These Easy Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are a treat! Tender chicken is cooked in sweet and spicy sauce, making every bite a delicious surprise!
Honestly, I can’t get enough of that sweet heat! I love piling the chicken high on a soft bun, adding some pickles, and enjoying these for lunch or dinner. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: You can use chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference. Thighs tend to be more flavorful and juicy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey breast could work too, but the cooking time may vary.
Hot Honey: If you don’t have hot honey, make your own by mixing regular honey with a bit of hot sauce or red pepper flakes. Adjust the heat level to your taste! Alternatively, you could use plain honey and add more hot sauce directly.
Sriracha: While sriracha is popular, any hot sauce works! Try buffalo sauce for a different flavor or chili garlic sauce for an added kick.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds tanginess, but you could use white vinegar or even lemon juice as a substitute. Just keep the quantities similar!
Buns: I like using brioche for its softness. If you’re gluten-free, there are many gluten-free buns available now that work just as well!
How Do You Shred Chicken Without a Mess?
Shredding chicken is simple! After cooking, use two forks to pull the meat apart. For less mess, try this trick: briefly let the chicken cool, then use your hands with a little oil or wear kitchen gloves to shred it. This keeps your hands clean and makes it easier!
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker when fully cooked.
- Use one fork to hold the chicken in place and the other fork to shred the meat apart.
- If you have a hand mixer, you can put the cooked chicken in a bowl and shred it on low speed for a quick method!
Delicious Easy Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup hot honey (honey blended with hot sauce or chili flakes)
- 1/4 cup sriracha or your favorite hot sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 4-6 sandwich buns
- Optional toppings: pickles, coleslaw, sliced red onions, mayonnaise or ranch dressing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then cooks in the slow cooker for either 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Adding a little time for toasting your buns and assembling the sandwiches is also part of the fun. So, roughly, you’ll need about 8 hours total including all cooking and prep.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In your slow cooker, whisk together the hot honey, sriracha, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix it well until everything is combined.
2. Add the Chicken:
Add your chicken breasts or thighs to the slow cooker. Make sure to turn the chicken a few times to coat it well in that delicious sauce!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be very tender and easy to shred when it’s done.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It’s okay to let it cool for a few minutes first to avoid hot fingers!
5. Mix the Chicken with the Sauce:
Put the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir it around so all the pieces are coated in that yummy sauce.
6. Toast the Buns:
If you prefer toasted buns (and who doesn’t?), simply place them in a toaster or on a skillet for a minute or two until they’re warm and slightly crispy!
7. Assemble Your Sandwiches:
Now it’s time to have some fun! Pile that tasty hot honey chicken on your sandwiches and add your favorite toppings like pickles, coleslaw, sliced red onions, or a dollop of mayonnaise or ranch dressing.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your hot honey chicken sandwiches immediately! Dive into that sweet and spicy goodness—you’re going to love every bite!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! However, it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight, or if you’re short on time, place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed.
Can I Adjust the Heat Level?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of hot honey and sriracha. Conversely, if you want extra heat, add more hot sauce or even some diced jalapeños to the sauce mixture for a kick!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Any leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare everything in the slow cooker and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, just set your slow cooker to cook, and you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you when you get home!
