Crockpot Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

Featured in: Sweet & Salty Treats

Boneless chicken breasts are gently simmered in a slow cooker with cayenne, smoked paprika, garlic salt, honey, and brown sugar. Butter adds richness, and a hint of vinegar brightens every bite. Once cooked, the chicken is shredded and mixed with its flavorful juices, then piled onto hamburger buns. Sliced pickles make a crisp optional topping, balancing the spicy-sweet filling. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, these sandwiches deliver bold flavor with minimal prep using classic American ingredients. For best results, cook low and slow so the chicken stays juicy and easy to shred.

Updated on Fri, 31 Oct 2025 10:07:00 GMT
Spicy Crockpot Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches topped with pickles on soft hamburger buns. Save
Spicy Crockpot Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches topped with pickles on soft hamburger buns. | williesnack.com

Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are spicy and packed with bold honey flavor. This comforting meal uses boneless chicken breasts simmered in aromatic spices and honey to create vibrant shredded chicken sandwiches.

I first made these sandwiches for a casual family gathering and everyone loved how tender and flavorful the chicken turned out thanks to the slow cooker. It has now become our go-to recipe for weeknight dinners when we want something simple yet crowd pleasing.

Ingredients

  • Spices: 1 Tablespoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • Meats: 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, trimmed of fat
  • Sweeteners: 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar, 1 cup honey, 1 Tablespoon white vinegar
  • Fats: ¼ cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • Bread: 8 hamburger buns
  • Garnish: Sliced pickles (optional)
  • Miscellaneous: Non-stick cooking spray

Instructions

Prepare Cooker:
Spray the slow cooker vessel with non-stick cooking spray.
Mix Spices:
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic salt.
Season Chicken:
Evenly sprinkle the seasoning mix over the chicken breasts.
Add to Cooker:
Place the seasoned chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Sweeten & Drizzle:
Sprinkle light brown sugar over the chicken. Drizzle honey and white vinegar over the seasoned chicken.
Butter & Cover:
Place unsalted butter pieces over the chicken. Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
Cook:
Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
Shred & Serve:
Once cooked, shred the chicken using meat claws or forks and add it back into the juices in the slow cooker. Serve on hamburger buns with sliced pickles if desired.
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My kids always request these sandwiches for their birthday parties. Sharing them with friends around the dinner table has become a cherished tradition in our family.

Serving Suggestions

A little ranch dressing or cool, creamy coleslaw on top of the sandwiches adds a delightful contrast to the spicy chicken.

Allergen Information

Contains chicken, honey, and butter. Hamburger buns may contain gluten. Always double-check labels if unsure about allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 443, Total Fat 11 g, Carbohydrates 60 g, Protein 29 g.

Aromatic shredded Crockpot Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich, perfect for party gatherings and picnics. Save
Aromatic shredded Crockpot Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich, perfect for party gatherings and picnics. | williesnack.com

Enjoy these spicy, sweet hot honey chicken sandwiches whenever you need a stress-free, tasty meal for family or friends.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What type of chicken works best for this dish?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts give a tender texture and shred easily after slow cooking.

How can I increase or decrease the spiciness?

Add more or less cayenne pepper to suit your taste, or use milder paprika for less heat.

Can I prepare the sandwiches in advance?

Yes, the shredded chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated when ready to serve.

Are there alternative toppings for these sandwiches?

Creamy coleslaw or ranch dressing makes great additions alongside the classic sliced pickles.

Which type of buns is recommended?

Soft hamburger buns are ideal; brioche or potato rolls can be used for extra richness.

What tools are required for preparation?

A slow cooker, mixing bowls, measuring utensils, whisk, and meat claws (or forks) make preparation easy.

Crockpot Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

Shredded chicken cooked with honey and spices brings bold flavor to these satisfying hot sandwiches.

Prep time
5 min
Time to cook
240 min
Total duration
245 min
Created by Willie Cooper


Skill level Easy

Cuisine American

Total yield 8 Number of servings

Dietary notes None specified

What You'll Need

Spices

01 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
02 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
03 1 teaspoon garlic salt

Meats

01 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, trimmed of fat

Sweeteners

01 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
02 1 cup honey
03 1 tablespoon white vinegar

Fats

01 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Bread

01 8 hamburger buns

Garnish

01 Sliced pickles (optional)

Miscellaneous

01 Non-stick cooking spray

How to make it

Step 01

Prepare slow cooker vessel: Coat the inside of the slow cooker evenly with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 02

Blend spices: Combine cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic salt in a small mixing bowl. Whisk thoroughly to integrate.

Step 03

Season chicken breasts: Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.

Step 04

Layer chicken in cooker: Arrange the seasoned chicken in a single layer at the base of the slow cooker.

Step 05

Add sweeteners and butter: Scatter light brown sugar across the chicken. Drizzle honey and white vinegar over the chicken, then distribute butter pieces over the top. Secure the lid on the slow cooker.

Step 06

Slow cook chicken: Set slow cooker to low and cook for 4 hours, or high for 2 hours, until chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 07

Shred chicken: Remove cooked chicken and shred using meat claws or forks. Return shredded chicken to juices in the slow cooker and toss to coat evenly.

Step 08

Assemble sandwiches: Divide the hot honey chicken among hamburger buns. Garnish with sliced pickles if desired and serve immediately.

Tools you'll need

  • Slow cooker
  • Stainless steel mixing bowls
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Whisk
  • Meat claw

Allergy details

Review ingredients for potential allergens and ask a medical expert if unsure.
  • Contains chicken, honey, butter, and may contain gluten depending on the hamburger buns. Check product labels for potential allergens.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutritional info is for reference only. For health questions, check with a medical professional.
  • Energy: 443
  • Fats: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Proteins: 29 g