Meet your new favorite crowd-pleaser: Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches! This recipe brings together tender, juicy chicken, a sticky-sweet and spicy hot honey sauce, and fluffy toasted brioche buns in one truly irresistible sandwich. Whether you’re prepping for a weeknight dinner, a game day gathering, or just want an easy meal that feels a little special, these sandwiches deliver big on flavor with minimal fuss. The balance of heat, sweetness, and tang makes each bite memorable, and the best part is the slow cooker does most of the work for you.

Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

No need to hunt for fancy ingredients—each essential element in these Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches helps create layers of flavor and a delightful texture that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Here’s why you’ll love what goes into this easy recipe:

Chicken (2 pounds boneless, skinless breasts or thighs): This is the hearty base—breasts for leaner bites or thighs for added richness and juiciness.
Honey (1/2 cup): Gives our sauce that luscious sweetness that clings to the chicken.
Hot Sauce (1/4 cup, such as Frank’s RedHot): Brings the bold, spicy kick that makes these sandwiches unforgettable.
Apple Cider Vinegar (2 tablespoons): A splash of tang keeps the sauce lively and not too heavy; it brightens everything up.
Dijon Mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds mellow sharpness and body to the sauce, balancing the honey and vinegar.
Smoked Paprika (1 teaspoon): Infuses a gentle smokiness that takes the flavor to the next level.
Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): For that savory depth that rounds everything out.
Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds mild, sweet undertones without overpowering the sauce.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and ensures each bite is just right.
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a gentle background warmth.
Cornstarch Mixed with Water (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water, optional): For a thicker, stickier sauce if you like it extra saucy.
Toasted Brioche Buns: These golden buns are slightly sweet and pillowy—perfect for cradling all that juicy chicken.
Coleslaw Mix for Topping (optional): Adds crunch, color, and coolness to contrast the hot honey chicken.
Sliced Pickles for Serving (optional): Their tangy snap cuts through the richness—highly recommended!

How to Make Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Sauce

Start by arranging your chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This powerful mix is the heart and soul of the Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches, bringing together savory, sweet, and spicy notes that will infuse the chicken as it cooks.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pour the sauce mixture you just whipped up right over the chicken. Pop the lid on the slow cooker, set it to cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is perfectly tender and pulls apart with the gentlest touch of a fork. While it simmers away, your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. This lets all those flavorful juices soak into every strand of chicken, ensuring that every bite of your Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches is as delicious as it can be. If you prefer a thicker sauce, now’s the moment to stir in your cornstarch slurry and let it cook for another 15 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble Your Sandwiches

Grab your toasted brioche buns and heap a generous pile of hot honey chicken onto the bottom half of each. To finish, add a handful of crunchy coleslaw and a few pickle slices if you like. Place the top bun on and get ready to enjoy what might just be your new favorite sandwich!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches

Garnishes

Add colorful garnishes to make your Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches pop! Coleslaw gives each bite a burst of crunch, while chilled pickle slices round out the heat with tangy freshness. For a little extra flair, sprinkle on sliced green onions or a dusting of smoked paprika for added color and aroma.

Side Dishes

Bake up a tray of crispy sweet potato fries or classic potato wedges to serve alongside these sandwiches. A creamy cucumber salad or a tangy macaroni salad makes a cool, refreshing partner, balancing out the sweet heat of the hot honey chicken. For game day or casual gatherings, chips and crunchy veggie sticks are never out of place!

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative by serving the chicken atop mini slider buns for a party platter—or make open-faced sandwiches over thick slices of sourdough toast. Pile the shredded hot honey chicken onto a bed of mixed greens for a flavorful salad, or load it into wraps and tacos for fun, hand-held spins on the original sandwich. The possibilities stretch as far as your cravings go!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches filling, you’re in luck! Store just the chicken (sans buns and toppings) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It holds onto its flavor beautifully and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways throughout the week.

Freezing

This chicken freezes like a dream. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. Label and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and you’ll have hot honey chicken ready for quick lunches or dinners whenever you need them.

Reheating

Warm the shredded chicken gently in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra hot sauce if needed to keep things juicy. You can also reheat single servings in the microwave. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, and then rebuild your Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches just the way you like!

FAQs

Can I make these sandwiches with chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice for Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches—they’re extra juicy and soak up loads of flavor. Use whichever you prefer or a mix of both for added variety.

Is it possible to adjust the spice level?

Definitely. You’re in control: reduce the hot sauce for a milder kick, or stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes for added heat. Taste the sauce before pouring it over the chicken if you want to tweak the spice to suit your family.

What buns are best for these sandwiches?

Toasted brioche buns are highly recommended for their tender, slightly sweet flavor, which pairs beautifully with the spicy-sweet chicken. However, potato rolls, Hawaiian buns, or even classic hamburger buns work wonderfully too.

Can I prep the chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can cook and shred the chicken a day or two in advance, then store it chilled and simply reheat when you’re ready to assemble and serve. The sauce only gets better as the flavors meld.

What toppings go well besides coleslaw and pickles?

Crispy fried onions, sliced jalapeños, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of extra hot honey all make fantastic toppings. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try your favorite add-ons to build your ultimate Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches.

Final Thoughts

Give these Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches a try and let their bold, crave-worthy flavors turn any meal into a special occasion. They’re easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to have everyone around your table coming back for more. Grab your slow cooker—your next great sandwich awaits!

Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 sandwiches 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, with tender shredded chicken in a sticky, flavorful sauce. Serve on toasted brioche buns with optional coleslaw and pickles for a delicious meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Sauce:

1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

Additional:

toasted brioche buns
coleslaw mix for topping (optional)
sliced pickles for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Place Chicken in Slow Cooker: Put the chicken in the slow cooker.
Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, combine honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour over the chicken.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours until chicken is cooked through. Shred chicken with forks.
Thicken Sauce (Optional): Add cornstarch slurry and cook on high for 15 more minutes if desired.
Serve: Pile hot honey chicken on brioche buns. Top with coleslaw and pickles if preferred.