These Easy Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are simply amazing! You’ll love the juicy chicken mixed with a sweet and spicy honey sauce, all cooked slowly for extra flavor.
They’re a perfect quick dinner option. Just toss everything in the slow cooker, and forget about it until it’s time to eat! I often serve them with crispy fries on the side for extra yum! 🍟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is perfect for this recipe. If you’re short on time, you can use thighs, which stay juicy in the slow cooker. For a healthier option, try turkey breast.
Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot gives a nice balance of heat. If you want more spice, use a hotter sauce like Sriracha. For a milder version, opt for a sweet chili sauce.
Honey: Honey adds that sweetness and stickiness. Agave syrup can work as a vegan substitute, maintaining the sweetness without the honey flavor.
Smoked Paprika: This adds a subtle smoky note. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or even cayenne pepper can be good replacements.
How Do You Make Sure Your Chicken is Tender and Shreddable?
The key to tender shredded chicken starts with the slow cooking. Here are some tips:
- Use enough sauce to cover the chicken; it keeps the moisture in.
- Don’t skip the low cooking time! Cooking it on low for 6-7 hours makes the chicken more tender than cooking it on high.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing it from the slow cooker. This helps retain moisture before you shred it.
Easy Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or your favorite brand)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For The Sandwiches:
- 4 sandwich buns
- Optional toppings: pickles, coleslaw, lettuce, sliced red onion, or cheese slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, plus cooking time of either 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. You’ll spend a few minutes mixing everything together, then just let your slow cooker do the magic for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Place the Chicken in the Slow Cooker:
Put the chicken breasts directly into the slow cooker. It’s okay if the pieces overlap a bit; they will be tender and easy to shred later.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Use a spoon or spatula to ensure all the chicken is evenly coated with delicious sauce.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is ready when it’s cooked through and very tender!
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
6. Mix Back in the Sauce:
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor!
7. Toast the Buns:
If you like your buns a little crispy, light up a toaster or a skillet and toast them before assembling your sandwiches.
8. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Top each bun with a generous portion of the hot honey chicken. Add any toppings you desire, such as pickles, coleslaw, lettuce, sliced red onion, or cheese!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Dive right in and enjoy your delicious hot honey chicken sandwiches. They’re great served with fries or a salad on the side!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just remember to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours. It’s best to cook on low to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you need a substitute for honey, you can use agave nectar or maple syrup. Both will give a nice sweetness, though the flavor will be slightly different.
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the shredded chicken for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating!
Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep the chicken and sauce the night before. Just keep the raw chicken and sauce in the fridge, then cook it directly from the fridge in the slow cooker the next day. A great time-saver!
