Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

Heat and sweet come together in this delicious Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich recipe. It combines slow-cooked chicken breast seasoned with cayenne pepper and honey with a pickle slaw with mayo and dill on a fresh bakery bun for a sandwich you won’t soon forget!

Why We Loved this Chicken Sandwich!

• Sweet and Heat: I love sweet, and my husband loves heat. You get both those flavors in one with this shredded chicken seasoned with cayenne and honey.
• Hot and cold: My kids were a little weary of the slaw, but soon realized it was a must. The balance it brings to the flavors and the temperature of the hot chicken is perfection!
• So Many Textures: Again, this sandwich plays on opposites. The tender chicken with the crisp cabbage pickle salad is amazing, and a must-try combo!
• It’s a great way to switch up weekday nights.
• It’s a quick, easy sandwich that has variety and flavor! This is a great recipe for busy nights. You can prep it all before the night gets underway and eat it in shifts if need be. You don’t have to sacrifice flavor and good real food in the midst of a busy season!
• It’s not the normal ‘creamy’ chicken meal.

How to make a Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

By making the chicken in the slow cooker and slaw beforehand, this easy meal idea comes together quickly, and it’s a sandwich that is anything but boring! It has a serious amount of heat, a tangy and crisp slaw, and a fluffy, buttery bun! Eating at home just got exciting with this easy crockpot meal!

Ingredients for the BEST Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

Breaking this up into two main sections for the chicken and slaw to ease confusion. Just remember, chicken first to get cooking, then the slaw to let flavors blend, and relax!

For the Slow Cooker Hot Honey Shredded Chicken:

• 2 pounds(or 3 about chicken breasts) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • This recipe yields approximately 6-8 hearty sandwiches. The seasonings can accommodate more chicken if desired, up to about 5 chicken breasts.
• 1 Tablespoon cayenne pepper
  • If you’re sensitive to heat or spices, begin with 1/2 tablespoon and adjust to your liking. It’s always easier to add more spice than to tone it down!
• 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
  • If you are eliminating processed sugars, replace the brown sugar with 2 additional tablespoons of honey.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 Tablespoons butter, divided into 1 Tbsp pieces
• 1 Tablespoon white vinegar( apple cider vinegar)
• 1 cup honey

For the Tangy Pickle Slaw:

• 10 ounces prepackaged shredded cabbage
• 3/4 cups mayo or Miracle Whip
• 1/2 cup chopped pickles with juices or sweet relish
• 1/4 cup sweet onion, diced
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dill
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

8-12 Bakery Buns or Brioche Buns

Instructions for a Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

Slow Cook the Chicken Breast

First, lightly spray the slow cooker with cooking spray and place the chicken breast at the bottom.

Then, in a small bowl, whisk together the cayenne pepper, brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Sprinkle this evenly over the chicken breasts.

Next, cut the butter into 1 Tablespoon chunks and place them in the slow cooker.

Then drizzle the cup of honey over the seasoned chicken breasts. Add the vinegar.

Cook the chicken on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours or until the internal temperature is higher than 165°F.

Now make the pickle slaw.

Make the Homemade Pickle Slaw

In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine all the slaw ingredients: shredded cabbage, mayo, chopped pickles, diced sweet onion, garlic powder, dill, and salt.

Then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it to chill while the chicken cooks.

Making the Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it. Shred the chicken using two forks by pulling it apart, or place it in a large mixing bowl and use a hand mixer on low. Using a hand mixer for shredded chicken is quick and easy when the chicken is hot. After the chicken is shredded, drizzle 1/2 cup (or more, if desired) of the sauce from the slow cooker over it. Toss to coat.

Then, place the shredded chicken on the bottom of a bun. Add a healthy amount of pickle slaw on top of the shredded chicken. And, secure the upper bun on top.

Add extra pickles or mayo if desired. Finally, serve immediately and enjoy!!

Tips for the Best Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches

Pick the heat of the chicken: Remember, it’s easier to add spice than take it away. Cayenne pepper is strong, so if your family is sensitive to spice. Start with 1/2 Tablespoon cayenne pepper and add the other half to taste.

Make the slaw when you start the chicken so the flavors have time to blend. The slaw will look dry when first mixed, but as it marinates, it sweats and isn’t too wet for sandwiches once chilled. This makes a flavorful, crisp slaw! Add up to 1/4 cup more chopped pickles for pickle lovers!

Recipes for Easy Meals for Busy Families

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: A great meal for the family that is full of flavor!

The BEST Pan-Fried Chicken Breast: For a quick meal, learn the easiest way to pan-fry chicken breasts so they are tender and juicy!

Pasta E Fagioli Soup: This hearty Italian soup has Ditalini pasta and freshly shredded Parmesan cheese. It’s a famous Olive Garden copycat recipe with great flavors that the whole family will love!

Mexican Stuffed Shells: A great twist on Taco Tuesday meal ideas! This taco-inspired recipe combines pasta for a great casserole everyone will enjoy!

Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bites: This mini dessert features my two favorite flavors: chocolate and peanut butter. This is an easy recipe that’s fun to share with family and friends!