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
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
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Add the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker to ensure even cooking.
- Make the Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine the cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic salt thoroughly to form the spice blend.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
