These Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are a tasty treat! Imagine tender chicken slow-cooked in a sweet and slightly spicy honey sauce, making each bite deliciously juicy.
Whether you’re feeding family or a crowd, these sandwiches are easy to whip up. I love piling on extra toppings, like pickles or slaw, for that perfect crunch—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are perfect for shredding and stay juicy even after long cooking. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out.
Hot Honey Sauce: You can make your own hot honey by mixing honey with a bit of hot sauce. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your taste! For a milder version, just use regular honey.
Soy Sauce: This adds a nice umami flavor. If you’re avoiding gluten, swap it for tamari or coconut aminos, which work just as well.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This ingredient adds a tangy kick. If you don’t have it, white vinegar or even lemon juice can be used as substitutes, though they will change the flavor slightly.
Spices: Smoked paprika brings a lovely depth to the dish. If you don’t have it, regular paprika will work too, but won’t have the same smokiness. Onion and garlic powder are essential for flavor; fresh garlic works too, just add a bit more.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Shredded?
Shredding the chicken is a key step that ensures it soaks up all that delicious sauce. Here’s how to do it right:
- After the cooking time, use two forks to gently pull apart the chicken in the slow cooker. This keeps it moist and flavorful.
- Make sure to mix the shreds with the sauce in the cooker for more flavor. Don’t worry if it looks a bit messy; that just means it’s good!
- If the chicken is tough to shred, it may need a little more time in the cooker. Just pop the lid back on and give it an extra 30 minutes.
How to Make Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
For The Sauce:
- 1 cup hot honey sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 4 sandwich buns
- Pickles (for topping)
- Optional: potato chips or coleslaw (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then between 3 to 6 hours to cook in the slow cooker. The cooking time depends on whether you set it to low or high. Once cooked, you’ll need a few minutes to shred the chicken and assemble your sandwiches. Perfect for a delicious meal without much hassle!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken thighs directly in your slow cooker. No need to cut them up; they’ll cook beautifully as they are!
2. Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the hot honey sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This tasty sauce will pack a flavorful punch to your chicken!
3. Coat the Chicken:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is well-coated so every bite will be packed with flavor.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. You know it’s ready when the chicken is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is done cooking, take two forks and shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Mix it well with the sauce until everything is combined and delicious!
6. Assemble the Sandwiches:
If you like, you can toast the sandwich buns in the oven or a skillet for a warm touch. Then, pile the hot honey chicken onto the bottom half of each bun.
7. Add Your Toppings:
Top your chicken with pickles and any other toppings you enjoy. Feel free to get creative here!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Place the top half of each bun over your filling and serve with potato chips or coleslaw alongside for a complete meal. Enjoy your delicious slow cooker sandwiches!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Chicken Thighs?
Absolutely! You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts for thighs. Just keep in mind that chicken breasts can be a bit drier, so be sure not to overcook them. Check for doneness around the 4-hour mark on low or 2-hour mark on high.
What If I Don’t Have Hot Honey Sauce?
No worries! You can make a quick substitute by mixing regular honey with a splash of hot sauce, adjusting to your desired spice level. Alternatively, you can mix honey with cayenne or red pepper flakes for that sweet heat.
How Can I Store Leftover Chicken?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or warm it gently on the stove with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist.
Can I Freeze This Chicken?
Yes, slow cooker hot honey chicken freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and serving.
