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Nashville-style slow cooker chicken sandwich served with pickles and slaw

Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches

These Slow Cooker Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches offer a perfect blend of spiciness and comforting flavors, featuring juicy chicken in a buttery, spicy sauce served on soft buns.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5–2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts Tender and juicy, this chicken serves as the star ingredient.
  • 1/2 cup butter, divided The creamy richness of butter adds depth.
  • 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot) Provides a fiery kick to complement the chicken.
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, divided Adds subtle sweetness to balance the heat.
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder, divided Enhances the overall flavor with aromatic undertones.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder, divided Elevates the dish with its bold essence.
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided Essential for flavor enhancement.
  • 4 pieces hamburger buns (preferably brioche) Soft and slightly sweet to cradle the chicken.
  • Pickles and ranch dressing for topping Serve as finishing touches.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Trim excess fat from the chicken breasts.
  • In a bowl, mix together half of the butter with the hot sauce, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Melt slightly if needed.

Cooking

  • Place the chicken in the slow cooker and drizzle the prepared sauce over the top.
  • Cover the cooker and set it to LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 4 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks.
  • In a separate saucepan, melt the remaining butter and stir in the leftover hot sauce, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  • Pour this sauce over the shredded chicken in the slow cooker and stir well to mix.

Assembly

  • Toast the hamburger buns and serve the spicy chicken mixture topped with pickles and ranch dressing.

Notes

For a lighter twist, consider using skinless chicken thighs or air-frying the chicken. Substitute Greek yogurt for ranch dressing to cut down on calories. Serve with sides like coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or salads.
Keyword Comfort Food, Nashville Hot Chicken, Sandwiches, Slow Cooker Recipe, Spicy Chicken