Hot Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

There are sandwiches—and then there are Hot Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches. Sweet, spicy, smoky, sticky, and outrageously satisfying, these sandwiches offer everything you want in comfort food and more. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping for a backyard cookout, or just trying to spice up weeknight dinners, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.

Pulled chicken is the tender, juicy cousin of pulled pork. It’s faster, leaner, and takes on flavor beautifully. Here, it’s braised or slow-cooked in a bold, balanced Hot Honey BBQ sauce that perfectly straddles the line between sweet and heat. Piled high on a toasted bun with crunchy slaw or pickles, it delivers that messy, finger-licking satisfaction that defines a great barbecue sandwich.

And the best part? You don’t need a smoker or grill. This recipe works in a slow cooker, pressure cooker, or even on the stovetop. It’s flexible, make-ahead friendly, and incredibly easy—even for beginner cooks.

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions for Hot Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

1. Choose your chicken:
   For the juiciest pulled chicken, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Thighs tend to be more tender and flavorful, but breasts work well too if you prefer leaner meat.

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2. Trim excess fat or connective tissue from the chicken pieces for an even cook and better texture.

3. Season generously on all sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This foundational seasoning helps the meat develop flavor throughout the cooking process.

4. Optional (for stovetop or deeper flavor): Lightly dust chicken with smoked paprika or garlic powder for extra smoky undertones.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken (Optional but Recommended for Stovetop or Slow Cooker)

• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

• Once shimmering, add chicken pieces in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding.

• Cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes until the underside develops a golden brown crust.

• Flip and brown the other side for an additional 3 minutes.

• Remove chicken and set aside.

Why brown?
Browning adds rich caramelized flavor (Maillard reaction) that will deepen the overall taste of the finished dish.

Step 3: Prepare the Hot Honey BBQ Sauce

• In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:

  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite sweet and smoky style)

  • ¼ cup honey (adjust based on how sweet you want it)

  • 1–2 tablespoons hot sauce (start with less if you prefer mild heat)

  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (adds tang and balances sweetness)

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for depth and subtle spice)

  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for smokiness)

  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra kick)

  • Pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Taste and adjust: add more honey for sweetness or more hot sauce for heat.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken and Sauce Together

Slow Cooker Method (Best for Tender, Pull-Apart Chicken)

1. Place the seasoned (and optionally browned) chicken into the slow cooker.

2. Add minced garlic and chopped onion if using—they add flavor and sweetness.

3. Pour the prepared Hot Honey BBQ sauce over the chicken, coating all pieces evenly.

4. Cover the slow cooker with the lid.

5. Cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender enough to shred easily.

Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker Method (Fast and Flavorful)

1. Place the seasoned chicken, garlic, onion, and sauce in the Instant Pot.

2. Seal the lid and make sure the valve is set to “Sealing.”

3. Cook on Manual/Pressure Cook HIGH for 10 minutes.

4. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.

5. Open the lid and check that chicken is tender and cooked through.

Stovetop Method (For Those Who Don’t Have Slow Cooker or Instant Pot)

1. In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.

2. Brown the chicken (if not done before) for 3 minutes per side.

3. Remove chicken briefly, then sauté onion and garlic in the pot until soft and fragrant.

4. Return the chicken to the pot.

5. Pour the sauce over the chicken.

6. Cover with a tight-fitting lid.

7. Simmer on low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, turning chicken halfway through cooking.

8. Check for tenderness by piercing with a fork—it should pull apart easily.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

1. Remove the cooked chicken pieces from the pot or slow cooker and place on a cutting board or large plate.

2. Using two forks, shred the meat by pulling it apart into thin, bite-sized pieces.

3. For large batches, you can use a hand mixer on low speed to shred quickly.

4. Return shredded chicken to the cooking liquid and stir well to coat with the Hot Honey BBQ sauce.

5. Simmer uncovered for a few minutes if you want thicker sauce, or add a little water if the sauce is too thick.

Step 6: Prepare the Sandwich Buns

1. Choose soft buns that can hold the juicy chicken without falling apart. Brioche, potato rolls, or classic hamburger buns work beautifully.

2. Optional but highly recommended:

   • Spread softened butter on the cut sides of the buns.

   • Toast them in a hot skillet or under the broiler until golden and slightly crisp.

   • This adds flavor, texture, and prevents sogginess.

Step 7: Assemble the Sandwiches

1. Place a generous scoop of the Hot Honey BBQ pulled chicken on the bottom half of each bun.

2. Add your choice of toppings. Popular options include:

   • Creamy coleslaw (adds crunch and balances the heat)

   • Dill or bread-and-butter pickles (for tang and texture)

   • Sliced jalapeños (for extra heat)

   • Extra drizzle of honey or BBQ sauce

   • Sliced cheese (optional, like pepper jack or cheddar)

3. Top with the other half of the bun.

4. Serve immediately with napkins—you’ll want them!

Step 8: Serving and Enjoying

• Serve the sandwiches hot, paired with classic BBQ sides like baked beans, potato salad, or crispy fries.

• For a crowd, set up a build-your-own sandwich bar with buns, pulled chicken, various toppings, and sauces.