Description
These Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are a perfect blend of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. Tender shredded chicken breast is slow-cooked with a kick of cayenne, smoky paprika, and a drizzle of honey and vinegar for a sticky, flavorful filling served on soft buns with crunchy pickles. Ideal for a simple yet delicious meal that requires minimal prep and maximum taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
Sauce and Toppings
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- ¼ cup butter
To Serve
- Buns for serving
- Pickles for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the slow cooker with non-stick spray to prevent sticking, then place the chicken breasts inside in a single layer.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic salt. Sprinkle this seasoning evenly over the chicken breasts to infuse them with a spicy and smoky flavor.
- Add Sugar, Honey, Vinegar, and Butter: Sprinkle the brown sugar over the seasoned chicken, then drizzle the honey and vinegar on top. Place the butter on top of everything to melt during cooking, adding richness.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks, mixing it with the hot honey sauce for maximum flavor.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Serve the shredded hot honey chicken on buns topped with pickle slices for a sweet, spicy, and tangy sandwich experience.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount to control the spice level to your preference.
- You can substitute apple cider vinegar for the vinegar to add a fruity tang.
- Leftover chicken is great for salads, wraps, or adding to rice bowls.
- For a richer flavor, use salted butter and reduce additional salt added in seasoning.
- Pickles add the perfect crunch and acidity, but feel free to add coleslaw or sliced onions as alternative toppings.
