These Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are a sweet and spicy treat! Tender chicken simmers in a yummy honey sauce, making every bite a flavor explosion.
Who knew chicken could be this fun? I love piling mine high with crunchy pickles for an extra kick—can’t resist that combo! 🥪
This recipe is super simple; just toss everything in the slow cooker and let the magic happen. Perfect for busy days or a big family meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is the best choice for this recipe. You could also use thighs for a richer flavor. Another option could be shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.
Hot Honey: You can easily make hot honey at home by mixing honey with your favorite hot sauce. If you’re looking for a milder version, use regular honey with a touch of crushed red pepper.
Soy Sauce: This adds saltiness and depth. If you’re avoiding soy, try coconut aminos or liquid aminos as good substitutes.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Its tangy flavor complements the sweetness of the honey. You can swap it for white vinegar or lemon juice if needed.
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a nice depth. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or even chili powder can work in a pinch. Just remember to adjust the heat level.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Is Tender and Flavorful?
Cooking chicken in a slow cooker is a great way to achieve tenderness. Here are some tips to get it just right:
- Use enough sauce to fully coat the chicken; this adds flavor and moisture.
- Cook on low for the best texture; high heat can dry the chicken out.
- After shredding, let the chicken sit in the sauce for a while before serving to soak up even more flavor.
Remember, patience is key! Give your chicken that full cooking time for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
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)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Hamburger buns (4-6)
- Pickles, for serving
- Optional: coleslaw, for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and then you’ll let it cook in the slow cooker for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. After that, you’ll spend a few more minutes shredding the chicken and assembling the sandwiches. In total, you can have some yummy sandwiches ready in under 8 hours, perfect for a lazy day at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
Start by mixing the hot honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. This will be the flavorful sauce that will make your chicken delicious!
2. Add Chicken to Slow Cooker:
Next, place the chicken breasts directly into the slow cooker. Pour your tasty honey sauce mixture all over the chicken, making sure every piece is coated well in that sweet and spicy goodness.
3. Cook:
Now, cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook. If you’re cooking on low, let it go for 6-7 hours. If you’re in a bit of a hurry, you can set it to high and cook for 3-4 hours. The chicken is ready when it’s cooked through and super tender.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once your chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, and give it a good stir to mix it with all the yummy sauce.
5. Assemble Sandwiches:
If you like, you can toast the hamburger buns for a little crunch! Start by placing a generous scoop of hot honey chicken on the bottom half of each bun. Top it off with some pickles and, if you’re feeling fancy, a scoop of coleslaw for a nice crunch.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Put the top half of the bun on each sandwich and serve them hot! These sandwiches go great with chips or your favorite side for a complete meal. Enjoy the tasty blend of sweet, spicy, and savory!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but be sure to remove the skin for optimal flavor. Adjust the cooking time to about 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high since bone-in cuts typically take longer to cook through.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of hot honey used or substitute it with regular honey or barbecue sauce. For extra heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Simply reheat in the slow cooker or on the stove before serving. The flavors will actually deepen and improve!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Chicken?
Store any leftover hot honey chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out.
