Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches offer a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors, slow-cooked to tender perfection. This easy recipe delivers juicy chicken infused with a bold honey-cayenne sauce, ideal for a satisfying weeknight meal or casual gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, trimmed of fat
• 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 cup honey
• 1 Tablespoon white vinegar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 8 hamburger buns
• Sliced pickles (optional garnish)
• Non-stick cooking spray

Instructions

1. Step 1: Spray the slow cooker vessel with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic salt.
3. Step 3: Evenly sprinkle the seasoning mix over the chicken breasts, making sure all sides are coated.
4. Step 4: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the light brown sugar over the chicken, then drizzle with honey and white vinegar.
6. Step 6: Scatter the butter pieces on top of the chicken.
7. Step 7: Cover with the slow cooker lid and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours.
8. Step 8: Once cooked, shred the chicken using forks or meat claws and stir it back into the cooking juices.
9. Step 9: Serve the hot honey chicken on hamburger buns, garnished with sliced pickles if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For the most tender chicken, cook on the low setting to avoid drying out the breasts.
• Add ranch dressing or creamy coleslaw on top of the sandwiches for extra flavor and moisture.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to soften or intensify the heat according to your taste.
• Use brioche or potato buns for a richer sandwich experience.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. The shredded chicken also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and stay juicy during slow cooking. Adjust cooking time if needed and check for doneness.

How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe has a moderate heat level from the cayenne pepper balanced by the sweetness of honey. You can reduce or increase the cayenne to suit your heat preference.

Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 149 reviews

Deliciously sweet and spicy Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches featuring tender shredded chicken cooked in a flavorful blend of cayenne, smoked paprika, garlic salt, honey, and butter. Perfectly served on soft hamburger buns with optional sliced pickles for a satisfying meal.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 sandwiches 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 1 Tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, trimmed of fat

Sauce and Toppings

• 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 cup honey
• 1 Tablespoon white vinegar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 8 hamburger buns
• Sliced pickles (optional garnish)
• Non-stick cooking spray

Instructions

1. Prepare Slow Cooker: Spray the slow cooker vessel with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Make Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, whisk together cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic salt.
3. Season Chicken: Evenly sprinkle the seasoning mix over the chicken breasts, coating all sides well.
4. Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle the light brown sugar evenly over the chicken.
5. Add Honey and Vinegar: Drizzle the honey and white vinegar over the chicken breasts for sweetness and tang.
6. Add Butter: Scatter the pieces of unsalted butter over the chicken.
7. Cook Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours for tender, juicy chicken.
8. Shred Chicken: Once cooked, shred the chicken using meat claws or forks directly in the slow cooker, mixing it thoroughly with the cooking juices.
9. Assemble Sandwiches: Serve the hot honey shredded chicken on hamburger buns, optionally topped with sliced pickles.

Notes

• For the best tender texture, use the low heat setting on the slow cooker.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Enhance your sandwich with ranch dressing or creamy coleslaw for extra flavor.
• Use meat claws or forks carefully when shredding chicken to avoid burns from the hot juices.
• If you prefer a less spicy sandwich, reduce the cayenne pepper amount accordingly.

Keywords: hot honey chicken, slow cooker chicken sandwiches, spicy chicken sandwiches, honey chicken recipe, easy slow cooker recipes