Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are the perfect mix of sweet and spicy, tender chicken cooked low and slow until it falls apart just right. The honey adds a gentle sweetness while the heat gives a nice kick, making every bite exciting and full of flavor. Soft sandwich buns hold all that juicy chicken goodness, making it an easy and satisfying meal for any day.
I love how simple these sandwiches are to make—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic. The smell that fills the house while it cooks is always a sign that good things are coming. Whenever I make this recipe, everyone asks for seconds because the blend of spicy heat and sticky honey is something you just can’t resist.
For serving, I like to add a bit of crunch with some coleslaw or pickles on top, which balances the flavors and textures nicely. These sandwiches are perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or even to bring to friends for a laid-back get-together. They’re so good that they might just become your new go-to comfort food!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using boneless, skinless thighs for juicier, more tender meat, but breasts work well too and are leaner. If you prefer, shredded rotisserie chicken can be a quick shortcut.
Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is classic here, but feel free to use any hot sauce you love. For less heat, reduce the amount or swap for a milder sauce like buffalo sauce.
Honey: This adds sweetness that balances the heat perfectly. You can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar if you want a different flavor or need a vegan option.
Coleslaw: Fresh coleslaw mix adds a nice crunch and freshness. You can also use pre-made coleslaw or even add pickles for a tangy bite.
Buns: Soft brioche buns work great for their light texture and slight sweetness, but potato rolls or regular sandwich buns also make good choices.
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Tender and Flavored?
The secret is slow cooking the chicken low and slow. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Place chicken flat in the slow cooker to cook evenly.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken so it soaks in flavors while cooking.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours—avoid rushing, since longer cooking breaks down fibers and makes the meat shred easily.
- After cooking, shred with two forks for a nice texture and then stir it back in the sauce to keep it juicy.
If your slow cooker runs hot, check at the earlier end of cooking to prevent drying out. Also, stirring the chicken back into the sauce after shredding helps keep every bite flavorful and moist!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow Cooker – I recommend a 6-quart size to fit all the chicken comfortably and allow even cooking.
- Whisk – makes mixing the hot honey sauce smooth and prevents clumps.
- Shredding Forks – easy to shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Large Spoon or Tongs – useful for stirring the shredded chicken back into the sauce.
- Baking Sheet or Toaster Oven – for lightly toasting the buns before assembling.
- Serving Plates or Baskets – for an easy, eye-pleasing presentation.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Proteins: Swap chicken for turkey or pork for different flavors and textures.
- Cheese: Add a slice of pepper jack or cheddar for extra richness.
- Veggies: Toss in sliced jalapenos or chopped scallions into the sauce for extra zing.
- Spices: Mix in a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to intensify the heat or smokiness.
Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/3 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sandwiches:
- 6 sandwich buns (brioche buns recommended)
- 2 cups shredded coleslaw mix (or prepared coleslaw)
- Optional: mayonnaise or ranch dressing for topping
- Optional: poppy seeds for topping buns
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes to prepare, then 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the slow cooker. Toasting buns and assembling will take just a few extra minutes. Overall, plan for around 7 hours if cooking low, but much of that time is hands-off.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together hot sauce, honey, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Place your chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker. Pour the hot honey sauce evenly over the chicken to coat. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
3. Shred the Chicken:
Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board or plate. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
4. Combine and Keep Warm:
Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker and stir well to coat it in the sauce. Keep the slow cooker on the warm setting until you’re ready to serve.
5. Prepare the Buns:
Optional: Lightly toast the sandwich buns to add a little crunch. For extra flavor, brush the buns with melted butter and sprinkle poppy seeds on top before toasting.
6. Assemble Your Sandwiches:
Pile a generous amount of hot honey chicken onto the bottom bun halves. Top with a handful of shredded coleslaw for some fresh crunch. If you like, add mayonnaise or ranch dressing for a creamy touch. Place the top bun over everything.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious sandwiches immediately while warm. They’re perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or casual lunch that everyone will love!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Slow Cooker Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker. Cooking frozen chicken can result in uneven cooking and safety concerns. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or use the cold water method for quicker thawing.
Can I Make the Hot Honey Chicken Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the slow cooker on warm or in a saucepan on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The buns are best stored separately to avoid becoming soggy. Reheat the chicken before assembling fresh sandwiches.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Definitely! Use less hot sauce or swap for a milder variety to reduce heat. You can also add extra honey if you prefer a sweeter flavor, or add cayenne pepper to increase the spice.
