These Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are a tasty treat! You get tender chicken coated in a sweet and spicy honey sauce, all piled on a soft bun. Yum!
Honestly, who can resist a sandwich like this? I love how effortless it is to whip up—just toss everything in the slow cooker and relax! Perfect for busy days!
Serving it with some crunchy coleslaw on the side adds a nice crunch. Trust me, it makes this sandwich even more delicious. Give it a try, and you’ll be hooked!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish as they become super tender in the slow cooker. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, turkey breasts could work too.
Hot Honey: You can make your own hot honey by mixing regular honey with your favorite hot sauce until you reach your desired spice level. If you prefer mild flavors, just stick with plain honey!
Barbecue Sauce: Any barbecue sauce you love will do! I like using a tangy sauce for a bit of zing. If you want a healthier option, try a homemade or reduced-sugar barbecue sauce.
Coleslaw: Adding coleslaw is a great touch for crunch! You can use store-bought coleslaw mix or make your own with shredded cabbage and carrots dressed in a simple vinegar or mayo-based dressing.
How Do I Cook the Chicken Perfectly in the Slow Cooker?
Cooking chicken in a slow cooker is all about timing and moisture. Follow these simple steps to make sure your chicken turns out tender:
- Place chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker for even cooking.
- Mix your sauce ingredients well to cover the chicken completely; this locks in flavor.
- Set the slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Check for doneness by ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it. This step adds to the flavor because it allows the chicken to absorb more of that delicious sauce when you mix it back in!
How to Make Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup hot honey (or regular honey mixed with hot sauce to taste)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sandwiches:
- 4 hamburger buns
- Dill pickle slices for serving
- Optional: coleslaw for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and a total of 6-8 hours to cook in the slow cooker on low (or 3-4 hours on high). Perfect for a day when you want an easy, tasty meal waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into your slow cooker. This is where all the magic will happen!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the hot honey, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together until everything is well mixed. This sauce is going to give your chicken a fantastic flavor!
3. Coat the Chicken:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure to cover all the chicken pieces evenly so they soak up all that tasty goodness.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover your slow cooker with the lid. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is ready when it’s fully cooked and tender; it should easily shred with a fork.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is done, take it out of the slow cooker and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. It’s easier than it sounds!
6. Mix with Sauce:
Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker and stir it well with the sauce. This makes sure each bite is deliciously coated!
7. Toast the Buns (Optional):
If you like your buns toasted, this is the time to do it! Lightly toast the hamburger buns to add a little crunch to your sandwich.
8. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Take the bottom half of each bun and scoop a generous amount of the hot honey chicken onto it. Add dill pickle slices, and if you’re feeling fancy, top it with some coleslaw.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Place the top half of the buns over your delicious fillings. Serve them up hot with potato chips or your favorite side. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just make sure to place them in the slow cooker straight from the freezer, but you’ll need to add about an hour to the cooking time. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
Can I Substitute the Hot Honey?
Absolutely! If you don’t have hot honey, you can mix regular honey with your favorite hot sauce to achieve the desired heat. Start with one tablespoon of hot sauce and adjust to your taste!
How to Store Leftover Chicken Sandwiches?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To keep the buns from getting soggy, store them separately. To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a little water if needed to prevent drying out.
Can I Make These Sandwiches Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time! Just shred the chicken and mix it with the sauce, then let it cool completely before storing in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat and assemble the sandwiches just before serving for best results.
