Get ready for some tasty Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches! This dish features juicy chicken soaked in a sweet and spicy honey sauce. It’s super easy to make—all you need is a slow cooker!
Serve it on your favorite buns and watch everyone get excited. Who knew something this good could be so simple? I love making extra for a weekend lunch – they always disappear quickly!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: These are lean and cook nicely in the slow cooker. If you’re looking for alternatives, thighs are juicier and can add more flavor. You could also use turkey breasts if you prefer a leaner option.
Hot Honey: You can buy hot honey or make your own by mixing honey with a dash of hot sauce. If you want to avoid sugar, consider using agave nectar mixed with chili flakes for a similar heat and sweetness.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite brand for this recipe. If you’re vegan, look for a plant-based barbecue sauce or make your own with tomato sauce and spices. If you like more heat, a spicy barbecue sauce can really enhance the flavor.
Spices: The garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika give depth and warmth. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works, or you can experiment with cayenne pepper for a bit more heat!
Pickles: If you’re not a fan of pickles, sliced jalapeños can add a nice crunch and kick. To maintain a milder flavor, think about adding fresh cucumbers or a slaw instead.
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Shredded?
Shredding chicken can sometimes be tricky, but with the right technique, it’s simple. After the chicken is cooked, there are a few methods you can use:
- Use two forks: Place a fork in each piece of chicken and pull apart gently. This technique works especially well in the slow cooker!
- If you prefer, you can use kitchen shears to cut the chicken directly. It’s quick and keeps your hands clean.
- For super easy shredding, consider using a stand mixer. Simply place the cooked chicken in the bowl and mix it on low with the paddle attachment for a few seconds—voilà, perfectly shredded chicken!
Whichever method you choose, be sure to mix the shredded chicken back with the sauce for maximum flavor before serving.
How to Make Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 4 hamburger buns
- Pickles for topping
- Potato chips, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the slow cooker. After cooking, there’s a quick step to shred the chicken, and then you’re ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into your slow cooker. Lay them flat to help them cook evenly.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix together the hot honey, barbecue sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until it’s nicely combined. This will give your chicken a delicious sweet and spicy flavor!
3. Pour and Coat:
Pour the hot honey sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is well-coated with the sauce so it can absorb all those yummy flavors as it cooks.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’re waiting for the chicken to become tender and fully cooked; you’ll know it’s ready when it easily shreds with a fork.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. As you shred, make sure to mix the chicken with the sauce to keep it deliciously coated.
6. Toast the Buns:
If you like, you can toast the hamburger buns for a little extra crunch. Just pop them in a toaster or on a skillet until they’re golden brown.
7. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Now it’s time to serve! Place a generous amount of the hot honey chicken on each bun and top with pickles to add some zing.
8. Enjoy:
Dig in and enjoy your tasty hot honey chicken sandwiches! Feel free to add some potato chips on the side for a nice crunch if you want!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken breasts directly in the slow cooker, just increase the cooking time by about an hour. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety. If using frozen chicken, there’s no need to thaw beforehand; just adjust the time accordingly!
How to Make Homemade Hot Honey?
Making homemade hot honey is simple! Just mix 1 cup of honey with 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce. Adjust the heat to your liking by adding more or less hot sauce. Allow it to sit for a few hours or overnight for the flavors to meld!
Can I Store Leftover Chicken Sandwiches?
Yes, store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can also keep the shredded chicken in the sauce to maintain moisture.
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
Feel free to get creative with toppings! Sliced jalapeños, slaw, or cheese make great additions. You could even swap pickles for sliced red onions or avocado for a different flavor twist!
