These Easy Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are a fantastic mix of sweet and spicy. The chicken cooks slowly until it’s tender, soaking up all that delicious honey flavor!
It’s hard to resist pulling apart the juicy chicken and piling it high on a bun. Perfect for game day or a quick dinner! I love serving these with crispy fries on the side. Yummy! 🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a must for this recipe as they stay juicy while cooking. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you could use turkey breasts instead.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness that balances the heat. If you need a sugar-free option, try using agave syrup or maple syrup. Both will work well to add that sweet flavor!
Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is commonly used, but if you prefer a different brand or want less heat, you can use a milder sauce like sriracha or even a sweet chili sauce for a different flavor profile.
Soy Sauce: This helps to deepen the flavor. If you are gluten-free, choose a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Alternatively, coconut aminos adds a similar taste without soy.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds acidity. White vinegar or lemon juice can be used as a substitute if you don’t have apple cider vinegar handy.
How Do You Shred Chicken Easily?
Shredding chicken can be a bit tricky, but it’s easier than you think! Once your chicken is done in the slow cooker, use a set of forks to pull apart the meat. Here’s a quick guide:
- Remove the chicken carefully from the slow cooker; it will be very tender and hot.
- Use two forks: hold one in each hand. Insert a fork into the chicken and pull apart in opposite directions.
- Continue shredding until your desired texture is reached. Don’t worry if it’s a bit messy—just make sure it’s evenly shredded!
For an even quicker method, you can also use a hand mixer on low speed to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker!
Easy Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4-6 sandwich buns
- Optional toppings: sliced pickles, coleslaw, or ranch dressing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time and then you’ll let the slow cooker do its magic! Cooking time is around 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. So overall, allow about 4 to 6 hours total, especially if you’re cooking on low.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts right into your slow cooker. No need to cut them up; they’ll cook beautifully whole!
2. Make the Sauce:
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
3. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Pour the tasty sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure each piece of chicken is covered well with the sauce; it’s what gives the chicken its delicious flavor!
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover your slow cooker with the lid. Set it to low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. It’s done when the chicken is tender and easy to shred. If you can easily shred the chicken with a fork, it’s perfect!
5. Shred the Chicken:
Carefully take the chicken out of the slow cooker using tongs or a slotted spoon. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should fall apart easily!
6. Mix the Shredded Chicken with Sauce:
After shredding, return the chicken to the slow cooker and stir it in the leftover sauce. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor!
7. Toast Your Buns:
If you like a crispy bun, now’s the time to toast them! You can do this in a toaster or on a skillet until they’re golden brown.
8. Build Your Sandwiches:
Take a good amount of the hot honey chicken and pile it onto each bun. Don’t skimp, make it generous!
9. Add Toppings and Serve:
Top your sandwich with any extra toppings you like, such as sliced pickles, crunchy coleslaw, or a drizzle of ranch dressing for extra flavor. Enjoy your delicious hot honey chicken sandwiches warm!
FAQ – Easy Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. If you’re short on time, you can cook the chicken from frozen; just increase the cooking time by an hour or so, and ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! If you prefer more heat, add extra hot sauce or include some crushed red pepper flakes to your sauce mixture. You can also swap in a spicier hot sauce for a bolder kick!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover hot honey chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to store the chicken and buns separately to prevent them from getting soggy. You can reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.
What Are Some Good Side Dishes to Serve with These Sandwiches?
These sandwiches pair well with a variety of sides! Some great options include crispy fries, coleslaw, potato salad, or a simple green salad. For a healthier option, try serving them with roasted vegetables or a fruit salad!
