Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich
Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich: Your Perfect Game Day or Easy Weeknight Meal!
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If there’s one thing that always hits the spot, it’s a hot honey chicken sandwich. Whether you’re preparing for a tailgate, a weekend hangout with friends, or just need an easy and delicious meal on a busy weeknight, this sandwich is your go-to solution. The combination of sweet, spicy hot honey sauce drizzled over tender, juicy chicken creates an unbeatable balance of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
And the best part? You can make it super simple by using a slow cooker to do the heavy lifting. Just toss your chicken in, let the magic happen, and voila! The chicken is perfectly cooked and ready to be transformed into a sandwich (or sliders if you're feeling snacky).
For those who are feeling adventurous, make sure to check out my post on 3 hot honey recipes,
including my Mike’s Hot Honey copycat recipe,
so you can customize your own sauce for that extra personal touch. But first, let's dive into what makes these hot honey chicken sliders the ultimate treat.
Why Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches Are a Game Day Hero
First things first: hot honey chicken sliders are practically made for game day. The spicy kick from the hot honey hot sauce paired with the savory chicken brings a new level of excitement to any tailgate or football party. Imagine handing out these mini sandwiches as the big game kicks off, your guests biting into the crispy exterior, then being hit with that tangy, sweet, and spicy punch. It’s a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed.
But it’s not just about game day. These sandwiches make for an easy weeknight meal too, especially when you use a slow cooker. After a long day, who has the time to fuss over dinner? With this method, you can set it and forget it. After a few hours, your chicken will be tender, flavorful, and ready to be layered on buns with your homemade (or store-bought) hot honey sauce.
The Magic of Hot Honey: Sweet Meets Heat
What exactly makes hot honey recipes so addictive? It’s all about that perfect balance of sweet and heat. Hot honey sauce recipes often combine honey with just the right amount of spice from hot sauce or peppers to give it that subtle heat without overpowering the dish.
You can pour this delicious concoction over fried or grilled chicken, but don’t stop there. Once you try it, you’ll want to drizzle it over everything from pizza to roasted vegetables to even your morning biscuits. Trust me, this sauce has range! If you're curious about variations, I've also got a breakdown of how to recreate Mike’s Hot Honey recipes at home, including my very own copycat version. You’ll never want to buy the bottled stuff again.
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How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches in the Slow Cooker
The slow cooker is your best friend when it comes to making this sandwich. You throw in your seasoned chicken, let it cook low and slow, and after a few hours, it’s fall-apart tender. The bonus? The house smells incredible while it cooks, and you barely had to lift a finger.
Here’s how easy it is:
Season the Chicken
Cook in the Slow Cooker
Shred and Mix: Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks and mix it with your favorite hot honey hot sauce or homemade hot honey recipe. You can add as much or as little sauce as you like, depending on how spicy you want it.
Sliders vs. Full-Size Sandwiches: Which One Wins?
This is a tough call! Hot honey chicken sliders are perfect for parties or if you're looking for more of a snack-sized option. You can make a big batch of these mini sandwiches, and they’re easy to grab and eat while mingling or cheering on your favorite team.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more substantial meal, the full-sized hot honey chicken sandwich delivers in a big way. The crispy chicken, the fluffy bun, and the bold flavors of the hot honey hot sauce create the kind of sandwich that demands your full attention.
Elevating Your Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich
If you’re looking to take your sandwich game up a notch, here are some tasty add-ons to consider:
Pickles: The tangy crunch of pickles pairs perfectly with the heat of the hot honey sauce.
Coleslaw: A creamy slaw adds a nice contrast to the spicy chicken. Try my Gorgonzola slaw!
Cheese: Melt some cheddar or pepper jack over your chicken for extra richness.
Bacon: Crispy bacon brings a smoky element that complements the sweet heat.
And remember, these sandwiches are customizable. Feel free to experiment with different toppings, cheeses, or breads (brioche, anyone?) to make it your own. You can even swap out chicken for other proteins like pork or tofu if you’re feeling creative.
FAQ: All Things Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich
What is Hot Honey Sauce?
Hot honey sauce is a delightful blend of honey and spices, usually with a touch of vinegar for balance. It’s perfect for drizzling over fried or grilled foods, adding sweetness with a kick of heat.
Can I Use Store-Bought Hot Honey?
Absolutely! While I recommend trying out my Mike’s Hot Honey copycat recipe, store-bought hot honey hot sauce works in a pinch. Brands like Mike’s Hot Honey have nailed the sweet-heat combo, making them a great alternative when you're short on time.
What’s the Difference Between a Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich and Sliders?
The only real difference is size! Sliders are smaller, making them perfect for parties or appetizers. A full-sized hot honey chicken sandwich is more filling, ideal for lunch or dinner.
What Toppings Go Well with Hot Honey Chicken?
Classic toppings like pickles, slaw, and cheese all work well. For an extra crunch, you can add fried onions or a drizzle of ranch dressing to cool down the spice. Experiment to find your favorite combo!
Can I Make This Sandwich Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make the chicken ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just warm it up and assemble your sandwich with fresh toppings.
These hot honey chicken sliders or sandwiches are versatile, packed with flavor, and super easy to make. Whether you're whipping up a batch for a tailgate party or just looking for a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed win. Don’t forget to check out my hot honey sauce recipe, including my Mike’s Hot Honey copycat – it’ll take your sandwiches to the next level!
Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the chicken in a slow cooker
- In a small bowl,c ombine the cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
- Sprinkle the seasoning all over the chicken.
- Sprinkle on the brown sugar.
- Drizzle the honey all over the top of the chicken, then add the vinegar.
- Place the butter on top.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours. NOTE: if you have a large slow cooker you will want to cook them for less time so the breasts don't dry out.
- Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker.
- Taste the liquid from the slow cooker. Adjust seasoning. Add some of that liquid from the slow cooker to the bowl of shredded chicken.
- Serve on soft buns with pickle slices.
Notes
- You can sub 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes for the cayenne nee if desired
- If you don't like spicy add 1/2 the pepper at the beginning, you can always add more at the end.
- Make the chicken up to 2 days before and reheat to serve
- Serve with the drippings if desired.
- Serve with chips, fries, cole slaw, all by itself:)
Photo by yes to yolks
