When the weather cools and the days get shorter, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a slow cooker filling your kitchen. Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches bring a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that warm you from the inside out. This dish holds a special place in many homes, especially during game days, cozy Sunday dinners, or when you need an easy crowd-pleaser without the fuss.
Hot honey chicken is rooted in Southern American cooking, where honey and spice come together to create bold, irresistible flavors. Slow cooking transforms the chicken into juicy, tender shreds that soak up every drop of the hot honey sauce. For me, these sandwiches remind me of chilly afternoons with friends gathered around the table, the slow cooker humming in the background, and plates piled high with saucy, spicy goodness. Whether it’s wrapped in a soft brioche bun or served with crunchy pickles, Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are a guaranteed hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll fall for these Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches because they’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and versatile. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, making this recipe perfect for busy days. Plus, the balance of honey sweetness and chili heat makes every bite exciting and memorable.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup honey
- ¼ cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- Brioche buns, for serving
- Sliced pickles, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches
Making Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches is a breeze, and the results are beyond rewarding. You’ll be amazed how a few simple ingredients come together in the slow cooker to create a sandwich filling packed with flavor.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Start by seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. I like to massage the spices into the chicken right before placing it in the slow cooker — it ensures every bite is flavorful.
Next, in a small bowl, mix the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and melted butter. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. The scent alone will make your mouth water! Cover and cook on low for about 4 to 5 hours, or until the chicken shreds easily with a fork.
Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Meanwhile, make a quick slurry by stirring the cornstarch and water together, then pour it into the slow cooker. Turn the slow cooker to high and let the sauce thicken for about 10 minutes. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and toss to coat it in the glossy hot honey sauce.
Pile the hot honey chicken onto soft brioche buns, top with pickles if you like, and serve warm. Every bite is a delightful mix of tender, spicy chicken and soft, buttery bread.
Helpful Tips
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts if you want even juicier meat.
- Adjust the heat by adding more or less hot sauce depending on your spice tolerance.
- For extra crunch, toast the buns lightly before assembling the sandwiches.
- This chicken also works great in tacos or over rice for a quick dinner variation.
DETAILS
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 sandwiches
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American
Diet: Dairy-Free (if you skip the butter or use a substitute)
NOTES
You can make the hot honey chicken ahead of time and reheat it before serving. The sauce actually develops more flavor as it sits, making leftovers even tastier.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per sandwich)
Calories: ~350
Protein: 28g
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 700mg
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes! The chicken can be cooked, shredded, and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS
Store leftover hot honey chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, portion into freezer-safe bags or containers and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop
Related Recipes
If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:
- Easy Air Fryer Cheeseburger Wraps
- Cheesy Beef Burritos with Fries
- Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches
CONCLUSION
Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are a simple, flavorful, and satisfying meal that brings people together. With just a few pantry staples and a trusty slow cooker, you can create a dish that’s perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or game day feasts. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll see why it’s become a favorite in so many homes.
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Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches
Description
When the weather cools and the days get shorter, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a slow cooker filling your kitchen. Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches bring a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that warm you from the inside out. This dish holds a special place in many homes, especially during game days, cozy Sunday dinners, or when you need an easy crowd-pleaser without the fuss.
Hot honey chicken is rooted in Southern American cooking, where honey and spice come together to create bold, irresistible flavors. Slow cooking transforms the chicken into juicy, tender shreds that soak up every drop of the hot honey sauce. For me, these sandwiches remind me of chilly afternoons with friends gathered around the table, the slow cooker humming in the background, and plates piled high with saucy, spicy goodness. Whether it’s wrapped in a soft brioche bun or served with crunchy pickles, Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are a guaranteed hit.
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup honey
¼ cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
Brioche buns, for serving
Sliced pickles, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Start by seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. I like to massage the spices into the chicken right before placing it in the slow cooker — it ensures every bite is flavorful.
Next, in a small bowl, mix the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and melted butter. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. The scent alone will make your mouth water! Cover and cook on low for about 4 to 5 hours, or until the chicken shreds easily with a fork.
Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Meanwhile, make a quick slurry by stirring the cornstarch and water together, then pour it into the slow cooker. Turn the slow cooker to high and let the sauce thicken for about 10 minutes. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and toss to coat it in the glossy hot honey sauce.
Pile the hot honey chicken onto soft brioche buns, top with pickles if you like, and serve warm. Every bite is a delightful mix of tender, spicy chicken and soft, buttery bread.
Notes
You can make the hot honey chicken ahead of time and reheat it before serving. The sauce actually develops more flavor as it sits, making leftovers even tastier.