Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Absolutely! Simply reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in both the chicken seasoning and the sauce. For a mild version, cut the cayenne to 1/4 teaspoon in the chicken rub and 1/2 teaspoon in the sauce.

What's the best bread to use for these sandwiches?

Brioche buns are my favorite for their buttery sweetness that complements the spicy chicken, but potato rolls, Texas toast, or even regular hamburger buns work wonderfully. Toasting the bread adds extra texture and helps it hold up to the saucy chicken.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Definitely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs actually work exceptionally well in this recipe. They stay juicier than breasts and have more flavor. The cooking time remains roughly the same, but they're even more forgiving if cooked a bit longer.

What are some good toppings to add to the sandwich?

Traditional Nashville hot chicken sandwiches are often topped with dill pickle chips and coleslaw. Other great additions include sliced red onion, bread and butter pickles, lettuce, or a cooling ranch or blue cheese sauce if you've made your chicken particularly spicy.

Slow Cooker Shredded Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Description

This Slow Cooker Shredded Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich is perfect for spice lovers! Tender, juicy shredded chicken is cooked to perfection in a slow cooker with bold spices and served with a buttery, spicy sauce drizzled on top. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and customizable with your favorite toppings. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gatherings!

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken:

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, thinly sliced

For the Sauce:

8 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
1 & 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Prepare the Slow Cooker
Spray the inside of a 6 or 8-quart slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking during cooking.
Add Chicken and Spices
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt evenly over the top of the chicken.
Add Butter
Lay the slices of butter on top of the seasoned chicken, ensuring they are evenly distributed to melt and infuse flavor during cooking.
Cook the Chicken
Set the slow cooker to cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked at the end of this cooking time.
Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, shred it directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Mix the shredded chicken thoroughly with the juices at the bottom of the slow cooker to keep it moist and flavorful. Keep the chicken warm on the “Keep Warm” setting while you prepare the sauce.
Prepare the Sauce
In a small saucepot, combine the butter, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Place over medium heat and stir continuously to prevent burning. Simmer until the mixture is well combined and heated through. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Sandwiches
Place the shredded chicken on a bun or bread of your choice. Drizzle the sauce generously over the chicken. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Adjust the Heat: Add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer an extra spicy kick.
Keep the Sauce Warm: The sauce might separate as it cools. To keep it smooth, stir occasionally and keep it on low heat until ready to use.
Serve Fresh: These sandwiches taste best hot and fresh. Avoid letting them sit too long before serving.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and onion powder elevate flavor for a tastier dish.
Toast the Buns: Lightly toasting the buns adds a delightful crunch and enhances texture.
Toppings: Customize your sandwiches with toppings like coleslaw, pickles, or your favorite cheese.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 370
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 120mg