to retain moisture.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken gently; don’t pull too hard, or it may become mushy.
- Mix the shredded chicken back into the sauce before serving. This ensures every bite is flavorful!
Remember, have fun with the toppings! Addings like coleslaw bring nice crunchiness, and pickles offer a tangy contrast that brightens the sandwiches. Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 to 6 sandwich buns
Optional Toppings:
- sliced pickles
- coleslaw
- lettuce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep. You’ll want to let the chicken cook for 4 to 5 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high in the slow cooker. After that, just a few minutes to shred the chicken and assemble your sandwiches. Total time: about 5 hours, including cooking! Simple and straightforward.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into a slow cooker. It’s super easy! Just lay them in there nice and evenly.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, bring together the honey, hot sauce, melted butter, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything until it’s mixed well. This sweet and spicy sauce is going to make your chicken amazing!
3. Coat the Chicken:
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure to cover the chicken completely so it gets all that delicious flavor. No piece should be left behind!
4. Cooking Time:
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully take it out of the slow cooker and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. It should shred easily—just like pulling apart a soft cloud!
6. Mix It All Together:
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce until it is fully coated. This helps mix all that goodness together.
7. Prepare the Sandwiches:
If you like your buns toasted, now’s the time! Toast your sandwich buns until they’re lightly golden. Then it’s time to pile on that hot honey chicken—load it up as high as you like!
8. Add Toppings:
Now you can get creative! Add sliced pickles, a scoop of coleslaw, or a handful of lettuce for that extra crunch. Whatever makes your heart smile!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Dig in immediately! These hot honey chicken sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, so gather your friends or family and share the deliciousness. Enjoy every bite!
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 cook it on high for about 4 to 5 hours instead of the typical cooking times. Ensure it’s fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before shredding!
What Kind of Hot Sauce Should I Use?
I recommend using Frank’s RedHot for a classic flavor, but feel free to use your favorite hot sauce! You can also adjust the amount based on your spice preference—add more for extra heat or use a milder sauce if you prefer less spice.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You can also freeze the shredded chicken for up to 2 months—just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then refrigerate it overnight before cooking. Just pop it into the slow cooker the next day. This recipe is perfect for meal prep!
