Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

When it comes to easy, flavorful, and satisfying meals, few dishes hit the mark quite like Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches. This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights or when you need to feed a crowd with minimal effort.

It combines the sweet heat of honey with tender, slow-cooked chicken, creating a sandwich that’s both comforting and exciting. Here’s how to make these delicious sandwiches from scratch, using your slow cooker to do most of the work for you.

Instructions

Preparing the Hot Honey Sauce

If you’re making your own hot honey sauce, start by combining honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl. Stir until well combined. Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your heat preference. Set aside while you prepare the chicken.

Preparing the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Season them evenly with paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. This simple seasoning mix adds a subtle layer of flavor that complements the hot honey sauce.
2. Mix the Sauce Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the hot honey (or store-bought hot honey), soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
3. Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour the hot honey mixture over the chicken. Add the chicken broth to ensure that there’s enough liquid for the chicken to cook evenly. The broth also helps to keep the chicken moist and tender.
4. Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let the chicken cook for 6-7 hours, or until it’s tender and easily shreds with a fork. If you’re short on time, you can set the slow cooker to high and cook the chicken for 3-4 hours, but the low setting yields better results for tender, flavorful chicken.

Shredding and Serving the Chicken

1. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. The chicken should be incredibly tender and easy to pull apart.
2. Return to Slow Cooker: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce. Let it cook on the warm setting for a few minutes to absorb more of the flavors.

Preparing the Sandwiches

1. Toast the Buns: While the chicken is warming in the slow cooker, slice the sandwich rolls or brioche buns in half. Toast them lightly in the oven or on a skillet for added texture and flavor. Toasting helps to prevent the buns from becoming soggy once you add the hot honey chicken.
2. Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread a tablespoon of mayonnaise on the bottom half of each bun. Spoon a generous amount of the hot honey chicken mixture onto the bun. If desired, top with coleslaw for an extra crunch and creaminess. Add sliced pickles and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
3. Serve and Enjoy: Place the top half of the bun on the sandwich and serve immediately while the sandwiches are still warm. These sandwiches are perfect for a casual dinner, a game-day treat, or even a fun weekend lunch.

Tips for Perfect Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches

1. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes in the hot honey sauce to suit your taste. Start with less heat if you prefer a milder flavor, and add more if you like it spicy.
2. Use a Good Quality Honey: The quality of honey can significantly impact the flavor of your hot honey sauce. Opt for a high-quality, pure honey for the best results.
3. Make It Ahead: The hot honey chicken can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the slow cooker or microwave before serving.
4. Try Different Toppings: Experiment with different toppings for your sandwiches, such as sliced jalapeños, avocado, or a slice of cheese. These additions can enhance the flavor and texture of your sandwiches.
5. Perfectly Toasted Buns: Toasting the buns helps to add a nice crunch and prevents them from getting soggy. For extra flavor, brush the buns with a little butter before toasting.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a general idea of the nutritional content per serving, based on 4 servings:

• Calories: 450-500 calories
• Protein: 30-35 grams
• Fat: 20-25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 40-45 grams
• Fiber: 2-3 grams
• Sugars: 15-20 grams
• Sodium: 800-1000 mg

These values can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For more precise information, consider using a nutritional calculator or app.

Variations and Substitutions

1. Chicken Thighs: For a richer flavor, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts. They’re slightly fattier, which adds extra moisture and flavor.
2. Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free buns and ensure that the hot honey and soy sauce are gluten-free. You can substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce if needed.
3. Spicy Slaw: Add a spicy twist to your coleslaw by mixing in some sriracha or hot sauce. This will complement the hot honey chicken and add an extra layer of flavor.
4. Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with jackfruit or a plant-based chicken alternative. Adjust the cooking time according to the product you choose.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are a delightful combination of sweet and spicy flavors, tender chicken, and a satisfying crunch from the toasted buns. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a low-effort yet impressive meal. With its minimal prep time and the magic of slow cooking, you can enjoy a delicious, homemade sandwich that’s sure to become a new favorite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for an easy weeknight dinner, these sandwiches are sure to please. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the irresistible blend of hot honey and tender chicken in every bite.

Yield: 8

Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

Print

When it comes to easy, flavorful, and satisfying meals, few dishes hit the mark quite like Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches. This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights or when you need to feed a crowd with minimal effort. It combines the sweet heat of honey with tender, slow-cooked chicken, creating a sandwich that’s both comforting and exciting. Here’s how to make these delicious sandwiches from scratch, using your slow cooker to do most of the work for you.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 2 hours

Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes

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
• ¼ cup butter
• buns for serving
• pickles for topping

Instructions

1. Spray the bottom of a 6 quart slow cooker with non-stick spray and lay the chicken breasts in.

2. In a small bowl, mix up the cayenne pepper, paprika and garlic salt.

3. Sprinkle the seasoning all over the chicken.

4. Sprinkle on the brown sugar.

5. Drizzle the honey all over the top of the chicken.

6. Pour in the vinegar.

7. Place the butter on top.

8. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours.

9. Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker.

10. Serve on soft buns with pickle slices.