Crock Pot Shredded Nashville Hot

This Crock Pot Shredded Nashville Hot Chicken brings the classic Nashville hot chicken flavors into an easy slow cooker recipe where the chicken is tender and ready to soak up that spicy sweet sauce. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy this iconic Southern dish without frying, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The balance of smoky heat and a touch of sweetness with the buttery shredded chicken means it’s great on sandwiches, salads, or wraps.

I first made this recipe when I was craving Nashville hot chicken but didn’t want the mess of frying. It quickly became a favorite and it’s now requested often for game day meals and casual dinner parties.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: ensures tender shredded chicken chicken thighs can be used for richer flavor but adjust cooking time
• Light brown sugar: adds a subtle sweetness that balances the heat and deepens the sauce flavor choose fresh brown sugar for best texture
• Butter: helps keep the chicken moist and forms the base of the flavor-packed sauce
• Cayenne pepper: provides the classic Nashville heat adjust quantity to your preferred spice level
• Garlic powder: adds aromatic depth use fresh labeled powder for the best potency
• Onion powder: rounds out the seasoning profile with gentle sweetness
• Salt: enhances all the other flavors in the dish

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Spray your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts inside. Sprinkle the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt evenly over the top of the chicken. This step ensures all pieces absorb the seasoning for consistent flavor in every bite.

Add Butter:

Cut butter into slices and distribute evenly on top of the seasoned chicken. The butter melts as the chicken cooks, creating juices that keep the meat tender and juicy without adding extra liquid.

Cook the Chicken:

Set your crock pot to low and cook for about 5 to 6 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken will release its own juices and become very tender. Avoid opening the lid too often to retain heat and moisture.

Shred the Chicken:

Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the crock pot using two forks or a hand mixer if you have a ceramic insert. Mixing the shredded chicken in the cooking juices infuses it with flavor and keeps it moist. Cover and keep warm while you prepare the sauce.

Prepare the Nashville Hot Sauce:

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Whisk constantly to prevent burning and bring just to a simmer. Remove from heat once the sugar dissolves and the sauce is glossy and smooth.

Assemble and Serve:

Pile shredded chicken onto hamburger buns and drizzle the Nashville hot sauce on top. Serve more sauce on the side for those who want extra heat. Pickle chips and slices of white onion make perfect traditional accompaniments.

The brown sugar and butter in the sauce are my favorite parts because they balance the cumin and cayenne heat so well. I remember making this for a small party and seeing how everyone loved adding their own amount of sauce, which made it fun and interactive. It’s a recipe that easily adjusts to every taste bud at the table.

Storage Tips

Store leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The sauce can separate when cooled but just warm it gently and whisk to recombine before serving again. For longer storage, freeze the chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to three months.

Ingredient Substitutions

Chicken thighs work beautifully if you want more flavorful meat but may require longer cooking. You can swap light brown sugar with maple syrup or honey for a different kind of sweetness. Adjust cayenne pepper or add a hot sauce like Tabasco if you want extra heat in the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve shredded chicken on toasted buns with pickle slices and raw onion for a traditional take. For a lighter option, add it on top of leafy greens or stuffed into wraps with crunchy slaw. A side of baked fries or coleslaw completes the meal nicely.

This slow cooker Nashville hot chicken captures the flavor of the classic with far less fuss. It’s an easy, crowd pleasing meal for weeknights or gatherings.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Is the shredded chicken spicy?

It has a balanced blend of sweet, savory, and mild heat, with the option to adjust spiciness by adding more sauce.

→ How can I increase the sauce heat?

Double the cayenne pepper or incorporate your preferred hot sauce to intensify the spice level.

→ What sides complement this dish?

Try serving with pickle chips and sliced white onions to enhance the flavor experience.

→ Why does the sauce separate after cooling?

Separation occurs as the sauce cools; rewarming and whisking helps it recombine smoothly.

→ Can the sauce be mixed directly with the chicken?

Absolutely, mixing the sauce in rather than serving it on the side is a great option.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.