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Crockpot Hot Honey Sandwiches

Melissa Jo Posted: Last Updated:
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A close-up of a pulled pork sandwich with barbecue sauce, sliced pickles, and shredded lettuce on a shiny, golden bun, served on a metal tray.

When I worked for the Palm Beach County School Board, summers were always my favorite time of year because I got to spend every day with my kids. I have two sons, and let me tell you—they ate a lot back then, and they still eat a lot now! During those summer months, I was always creating easy, family-friendly meals that were simple to prep but still packed with flavor. I needed recipes that my boys would happily devour, but that my ex-husband and I would enjoy just as much.

That’s exactly how these Crockpot Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches came to be. They’re incredibly easy to make, loaded with flavor, and perfect for busy summer days when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Don’t worry about the spice level either. They do have a little kick, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less cayenne pepper depending on your family’s preference.

Now, if you follow this recipe exactly as written—with the creamy coleslaw, tangy dill pickle slices, and a buttery toasted bun—you’re going to get the perfect bite every single time. Sweet, savory, a little spicy, crunchy, creamy… it’s everything you want in a sandwich.

If you’re looking for more easy slow cooker dinners, make sure you also check out my Crockpot Lemony Chicken and Potatoes, Crockpot Steak and Gravy, and Crockpot Crack Chicken. They’re some of the most popular crockpot recipes on my site and perfect for those busy days when you need dinner to practically make itself.

Are you ready? Let’s make it!

Raw chicken breasts in a slow cooker, topped with paprika and what appears to be garlic or onion powder, ready to be cooked.
Raw chicken breasts in a slow cooker, topped with slices of butter, brown sugar, and a dark sauce, ready for cooking.

This is exactly how it should look before you turn that crockpot on!

A hand sprinkles seasoning onto buttered hamburger buns arranged on a foil-lined baking sheet, ready for toasting.
Four pieces of seasoned, cooked chicken breast sit in a slow cooker, surrounded by a reddish-brown sauce and spices. The chicken appears tender with a slightly crispy, flavorful coating.
Metal tongs hold up shredded, saucy chicken over a slow cooker filled with more cooked, seasoned chicken in rich, dark sauce. Kitchen countertop and cabinets are visible in the background.
Tongs lifting shredded, cooked BBQ chicken from a slow cooker filled with juicy, saucy chicken pieces in a kitchen setting.
Shredded pork in a dark, flavorful sauce inside a slow cooker, with pieces of tender meat soaking in the juices.
Shredded barbecue chicken in a slow cooker with metal tongs resting inside, the chicken is mixed with a rich, reddish sauce.
A hand holding metal tongs lifts a portion of saucy, shredded pulled pork from a black slow cooker filled with more pulled pork. Kitchen cabinets are visible in the background.
Two pulled pork sandwiches on buns with shredded lettuce, coleslaw, and pickle slices, set on a metal tray in a modern kitchen. The pork is saucy and generous, with a toasted bun top slightly tilted.
Open-faced pulled pork sandwiches topped with coleslaw and sliced pickles are arranged on a baking sheet. Toasted buns and a slow cooker are visible in the background on a kitchen counter.
A young man in a black beanie and a smiling woman in a polka dot shirt stand in a bright kitchen, each holding a pulled pork sandwich. Sandwiches and a slow cooker are on the counter in front of them.
Two people in a kitchen hold large, messy burgers and smile at each other. A tray with more burgers and a slow cooker are on the counter in front of them. The setting is bright and casual.

FAQ

Can I make Crockpot Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches less spicy?

Absolutely! The recipe uses 1/2 tsp of cayenne pepper for a medium kick, but you can easily reduce it to 1/4 teaspoon for a much milder version or 0 for a non spicy bite. The honey, coleslaw, and pickles also help balance the heat.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe and often turn out even juicier. Cook them the same way and shred once they’re tender.

What toppings go best on hot honey chicken sandwiches?

My favorite combination is creamy coleslaw, dill pickle slices, and a buttery toasted bun. You could also add pepper jack cheese, crispy bacon, pickled jalapeños, or extra hot honey for even more flavor.

Can I cook this recipe in my crockpot on low?

Yes, Absolutely! You can cook it at low for about 5-6 hours or until it easily shreds.

Adjusting the Heat Level

This recipe uses 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper, which gives the chicken a noticeable kick while still balancing beautifully with the sweetness of the honey and the cool, creamy coleslaw. If you’d like to customize the spice level, use this simple guide:

Mild Heat

Perfect for kids or anyone sensitive to spice.

  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Medium Heat

A little warmth with just a gentle kick.

  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Medium-Hot Heat

The sweet spot for most spice lovers.

  • 3/4 tsp cayenne pepper (as written)
Hot

For those who enjoy a good amount of heat.

  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
Extra Hot

Bring the heat!

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons cayenne pepper

Melissa’s Tip

Remember that the creamy coleslaw, dill pickles, and buttery bun help balance the spice. If you’re unsure, start with less cayenne—you can always add a little hot sauce to your sandwich, but you can’t take the cayenne out once it’s in the crockpot!

A pulled pork sandwich with barbecue sauce, shredded lettuce, and pickles on a shiny, toasted bun, served on a metal tray.

Crock Pot Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Remember that the creamy coleslaw, dill pickles, and buttery bun help balance the spice. If you're unsure, start with less cayenne—you can always add a little hot sauce to your sandwich, but you can't take the cayenne out once it's in the crockpot!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 6 people

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Get your trusty crockpot ready and add in the 3 large chicken breasts – they’re the stars of this show!
  • Sprinkle in the cayenne pepper, garlic salt, and smoked paprika to give the chicken that irresistible kick.
  • Now, here comes the touch of sweetness! Add those two heavenly tablespoons of brown sugar.
  • It’s time to get sticky – pour in 3/4 cup of honey and 1/4 cup of hot honey to balance out the heat with some delicious sweetness.
  • For that tangy twist, mix in a tablespoon of white vinegar.
  • Let’s not forget about the rich, buttery goodness! Add half a stick of sliced butter to elevate the flavor profile.
  • Cooking Time: Set your crockpot to high and let the magic happen for about 3-4 hours. The chicken will become tender, juicy, and cooked to perfection.
  • Shredding the Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, break it up in the crockpot. For that extra touch, grab your electric mixer and blend the chicken until it’s beautifully shredded and soaked in the mouthwatering juices.

Assembling the Sandwich:

  • Take those delightful brioche buns and spread a tablespoon of softened butter on the inside of each half – it adds an incredible richness to the sandwich.
  • Sprinkle a pinch of garlic powder on the buttered buns to bring out their flavors even more.
  • Broil the buns just until they turn a little golden – this adds a slight crunch to complement the tender chicken.
  • Now, pile on a heaping portion of the shredded chicken on the bottom half of the bun – trust me, you won’t be able to resist!
  • Top it off with a generous amount of fresh coleslaw that adds a delightful crunch and tanginess to every bite.
  • Add two dill pickle chips on top of the coleslaw – they give this sandwich a delightful zing and balance out the sweetness of the honey.
  • Finally, place the other half of the buttered bun on top.

Notes

    • Cookware: I used a 7 qt Crock pot to make this recipe: My Crock pot link

    • Want to dial up the heat? Add a dash more cayenne pepper or hot honey for an extra kick.

    • For a smokier flavor, you can try using smoked chicken breasts.

    • Not a fan of coleslaw? Try topping your sandwich with sliced avocado or pickled onions for a unique twist.

    • Serve the sandwich with a side of sweet potato fries or kettle-cooked chips for a satisfying meal

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

How to Store

Store In an airtight container or cover with tinfoil and store in your refrigerator.

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