These Easy Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are a tasty treat! Juicy chicken simmers in a sweet and spicy honey sauce, making every bite packed with flavor.
Perfect for busy days, I just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Trust me, the smell alone will make your mouth water! 🥪✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using thighs in this recipe! They’re juicier than breasts and hold up well in the slow cooker. If you’re looking for a leaner option, skinless chicken breasts work too. You can also swap in shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness to balance the heat. If you want a lower-sugar option, try agave nectar or maple syrup. Just remember, it may change the flavor slightly, but still delicious!
Hot Sauce: I recommend Frank’s RedHot for its classic flavor. If you need less heat, use a milder sauce, or you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a custom kick.
Dijon Mustard: This gives a bit of tanginess. If you don’t have it, yellow mustard can work too, but expect a milder flavor.
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Shredded Chicken?
Shredding chicken can be a breeze with the right technique! After the cooking time, use two forks to pull the chicken apart gently. Here’s how to do it:
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker with tongs.
- Place it on a cutting board or a large plate. Let it cool for a minute if it’s too hot to handle.
- Use one fork to hold the chicken steady and the other fork to shred the meat.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix it with the sauce for extra flavor.
This method keeps your chicken tender and flavorful, making every sandwich a hit!
Easy Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
For the Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Serving:
- 4-6 sandwich buns or rolls
- Optional toppings: sliced pickles, coleslaw, lettuce, or mayonnaise
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, with a slow cooker cook time of 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. The wait is definitely worth it for these scrumptious sandwiches!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. It’s super easy—just lay them in there!
2. Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure everything is well mixed and blended. This sauce is where the magic happens!
3. Coat the Chicken:
Pour the delicious sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Use a spoon to make sure all the chicken is coated in the sauce. This will give it all that wonderful flavor!
4. Slow Cook:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You know it’s done when the chicken is super tender and easy to shred.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should fall apart easily!
6. Mix It All Together:
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce. This will keep it nice and flavorful!
7. Prepare the Buns:
If you’d like, toast your sandwich buns or rolls to give them a little crunch. It adds a nice touch to your sandwiches!
8. Assemble Your Sandwiches:
Take a hearty scoop of the hot honey chicken and pile it onto the toasted buns. Get creative with your toppings! Add some sliced pickles, a scoop of coleslaw, crisp lettuce, or a spread of mayonnaise for extra flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Your tasty hot honey chicken sandwiches are ready to devour! Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the delightful blend of sweet and spicy.
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to increase the cooking time. If you’re using frozen chicken breasts or thighs, cook them on high for about 4-5 hours or on low for 7-8 hours, until they’re fully cooked and tender.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking. Simply combine everything in the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook!
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftover hot honey chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or sauce if it seems dry.
What Can I Substitute for Hot Sauce?
If you prefer a milder flavor, try using a sweet chili sauce or Sriracha, which has a slightly different taste but still packs some heat without being overwhelming. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference!
