These Easy Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are sure to be a hit! Tender chicken slowly cooked in a sweet and spicy honey sauce makes for a delicious meal.
You can throw everything in the slow cooker and relax while it does the work. I love serving these on soft buns—perfect for game day or a cozy dinner night!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: You can use either chicken breasts or thighs. I prefer thighs for their moistness, but breasts work well too! If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey breasts could be a good substitute.
Honey: This brings a natural sweetness. If you’re out of honey, you can substitute with agave syrup or maple syrup, keeping in mind each will bring a slightly different flavor.
Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice. You can change it up with your favorite hot sauce—Tabasco or Sriracha are great alternatives depending on your spice preference.
Butter: For a healthier option, you can replace butter with olive oil or coconut oil, particularly if you’re dairy-free.
Spices: The combination of smoked paprika and garlic powder adds depth. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or chili powder can work too. You can also adjust the cayenne for your heat level.
How Do I Get the Chicken to Shred Perfectly?
Shredding chicken can be tricky if it’s not cooked right. Here’s how to ensure it comes out tender every time:
- Cook the chicken until it’s fully tender. If it pulls apart easily with two forks, you’re golden!
- Do this while it’s still hot; it shreds much easier, and the sauce clings better.
- Mix the shredded chicken with the sauce in the slow cooker to keep it moist and flavorful before serving.
Easy Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
For the Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
For Assembly:
- 4-6 sandwich buns
- Optional toppings: pickles, coleslaw, lettuce, or sliced red onion
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 15 minutes to prep and about 6-7 hours to cook on low (or 3-4 hours on high), making it a perfect option for a hassle-free dinner. Just set it in the morning and enjoy delicious sandwiches by the evening!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
Start by placing the sliced onion at the bottom of your slow cooker. This will give the chicken a lovely flavor as it cooks.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the honey, hot sauce, melted butter, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you want it spicier). Mix everything together until well blended.
3. Add the Chicken:
Lay the chicken breasts or thighs on top of the onions in the slow cooker. Then, pour the honey-hot sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring every piece is coated.
4. Slow Cook:
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Cook until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Mix it with the sauce and onions to soak up all the flavors.
6. Toast the Buns:
If you like, toast the sandwich buns to add some crunch. Then, take a generous portion of the shredded hot honey chicken and pile it high on each bun.
7. Add Toppings:
Finish it off by adding any optional toppings you desire—pickles, coleslaw, lettuce, or sliced red onion all work wonderfully!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious, spicy-sweet sandwiches warm and enjoy every bite! They’re perfect for sharing or as a satisfying meal for yourself!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to extend the cooking time by about an hour when using the slow cooker on low. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety!
How Can I Make the Dish Less Spicy?
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and use a milder hot sauce. Honey brings sweetness that balances heat, so don’t skip it!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce mixture the night before, refrigerate it, and let it cook in the slow cooker the next day. Just ensure you add the onions at the bottom right before cooking!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months; just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating!
