This Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich is a sweet and spicy treat! Juicy chicken cooks slowly with honey and hot sauce, giving it a flavorful kick.
Trust me, when you take a bite, you’ll be singing. 🎶 The mix of sweet and heat is just perfect! Serve it on a soft bun for a cozy meal that’s easy to make.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for tenderness. You can use thighs for a richer flavor. If you need a substitute, shredded rotisserie chicken works great too!
Hot Honey: You can buy hot honey or easily make your own. If honey isn’t available, consider maple syrup mixed with a sprinkle of cayenne for a similar sweetness with a kick.
Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice, but any favorite hot sauce will do. If you want less heat, opt for a milder sauce or reduce the amount used.
Buns: For the sandwich, I recommend soft sandwich rolls. Feel free to use whole grain for added texture or gluten-free buns if needed.
How Do I Achieve the Best Flavor in Slow Cooker Chicken?
To ensure your chicken is flavorful and juicy, consider the searing step. Searing adds a nice crust and depth of flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat before adding chicken.
- Season the chicken, and cook it for 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly browned.
- If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but I always find it worth the extra effort!
After slow cooking, shredding the chicken helps it absorb the sauce fully, enhancing the overall taste. Just be sure to stir it back into the sauce for maximum flavor!
Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1/2 cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade*)
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing)
For Assembling the Sandwich:
- 4–6 sandwich buns or rolls
- Optional toppings: sliced pickles, coleslaw, lettuce, extra hot honey drizzle
*Homemade Hot Honey:
Heat 1/2 cup honey with 1–2 teaspoons red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over low heat for 5 minutes, then cool.
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparation takes about 15 minutes. Cooking times vary: about 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high in the slow cooker. This means you can set it and forget it while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Chicken (Optional):
If you’d like a little extra flavor, start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until it’s lightly browned. This step gives it a lovely depth of flavor, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.
2. Getting Ready in the Slow Cooker:
Place the chicken in your slow cooker. It should fit snugly without crowding.
3. Mixing the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together the hot honey, hot sauce, chicken broth, and minced garlic until smooth. This sauce is where the magic happens!
4. Combining Sauce and Chicken:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly coated. This will keep it juicy and delicious!
5. Cooking Time:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be super tender and easy to shred when it’s done.
6. Shredding the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. It should fall apart easily!
7. Mixing Back into Sauce:
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it well into the sauce. Make sure every piece is coated to maximize flavor.
8. Toasting the Buns:
If you like, lightly toast the sandwich buns. This adds a little crunch and helps hold up the filling without getting soggy.
9. Assembling the Sandwiches:
Now it’s time to build your sandwiches! Pile the hot honey chicken generously onto the buns and add any optional toppings you like for extra flavor and crunch.
10. Final Touches:
If you want more sweetness and spice, drizzle some extra hot honey over the chicken before you put the top bun on.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Warm your sandwiches and enjoy every bites of this delicious creation! They’re perfect for a weeknight meal or any casual gathering.
This recipe is packed with flavor, balancing sweetness with a nice kick of heat. Dig in and savor this delightful dish!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. To thaw quickly, place the frozen chicken in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a couple of hours. Cooking from frozen isn’t recommended in a slow cooker, as it may not get hot enough to be safe.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce and store them in the fridge for up to 1 day before cooking. Simply combine everything in the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook. The flavors may deepen even more with time!
What Should I Do with Leftover Chicken?
Store any leftover hot honey chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s great for meal prep! You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. Consider using it in wraps or salads for a quick lunch.
Are There Any Good Substitutions for Hot Honey?
If you don’t have hot honey, you can mix regular honey with a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to achieve a similar flavor. Alternatively, try mixing maple syrup with crushed red pepper flakes for a deliciously sweet and spicy option!
