This Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich is a game-changer! Juicy chicken gets coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, making every bite exciting and full of flavor.
I love how easy it is to throw everything in the slow cooker and forget about it. Dinner is ready when I am, and that delicious smell? Pure magic! 🍯🐔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe as they become tender and shred nicely. If you’re looking for alternatives, thighs can add more flavor and moisture, or you could use rotisserie chicken for even quicker preparation.
Honey: Honey brings a wonderful sweetness to balance the heat. If you’re looking for a lower sugar option, agave syrup or maple syrup can be good substitutes, though they each have a distinct flavor.
Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice for those who enjoy spice! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use a milder hot sauce or even sriracha. Adjust according to your taste!
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a nice tang! You can substitute it with white vinegar or lemon juice if needed, though the flavor will change a bit.
How Can I Shred Chicken Easily?
Shredding the chicken after cooking is a key step to get that perfect pulled texture. Here’s how you can do it:
- After cooking, let the chicken cool slightly before handling it.
- Use two forks to pull apart the chicken. Start from the thickest part and work your way to the edges.
- Alternatively, if you’re in a rush, you can use a hand mixer on a low setting to shred the chicken in the slow cooker itself. Just be careful to not overmix!
What’s the Best Way to Serve the Sandwiches?
When you’re ready to assemble your sandwiches, toasting the buns is a must. It adds a nice crunch and prevents them from getting soggy. Here are a few tips:
- Spread butter on the insides of the buns, then place them in a hot skillet until golden brown.
- Top your shredded chicken with crunchy coleslaw for texture, or add pickles for extra zest!
These tips and insights will help you prepare a delicious Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich that everyone will love!
How to Make a Delicious Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup honey
- 1/3 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
For the Sandwich:
- 4 sandwich buns or rolls
- Butter, for toasting buns
- Coleslaw or pickles, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time. You’ll need to cook the chicken on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours in the slow cooker. So, you can have dinner ready in about 6 to 7 hours, depending on your cooking setting!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into your slow cooker. No need to cut or dice them—just lay them in gently!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you’re using it). This will create a sweet and spicy sauce.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, making sure they are well coated with the delicious mixture.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 hours, or on high for 3 hours. The chicken will be ready when it’s tender and can be easily shredded with forks.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is done cooking, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it to a plate. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
6. Mix it Back In:
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and give it a good stir to combine with all that flavorful sauce.
7. Toast the Buns:
While the chicken soaks up its delicious sauce, butter the insides of your sandwich buns. Toast them lightly in a skillet or toaster until they are golden and crispy.
8. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Now it’s time to build your sandwiches! Place a generous amount of the shredded hot honey chicken on each toasted bun.
9. Add Toppings:
If you’d like, top with coleslaw or pickles for an extra crunch and flavor. Then, serve them up immediately while they’re warm and inviting!
Enjoy your flavorful, tender Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich with friends and family!
FAQ for Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
You can use frozen chicken breasts, but it’s best to thaw them first for even cooking. Thaw in the fridge overnight or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water for quicker results.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of hot sauce or skip the cayenne pepper entirely. On the other hand, if you love spice, feel free to add more cayenne or even some chopped jalapeños to the sauce for an extra kick!
What Should I Do with Leftover Chicken?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can enjoy it warm on more sandwiches, toss it in salads, or even add it to rice bowls for a quick meal.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken in advance and refrigerate it. Just reheat gently on the stove before serving. The flavors will deepen and taste even better the next day!
