These Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are a tasty treat! Imagine tender chicken cooked low and slow in a sweet and spicy honey sauce, all tucked into a soft bun.
I love making these sandwiches when I have friends over. They’re super easy to whip up in the slow cooker, and everyone gets to adjust the heat to their liking. Perfect party food! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer boneless thighs for their juicy texture, but breasts work well too. If you’re short on time, using pre-cooked shredded chicken is a great shortcut!
Hot Honey: This adds a unique flavor. If you can’t find it, mix regular honey with a bit of hot sauce or chili flakes for a similar taste.
Hot Sauce: Use any hot sauce you like! Sriracha gives a nice kick, but you can opt for milder sauces if heat is a concern.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds tanginess. If you don’t have it, white vinegar or lemon juice can work as a substitute.
Toppings: Customize your sandwiches! I love adding crunchy coleslaw or pickles for an extra layer of flavor. Feel free to skip or swap toppings according to your personal taste.
How Do You Ensure the Chicken Comes Out Perfectly Shredded?
Shredding chicken can sometimes be tricky, but using a slow cooker makes it easy. Here are steps to ensure perfect results:
- Cook on low for longer to let the chicken become tender. High heat might dry it out.
- When the cooking is done, use two forks to pull apart the chicken gently; it should fall apart easily.
- Mix the shredded chicken back into the sauce so every bite is tasty and moist!
These techniques help you achieve juicy, flavorful chicken every time! Enjoy your sandwiches! 🍔
Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/3 cup hot honey (honey infused with chili or purchased hot honey)
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as sriracha or your favorite)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Sandwich buns (4 to 6)
- Optional toppings: pickles, coleslaw, sliced jalapeños, lettuce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then you’ll need 6-7 hours to cook it on low (or 3-4 hours on high) in the slow cooker. After cooking, you’ll spend a few minutes shredding the chicken and assembling your sandwiches. Easy and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
In your slow cooker, lay the chicken breasts or thighs in a single layer. This helps them cook evenly and tenderly.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the hot honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, melted butter, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and onion powder until well combined.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring that every piece is coated in that sweet and spicy goodness.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover and cook for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high until the chicken is super tender and easy to shred.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix it with the remaining sauce so every piece is nice and flavorful!
6. Toast the Buns:
If you like a warm, crispy bun, toast the sandwich buns in the oven or on a skillet for a couple of minutes.
7. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Pile the hot honey chicken onto your buns and top them with your favorite extras like pickles, coleslaw, sliced jalapeños, or lettuce for added crunch and flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the sandwiches immediately while they’re warm, and enjoy the delicious flavors of your Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches! Your guests will love them!
FAQ for Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just be sure to cook it on the high setting for a little longer–about 4-5 hours should do the trick. Ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving.
What If I Don’t Have Hot Honey?
No worries! You can make your own by mixing regular honey with a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Adjust the heat level to your taste for a custom spice blend!
How Do I Store Leftover Sandwiches?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet or the microwave, and serve it on toasted buns for that fresh taste again!
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Absolutely! If you want an extra kick, increase the amount of hot sauce or add sliced fresh chilies to the chicken. You can also top your sandwich with spicy jalapeños or a drizzle of extra hot honey!
