Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches offer a delightful blend of spicy and sweet flavors that come together effortlessly in one pot. Imagine tender, juicy chicken slowly infused with a hot honey glaze, creating a perfect balance of heat and sweetness that’s ideal for a cozy dinner any time of year.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, as it requires minimal hands-on time but delivers maximum flavor. Serve it piled high on your favorite bun with crunchy pickles or your preferred toppings for a satisfying meal everyone will love.
- Effortless slow cooker meal with minimal prep and hands-off cooking
- Perfect combination of spicy heat and natural honey sweetness
- Versatile sandwich suitable for casual dinners, game days, or meal prep
- Simple ingredients you likely have in your pantry
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: 2 pounds of lean chicken breasts, perfect for shredding tender meat in the slow cooker.
- Cayenne pepper: 1 tablespoon, providing a bold spicy kick to the hot honey sauce.
- Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon adds a subtle smoky depth enhancing overall flavor.
- Garlic salt: 1 teaspoon for savory seasoning and a slight garlicky undertone.
- Brown sugar: 2 tablespoons to bring balanced sweetness and caramel notes to the dish.
- Honey: 1 cup of natural honey, offering sweetness that pairs beautifully with the heat.
- Vinegar: 1 tablespoon, adds tang to brighten up and balance the sauce.
- Butter: 1/4 cup adds richness and a silky texture to the hot honey sauce.
- Buns for serving: Soft hamburger, brioche, or pretzel buns make an excellent vessel for the pulled chicken.
- Pickles for topping: Crisp pickles add refreshing crunch and acidity to complete the sandwich.
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker and Chicken
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Lightly spray the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Lay the chicken breasts evenly in the bottom in a single layer for even cooking and shredding later.
- Mix and Apply Seasoning
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In a small bowl, combine cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic salt. This spice mix introduces a smoky, spicy foundation. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over the chicken breasts ensuring all pieces are coated for consistent flavor.
- Add Sweeteners and Acid
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Sprinkle brown sugar over the seasoned chicken to add caramelized sweetness as it cooks. Drizzle honey over the top for natural sweetness and a sticky glaze. Pour in vinegar which cuts through the sweetness with a bright, tangy contrast.
- Top with Butter and Cook
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Place butter on top of the chicken mixture. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours. This slow cooking melts the butter into the sauce and tenderizes the chicken to shreddable perfection.
- Shred and Serve
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Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing the hot honey sauce thoroughly through the meat. Serve the pulled chicken piled high on soft buns with pickle slices for a delicious, satisfying sandwich.
- Adjust spice level by reducing cayenne pepper for less heat or increasing for more kick.
- Every slow cooker differs; cooking time may vary slightly so check for tenderness.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Choose your preferred buns such as brioche or pretzel for enhanced flavor and texture.
- Optional toppings like ranch dressing or coleslaw add creaminess and balance the spiciness.
Storage Tips
Keep any leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave to maintain its moisture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these spicy sandwiches on brioche, pretzel, or classic hamburger buns. Top with crisp pickle slices or creamy coleslaw for added texture and balance. Ranch dressing also pairs nicely with the heat.
- Use fresh boneless chicken breasts for juicier shredded meat.
- To spice it up, try adding fresh minced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- For a smoky twist, substitute apple cider vinegar for a deeper flavor.
- Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after shredding for flavors to meld.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
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Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and tend to be even juicier and more flavorful when slow-cooked.
- How can I make this recipe less spicy?
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Reduce the cayenne pepper to 1/2 tablespoon or omit it. You can also serve with cooling toppings like ranch or coleslaw to balance heat.
- What buns work best for these sandwiches?
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Brioche buns, pretzel buns, or classic hamburger buns are ideal due to their soft yet sturdy texture to hold the juicy chicken.
- Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
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Yes, you can cook the chicken the day before, refrigerate, and then reheat before serving. This makes it great for meal prep.
- Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
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Simply omit the butter or substitute it with a plant-based alternative to make it dairy-free without losing richness.
- How should I reheat leftovers?
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Warm the shredded chicken gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
- Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
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Yes, store in airtight freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Slow Cooker Hot Honey Sandwiches
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker 6 quart
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1/4 cup butter
- buns for serving
- pickles for topping
Instructions
- Spray the slow cooker bottom with non-stick spray and place chicken breasts inside.
- Combine cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic salt in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Sprinkle brown sugar on top of the chicken.
- Drizzle honey over the chicken.
- Add vinegar and place butter on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
- Shred chicken with two forks directly in the slow cooker.
- Serve chicken on buns topped with pickles.
Notes
- Store leftovers covered in fridge up to 3 days.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control spiciness level.
- Try with brioche, hamburger, or pretzel buns.
- Optional toppings: ranch dressing or cole slaw.
- Cooking times may vary depending on slow cooker model.
