Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

Introduction

These Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches bring together a perfect balance of spicy heat and sweet honey glaze. Slow-cooked to tender perfection, the shredded chicken soaks up a flavorful sauce that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Ideal for an easy weeknight meal or a cozy weekend treat.

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 white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup butter (sliced into 2-3 pieces)
• Buns (for serving)
• Pickles (for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prep your slow cooker by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: Add the chicken breasts to the bottom of the slow cooker in an even layer.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, stir to combine the cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic salt.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle the seasoning mixture and brown sugar over the chicken breasts. Top with the honey, vinegar, and pats of butter.
5. Step 5: Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and shreds easily.
6. Step 6: Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks. Place the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir to combine it with the sauce.
7. Step 7: Serve the hot honey chicken on soft buns with pickle slices.

Tips & Variations

• Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level or swap it with smoked chili powder for a different flavor profile.
• Use apple cider vinegar for a fruitier acidity that pairs well with honey.
• For extra crispiness, briefly toast the buns before assembling the sandwiches.
• Try adding coleslaw or sliced jalapeños for added crunch and heat.

Storage

Store leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep it moist. The sauce may thicken when chilled; stir well after reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can simmer the chicken and sauce in a covered saucepan over low heat for about 1 to 1 ½ hours until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. The shredded chicken keeps well in the fridge and can be used in sandwiches, salads, or wraps throughout the week.

Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.8 from 191 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (Low) or 2 hours 10 minutes (High)
• Yield: 6 sandwiches 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

These Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches feature tender, slow-cooked chicken breasts simmered with a spicy and sweet blend of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic salt, and honey. The chicken is slow cooked until perfectly juicy and shredded, then tossed in the flavorful sauce before being served on soft buns with crisp pickles for a delicious, satisfying sandwich with a fiery kick balanced by sweetness.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 Tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 2 Tablespoons brown sugar

Sauce

• 1 cup honey
• 1 Tablespoon white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup butter (sliced into 2–3 pieces)

For Serving

• Buns (for serving)
• Pickles (for serving)

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
2. Add the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker to ensure even cooking.
3. Make the Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine the cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic salt thoroughly to form the spice blend.
4. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the seasoning mix and brown sugar evenly over the chicken breasts. Then pour the honey and vinegar on top, adding the butter pieces evenly across the surface.
5. Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 hours or on HIGH for 2 hours. The chicken should be cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F, and become tender enough to shred easily.
6. Shred and Mix: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Stir well to coat the shredded chicken with the sauce and flavors.
7. Serve: Spoon the hot honey chicken onto soft buns and top with pickle slices for a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors.

Notes

• You can substitute white vinegar with apple cider vinegar depending on your taste preference for slightly more fruity acidity.
• Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper for less or more spiciness according to your heat tolerance.
• To keep buns from getting soggy, toast them lightly before assembling the sandwiches.
• The chicken can be cooked a day ahead and refrigerated; reheat gently in the slow cooker or microwave before serving.
• Leftover chicken works great tossed into salads or wraps for a quick meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours (Low) or 2 hours (High)
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches, Slow Cooker Chicken, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Sweet and Spicy Chicken, Easy Slow Cooker Recipes