These Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are a crowd-pleaser! Juicy chicken bites are simmered in a sweet and spicy honey sauce, creating a tasty filling for your sandwich.
Just set it and forget it! I love how the slow cooker makes dinner so easy. Pair these sandwiches with some crispy fries and watch everyone come back for seconds! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: You can use either chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. Thighs are juicier, but breasts are leaner. If you’re short on time, try using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a quick option!
Hot Honey: If you can’t find hot honey, simply mix honey with your favorite hot sauce to adjust the heat level according to your taste.
Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a great choice, but any hot sauce you enjoy will work. For a milder flavor, you can use a sweet chili sauce instead.
Chicken Broth: If you’re out of chicken broth, vegetable broth or even water will do. It may slightly change the flavor but will still keep the chicken moist.
Buns: Feel free to swap traditional sandwich buns for whole grain or gluten-free options. You could even serve the chicken in lettuce wraps for a low-carb version!
How Do I Shred Chicken Easily?
Shredding chicken can seem tricky, but there’s a simple way to make it easier! After cooking, follow these steps:
- Transfer the chicken breasts to a mixing bowl or plate.
- Use two forks to gently pull the chicken apart in the opposite direction. This helps break it down nicely.
- Alternatively, if you want a faster way, use a hand mixer on low speed—just a few seconds will shred it quickly!
This technique ensures your chicken is perfectly shredded for those delicious sandwiches, making every bite flavorful!
How to Make 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 hot honey (honey infused with chili or a mix of honey and hot sauce)
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or your favorite)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
To Serve:
- 4-6 sandwich buns or rolls
- Optional toppings: pickles, coleslaw, sliced red onions, or extra hot honey for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and cooks for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the slow cooker. Total time can be around 6-7 hours, so it’s perfect for a busy day when you want to come home to a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts (or thighs) into your slow cooker. You can use fresh or frozen chicken, but if using frozen, increase the cooking time slightly.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the hot honey, hot sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This delicious sauce will give your chicken lots of flavor!
3. Combine in the Slow Cooker:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring that all the pieces are well coated. This step is key to getting that flavorful goodness infused into the chicken.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a plate. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should come apart easily since it’s so tender!
6. Mix it All Together:
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring it back into the sauce to ensure every piece is saucy and delicious.
7. Assemble the Sandwiches:
To serve, pile a generous amount of the hot honey chicken onto each sandwich bun. Feel free to add any of your favorite toppings, like pickles, coleslaw, or sliced red onions for added crunch and flavor!
8. Drizzle Extra Hot Honey:
If you’re looking for a spicy kick, drizzle some extra hot honey on top before enjoying your sandwiches. It adds a great sweet and spicy flavor!
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your delicious Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches immediately and savor every bite. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy snack!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches
Can I Use Frozen Chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken for this recipe! Just ensure to extend the cooking time by about 1 hour, as frozen chicken takes longer to cook through. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy or Mild?
Absolutely! Adjust the spice level by altering the amount of hot honey and hot sauce. For a milder flavor, you can reduce the hot sauce or opt for a mild hot sauce. Alternatively, if you like it spicier, add more hot honey or a dash of cayenne pepper!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. If it seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth or additional hot honey to refresh the flavor.
Can I Prep This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce mixture and chicken the night before. Just store the chicken in the fridge and pour the sauce over it in the morning before starting the slow cooker. This way, dinner will be ready for you when you return home!
