These Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are a tasty treat! Juicy chicken is cooked slowly in a sweet and spicy honey sauce, making each bite sticky and delicious.
I love how the slow cooker does all the work! Just pop in the ingredients and let it do its magic while you relax. Perfect for a cozy dinner with friends or family! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for tenderness and easy shredding. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs can be a great substitute for more flavor.
Hot Honey: Store-bought hot honey is convenient, but you can make your own by mixing honey with a splash of hot sauce. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite brand for this dish! If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider a reduced-sugar variety, or make homemade sauce using tomato paste, vinegar, and spices.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds some tang. You could swap it with white vinegar or even lime juice if needed.
Spices: Garlic and onion powder are the basics here. You can use fresh garlic if you have it on hand — just one or two cloves minced will work nicely.
How Do I Shred Chicken Like a Pro?
Shredding chicken seems tricky, but it’s simple! After cooking, you’re left with flavorful chicken that’s tender enough to pull apart easily.
- Use two forks: Grab the chicken with one fork and use the other to pull apart the meat.
- Shred right in the slow cooker, mixing it with the sauce, so it’s super flavorful.
- If you’re in a hurry, you can use a hand mixer on low speed — just be gentle to avoid turning it into mush.
This technique saves time and gives you consistently shredded chicken for your sandwiches!
How to Make Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- For Serving:
- 4 hamburger buns
- Dill pickles (for serving)
- Potato chips (for serving, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and then cooks in the slow cooker for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. So, you can set it in the morning and have a tasty dinner waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
Begin by taking your slow cooker out. In it, mix together the hot honey, barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if you’re using it). Give it a good stir until everything is well combined.
2. Add the Chicken:
Next, place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Make sure each piece is nicely coated with the delicious sauce mixture you just made.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Let the chicken cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You want the chicken to be fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily with a fork.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once your cooking time is up, take two forks and shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Mix it well with the remaining sauce to make sure every bite is flavorful!
5. Prepare the Buns:
If you like toasted buns, go ahead and lightly toast them while you’re finishing up the chicken. This extra touch adds a nice crunch!
6. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Now it’s time to put everything together. Place a generous scoop of the hot honey chicken on the bottom half of each bun. Add some dill pickles on top for that tasty crunch.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Cap off each sandwich with the top half of the bun. If you want, serve your sandwiches with a side of potato chips for a fun crunch. Enjoy your flavorful slow cooker hot honey chicken sandwiches!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to cook it on the high setting for 4-5 hours instead of low. This allows it to cook thoroughly while still absorbing those delicious flavors. Always check for doneness before shredding!
How Can I Make This Recipe Less Spicy?
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of hot honey you use. Try substituting half of it with regular honey or adding a bit of brown sugar to balance the heat. This way, you keep the sweetness without too much spice!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and add it to the crockpot with the chicken the night before, then refrigerate it. In the morning, just plug in your slow cooker for the day. Alternatively, you can cook it completely and store the shredded chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days before assembling your sandwiches.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or barbecue sauce to maintain moisture!
