Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

Weeknights in our house can be, well, let’s just say chaotic. Between school runs, homework battles, and after-school activities, the thought of putting together a delicious and satisfying dinner sometimes feels like climbing Mount Everest. That’s where the magic of the slow cooker comes in, and this Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches recipe has become my absolute weeknight savior. I stumbled upon this recipe quite by accident, craving something both sweet and spicy, and let me tell you, it has been a game-changer. The first time I made it, the aroma alone was enough to draw everyone into the kitchen, noses twitching with anticipation. And the taste? Oh my goodness. Imagine tender, juicy chicken, slow-cooked to shreddable perfection, swimming in a luscious, sticky hot honey sauce that is both sweet and fiery in the most addictive way. Pile that onto soft, toasted buns with some creamy slaw, and you have a sandwich that is simply out of this world. My family devours these sandwiches. Even my pickiest eater, who usually shies away from anything remotely “spicy,” is completely hooked. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and heat, and the slow cooker makes it incredibly easy to prepare, even on the busiest of days. If you’re looking for a flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing meal that requires minimal effort, look no further. These Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are about to become your new weeknight obsession, just like they are in our house. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have everyone begging for more!

Ingredients: The Symphony of Sweet, Spicy, and Savory

The beauty of these Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches lies in the simple yet impactful combination of ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Let’s break down the key ingredients you’ll need to gather for this culinary adventure:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are the star of the show and the ideal choice for slow cooking. Their higher fat content compared to chicken breasts ensures they remain incredibly moist, tender, and flavorful even after hours in the slow cooker. You’ll need about 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
  • Chicken Breasts (Alternative, with Adjustments): While chicken thighs are preferred, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer. However, chicken breasts tend to dry out more easily in the slow cooker. If using breasts, reduce the cooking time slightly and be extra careful not to overcook them. You might also consider adding a bit more olive oil or chicken broth to the slow cooker to maintain moisture.
• Hot Honey: The magic ingredient that brings the “hot” and “sweet” to this dish! Hot honey is honey infused with chili peppers, creating a delicious blend of sweetness and heat. You’ll need about ¾ cup of hot honey.
  • Store-Bought Hot Honey (Convenient): Store-bought hot honey is readily available in most grocery stores and online. Popular brands include Mike’s Hot Honey, Red Clay Hot Honey, and Bushwick Kitchen Bees Knees Spicy Honey.
  • Homemade Hot Honey (Customizable): You can easily make your own hot honey at home by infusing regular honey with dried chili flakes, fresh chili peppers (like jalapeños or habaneros), or hot sauce. This allows you to customize the spice level to your preference. Recipes for homemade hot honey are readily available online.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar adds a crucial touch of acidity to the sauce, balancing the sweetness of the honey and adding a tangy depth of flavor. You’ll need ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar.
  • White Wine Vinegar or Rice Vinegar (Substitutes): If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can substitute with white wine vinegar or rice vinegar for a similar acidic tang.
• Soy Sauce (Low Sodium): Low sodium soy sauce contributes umami richness and savory depth to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile and balancing the sweetness and spice. You’ll need ¼ cup of low sodium soy sauce.
  • Tamari (Gluten-Free Option): For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative with a similar flavor profile.
  • Regular Soy Sauce (Use with Caution): If using regular soy sauce, be mindful of the salt content. You may need to reduce or omit any additional salt called for in the recipe, and taste and adjust seasoning carefully.
• Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard adds a subtle tangy bite and depth of flavor to the sauce, complementing the other ingredients and enhancing the overall complexity. You’ll need 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard.
  • Yellow Mustard (Substitute, with Flavor Change): In a pinch, you can substitute yellow mustard for Dijon mustard, but the flavor profile will be slightly different and less complex.
• Garlic Powder: Garlic powder provides a convenient and consistent garlic flavor throughout the sauce, adding savory depth and aroma. You’ll need 1 tablespoon of garlic powder.
  • Fresh Garlic (Alternative, with Roasting): You can use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a more pungent garlic flavor. Consider roasting whole garlic cloves in the slow cooker along with the chicken for a mellow and sweet roasted garlic note.
• Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a wonderful smoky depth and subtle sweetness to the sauce, enhancing the savory and complex flavor profile. You’ll need 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika.
  • Regular Paprika (Substitute, with Flavor Change): You can substitute regular paprika if smoked paprika is unavailable, but the smoky element will be missing. Consider adding a few drops of liquid smoke to compensate for the smoky flavor if desired.
• Salt: Salt is essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients, bringing balance and depth to the dish. You’ll need about 1 teaspoon of salt, or to taste.
• Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a subtle spice and enhances the overall flavor profile, complementing the other seasonings. You’ll need about ½ teaspoon of black pepper, or to taste.
• Buns (Brioche, Potato, or your Favorite): Soft and slightly sweet buns are the perfect vessel for these flavorful chicken sandwiches. Brioche buns or potato buns are excellent choices for their soft texture and ability to soak up the delicious sauce. You’ll need 6-8 buns, depending on serving size.
  • Gluten-Free Buns (For Gluten-Free Option): For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free buns.
• Coleslaw (Optional, for Serving): Creamy coleslaw adds a refreshing coolness and crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the hot honey chicken and bun. It’s an optional but highly recommended topping for these sandwiches. Store-bought or homemade coleslaw works well.
  • Pickles or Dill Pickle Slices (Alternative): If you’re not a fan of coleslaw, dill pickle slices or quick pickles can provide a similar tangy and crunchy element.

Detailed Ingredient List:

• 2 pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs
• ¾ cup Hot Honey
• ¼ cup Apple Cider Vinegar
• ¼ cup Low Sodium Soy Sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
• 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder
• 1 tablespoon Smoked Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon Black Pepper, or to taste
• 6-8 Buns (Brioche, Potato, or your favorite)
• Coleslaw (Optional, for serving)

Instructions: Slow Cooker Simplicity, Maximum Flavor

Making these Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches is incredibly easy and requires minimal hands-on time, thanks to the magic of the slow cooker. Follow these simple instructions for a flavor-packed and effortless meal:

1. Combine Chicken and Sauce Ingredients in Slow Cooker: In your slow cooker (4-quart or larger), place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs. In a separate bowl, whisk together the hot honey, apple cider vinegar, low sodium soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pour the hot honey mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated. Tip: Whisking the sauce ingredients separately ensures they are well combined before adding to the slow cooker, creating a more homogenous flavor.
2. Slow Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it is easily shredded with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Tip: Slow cooking on LOW for a longer duration generally results in more tender and flavorful chicken, but HIGH setting is a faster option when short on time.
3. Shred Chicken in Slow Cooker: Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir the shredded chicken into the hot honey sauce to coat it evenly. Tip: Shredding the chicken while it’s still in the slow cooker allows it to absorb more of the flavorful sauce.
4. Simmer Sauce (Optional, for Thicker Sauce): If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove about 1 cup of the sauce from the slow cooker and transfer it to a small saucepan. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until it reduces slightly and thickens to your desired consistency. Return the thickened sauce to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the shredded chicken. Tip: Reducing some of the sauce on the stovetop concentrates the flavors and creates a stickier, more glaze-like consistency.
5. Toast Buns (Optional, Recommended): While the chicken is cooking or during the last 30 minutes of cooking time, prepare your buns. You can lightly toast the buns in a toaster oven, oven broiler, or skillet with a touch of butter or olive oil. Toasting adds warmth and a slight crispness to the buns, enhancing the overall sandwich texture. Tip: Toasting buns prevents them from becoming soggy from the saucy chicken and adds a pleasant textural element.
6. Assemble Sandwiches: To assemble the sandwiches, spoon a generous amount of the slow cooker hot honey chicken onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with coleslaw (if using) and the top half of the bun. Tip: Don’t skimp on the chicken! These sandwiches are best when generously filled with the flavorful hot honey chicken.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches immediately while they are warm and delicious. Enjoy the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, savory, and tender! Tip: These sandwiches are best served right away for the optimal texture and flavor experience.

Nutrition Facts: Flavor-Packed Indulgence in Moderation

While these Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are undeniably delicious and satisfying, it’s important to be mindful of their nutritional content, especially if you are watching your calorie intake or following a specific diet. Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per sandwich (assuming 1 sandwich made with approximately ½ cup of cooked chicken and bun):

• Servings: Approximately 6-8 sandwiches (recipe yield)
• Serving Size: 1 Sandwich

Approximate Nutrition Facts Per Serving (per sandwich):

• Calories: 450-600 calories (This can vary depending on bun type, coleslaw amount, and portion size)
• Fat: 20-30 grams (Varies depending on chicken thigh fat content and bun)
  • Saturated Fat: 5-8 grams (Varies depending on chicken thigh fat content and bun)
• Cholesterol: 150-200 mg
• Sodium: 600-900 mg (Varies depending on soy sauce and salt added)
• Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams (Primarily from bun and honey)
  • Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
  • Sugars: 25-35 grams (Primarily from honey and bun)
• Protein: 30-40 grams

Important Notes on Nutrition:

• Estimates: These are estimated values and can vary based on specific ingredient brands, bun type, portion sizes, and variations in the recipe.
• Calorie and Fat Content: The calorie and fat content are moderate to high, primarily due to the chicken thighs, buns, and honey.
• Sugar Content: The sugar content is relatively high due to the hot honey and buns. Be mindful of portion sizes, especially if you are watching your sugar intake.
• Sodium Content: The sodium content can be moderate, especially due to soy sauce and added salt. Using low sodium soy sauce helps manage sodium levels.
• Protein Source: Chicken thighs are a good source of protein.
• Enjoy in Moderation: These sandwiches are best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than an everyday meal due to their higher calorie, fat, and sugar content.

Tips for Making Slightly Healthier Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches (without sacrificing too much flavor):

• Use Chicken Breasts (Leaner Protein): Substituting chicken breasts for chicken thighs will significantly reduce the fat content, but be mindful of potential dryness and reduce cooking time.
• Whole Wheat Buns (Fiber Boost): Use whole wheat buns instead of white buns to increase fiber content.
• Reduce Hot Honey (Control Sugar): Slightly reduce the amount of hot honey in the sauce to lower sugar content, or use a hot honey with a lower sugar content. You can compensate for sweetness with a touch of stevia or erythritol if desired.
• Light Coleslaw (Lower Fat): Use a lighter coleslaw dressing made with Greek yogurt or a vinaigrette-based dressing instead of mayonnaise-heavy dressing to reduce fat content.
• Open-Faced Sandwich (Portion Control): Serve the chicken on just one half of the bun to reduce carbohydrate and calorie intake.
• Serve with Salad (Balance): Pair your Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich with a large side salad to add vegetables and fiber to your meal and create a more balanced nutritional profile.

Remember, enjoying your favorite foods in moderation is key. Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches can be a delicious and satisfying treat when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Preparation Time: Minimal Effort, Maximum Reward – Time Breakdown

One of the greatest advantages of this Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches recipe is its minimal preparation time. The slow cooker does most of the work, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated preparation time:

• Prep Time (Active): 10-15 minutes (This includes measuring ingredients, whisking sauce, and placing chicken in the slow cooker).
• Cook Time (Inactive): 6-8 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH (Slow cooker does the work – mostly inactive time).
• Shredding & Sauce Thicken (Active): 5-10 minutes (Shredding chicken and optionally thickening sauce).
• Bun Toasting & Assembly (Active): 5-10 minutes (Toasting buns and assembling sandwiches).
• Total Active Time: 20-35 minutes
• Total Time (Including Slow Cooking): 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 35 minutes (Depending on slow cooker setting).

Time-Saving Tips:

• Prep Sauce Ahead: You can whisk together the hot honey sauce ingredients ahead of time (even the day before) and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will save you a few minutes of prep time when you’re ready to start the slow cooker.
• Use Pre-Shredded Coleslaw: Use store-bought pre-shredded coleslaw mix or prepared coleslaw to save time on coleslaw preparation.
• No-Fuss Buns: Skip toasting the buns if you are really short on time. While toasting enhances the sandwiches, they are still delicious with untoasted buns.
• Minimal Cleanup: Slow cooker recipes generally involve minimal cleanup, as everything cooks in one pot. Using slow cooker liners can make cleanup even easier.

With minimal active prep time and the slow cooker doing the heavy lifting, these Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are a truly convenient and time-saving meal option for busy individuals and families.

How to Serve: Elevating Your Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich Experience

While these Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are delicious on their own, the right serving suggestions and accompaniments can elevate the entire meal experience. Here are some creative ways to serve and enhance your hot honey chicken sandwiches:

Classic Sides:

• French Fries or Potato Wedges: Crispy French fries or seasoned potato wedges are a classic and crowd-pleasing side dish that complements sandwiches perfectly.
• Sweet Potato Fries: Sweet potato fries offer a slightly healthier and sweeter alternative to regular fries.
• Onion Rings: Crispy onion rings add a satisfying crunch and savory flavor that pairs well with the sweet and spicy chicken.
• Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad is a classic barbecue and picnic side that complements sandwiches beautifully.
• Macaroni Salad: Cold macaroni salad is another refreshing and creamy side dish option.
• Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a summery side that pairs well with barbecue-style chicken.

Fresh and Lighter Sides:

• Coleslaw (Already Mentioned, but Worth Emphasizing): Coleslaw is the essential topping for these sandwiches, providing coolness, crunch, and creamy tanginess.
• Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing and palate-cleansing side.
• Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with vinegar, dill, or mint provides a light and tangy counterpoint to the richness of the sandwiches.
• Broccoli Salad: A crunchy broccoli salad with bacon, cranberries, and a creamy dressing is a flavorful and slightly healthier side option.
• Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad offers a sweet and refreshing contrast to the savory sandwiches.
• Pickles or Dill Pickle Spears: Dill pickle slices or spears provide a tangy and crunchy bite that complements the sandwiches.

Bun Variations & Toppings:

• Brioche Buns (Recommended): Brioche buns are soft, slightly sweet, and buttery, making them an ideal choice for these sandwiches.
• Potato Buns (Excellent): Potato buns are another soft and slightly sweet option that holds up well to saucy fillings.
• Sesame Seed Buns (Classic Burger Style): Sesame seed buns offer a classic burger-style bun that is readily available and works well.
• Pretzel Buns (Unique and Flavorful): Pretzel buns add a unique chewy texture and slightly salty flavor that can be a fun variation.
• Lettuce Wraps (Low-Carb Option): For a low-carb option, serve the hot honey chicken in lettuce wraps instead of buns.
• Extra Hot Honey Drizzle (Spice Lovers): For those who love extra heat, offer a drizzle of extra hot honey on top of the sandwiches.
• Blue Cheese Dressing Drizzle (Savory Contrast): A drizzle of blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing can provide a cool and savory contrast to the sweet and spicy chicken.
• Pickled Onions or Jalapeños (Tangy Kick): Top sandwiches with pickled red onions or pickled jalapeños for a tangy and spicy kick.
• Crispy Fried Onions (Crunchy Texture): Add crispy fried onions for extra crunch and savory flavor.

Serving Occasions:

• Weeknight Dinners: Perfect for quick and easy weeknight meals.
• Weekend Lunches: Great for casual weekend lunches with family or friends.
• Game Day Gatherings: Ideal for game day parties and tailgating events.
• Potlucks and Picnics: A crowd-pleasing dish for potlucks and picnics.
• Casual Get-Togethers: Perfect for casual gatherings and backyard barbecues.

No matter how you choose to serve them, these Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are sure to be a hit. Get creative with your sides and toppings and enjoy the deliciousness!

Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich Success (5 Tips)

To consistently achieve perfect Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches and impress your family and friends, consider these five expert tips:

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: Avoid overcrowding the slow cooker with too much chicken. Overcrowding can prevent the chicken from cooking evenly and may result in longer cooking times or chicken that is not fully cooked through. Cook in batches if necessary, or use a larger slow cooker if making a large batch.
2. Sear Chicken Before Slow Cooking (Optional, but Recommended for Flavor): While not strictly necessary for slow cooker recipes, searing the chicken thighs in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker can significantly enhance the flavor. Searing creates a flavorful crust on the chicken and adds depth to the overall dish. Briefly sear each side of the chicken thighs in a hot skillet with a touch of oil before placing them in the slow cooker.
3. Adjust Spice Level to Your Preference: Hot honey can vary in spice level, and individual spice tolerance varies. Taste your hot honey before adding it to the recipe and adjust the amount to your preference. If you prefer a milder sandwich, use less hot honey or choose a milder brand. For a spicier sandwich, use more hot honey or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
4. Rest the Chicken in Sauce After Shredding (Flavor Infusion): After shredding the chicken in the slow cooker, let it rest in the hot honey sauce for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the shredded chicken to fully absorb the flavorful sauce, resulting in even more delicious and moist sandwiches.
5. Toast Buns Right Before Serving (Prevent Soggy Buns): Toast the buns right before assembling the sandwiches to prevent them from becoming soggy. Toasted buns provide a structural base for the saucy chicken and add a pleasant textural contrast. If you toast buns too far in advance, they may become hard or stale.

Bonus Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, add a tablespoon of liquid smoke to the hot honey sauce for a more pronounced smoky barbecue flavor. Liquid smoke is optional but can enhance the overall complexity of the dish.

By incorporating these expert tips into your Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich routine, you’ll consistently create incredibly flavorful, tender, and crowd-pleasing sandwiches that will be a hit every time!

Frequently Asked Questions: Your Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich Queries Answered (FAQ)

Do you have lingering questions about making Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches or need some troubleshooting advice? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help you confidently create this delicious meal:

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken thighs in the slow cooker?

A: While it’s generally recommended to thaw chicken before slow cooking for food safety and optimal texture, you can cook frozen chicken thighs in the slow cooker in a pinch. However, you must ensure that the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

• Increased Cook Time: Cooking frozen chicken will significantly increase the cooking time. Expect to add 2-4 hours to the cooking time on LOW or 1-2 hours on HIGH.
• Texture May Be Slightly Different: Frozen chicken may release more moisture during cooking and may result in a slightly less tender texture compared to thawed chicken.
• Food Safety: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) throughout, especially when cooking from frozen.

Thawing chicken before slow cooking is generally recommended for best results, but cooking from frozen is possible if necessary, with adjusted cooking times and careful monitoring of internal temperature.

Q2: Can I make Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken ahead of time?

A: Yes, Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken is a great make-ahead meal component:

• Make Chicken Ahead: You can prepare the slow cooker hot honey chicken completely ahead of time. Once cooked and shredded, let it cool slightly, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat Chicken: Reheat the chicken in a skillet, microwave, or back in the slow cooker until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to rehydrate the sauce during reheating.
• Assemble Sandwiches Later: Assemble the sandwiches with buns and coleslaw just before serving to maintain the best texture and bun freshness.

Making the chicken ahead is a great time-saving strategy for busy weeknights or for meal prepping.

Q3: What if I don’t have hot honey? Can I make a substitute?

A: If you don’t have hot honey, you can easily create a substitute at home:

• Honey and Chili Flakes: Combine ¾ cup of regular honey with 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference). Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to infuse the honey with heat. You can gently warm the honey and chili flakes in a saucepan over low heat to speed up the infusion process, but don’t boil it.
• Honey and Hot Sauce: Combine ¾ cup of regular honey with 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce (like sriracha, Tabasco, or your preferred brand). Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your spice preference.

While homemade hot honey substitutes work well, store-bought hot honey often has a more complex flavor profile due to the specific chili peppers used and the infusion process.

Q4: Can I make this recipe spicier or milder?

A: Yes, easily adjust the spice level of these sandwiches to your preference:

• Spicier: To make it spicier, use a spicier hot honey, add extra chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce, or include a hotter hot sauce in your homemade hot honey substitute. You can also add a chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper to the slow cooker with the chicken for extra heat.
• Milder: To make it milder, use a milder hot honey or reduce the amount of hot honey in the recipe. You can also use regular honey and add just a pinch of chili flakes for a very subtle heat, or omit chili flakes altogether for a completely non-spicy sweet honey chicken.

Taste the hot honey sauce and adjust the spice level to your liking before adding the chicken to the slow cooker.

Q5: Can I use different cuts of chicken besides thighs?

A: While chicken thighs are recommended for their moisture and flavor in slow cooker recipes, you can use other cuts of chicken with some adjustments:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used, but they are leaner and tend to dry out more easily in the slow cooker. Reduce the cooking time significantly when using breasts (start checking for doneness around 2-3 hours on LOW or 1-2 hours on HIGH). Consider adding a bit more olive oil or chicken broth to the slow cooker to maintain moisture.
• Bone-in Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks can also be used. They will be even more flavorful and moist due to the bone and skin. Cooking times will be similar to boneless thighs, but ensure the chicken is cooked through to the bone and reaches a safe internal temperature. You may want to remove the skin before shredding for a slightly healthier option.

Chicken thighs are generally the best choice for slow cooker hot honey chicken due to their flavor and ability to remain moist, but other cuts can be used with adjusted cooking times and considerations for moisture content.

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