Crock Pot Shredded Nashville Hot

Crock Pot Shredded Nashville Hot Chicken is a flavorful twist on the classic Nashville hot chicken. Instead of frying this recipe lets the chicken simmer low and slow in a crock pot infusing it with a perfect mix of sweetness spice and savoriness. The tender shredded chicken pairs beautifully with a butter-based hot sauce that you can drizzle on to taste. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser that works well on sandwiches in wraps or atop salads.

This recipe became a family favorite when I made it during a hectic week and needed something handsoff yet impressive. Now we regularly request the spicy sweet combo for game day or casual dinners.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: tender and lean you can swap for thighs but expect slight cooking time changes
• Light brown sugar: adds subtle sweetness that balances the heat without overpowering
• Butter: enriches the sauce and keeps the chicken moist while cooking
• Cayenne pepper: provides the signature Nashville heat start mild and increase if you like it spicier
• Garlic powder: adds a savory aromatic note that deepens flavor
• Onion powder: complements the garlic and rounds out the spice blend
• Salt: enhances all other flavors try kosher or sea salt for best results

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics and Season the Chicken:

Spray a 6quart crock pot with nonstick cooking spray. Place chicken breasts inside the pot. Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar garlic powder onion powder cayenne pepper and salt on top of the chicken to coat thoroughly.

Add Butter and Cook Low and Slow:

Lay slices of butter evenly over the seasoned chicken. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. There is no need to add liquid because the chicken will release its own juices keeping it moist.

Shred the Chicken:

Once cooked use two forks to shred the chicken inside the crock pot. This should be effortless due to the tender texture. For an even easier approach use an electric hand mixer to shred the chicken right in the pot if you have a ceramic insert. Cover and keep the chicken warm while preparing the sauce.

Prepare the Nashville Hot Sauce:

In a small saucepan combine butter brown sugar cayenne pepper garlic powder onion powder and salt. Place over medium heat and whisk constantly to prevent burning. Once the sauce simmers remove it from the heat.

Assemble and Serve:

Add shredded chicken to hamburger buns and drizzle with your desired amount of the hot sauce. Serve with pickles and thin slices of white onion for an authentic Nashville experience.

One of my favorite moments was serving this at a family cookout where everyone went back for seconds and asked for the recipe.

Storage Tips

Store leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can freeze cooked chicken for up to three months. When reheating warm gently to avoid drying out the meat. The sauce can be stored separately and reheated to maintain its texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for richer flavor but may need additional cooking time. If you don’t have brown sugar white sugar plus a touch of molasses works in a pinch. Adjust cayenne pepper depending on your spice tolerance or replace it with your favorite hot sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve on toasted hamburger buns with pickles and sliced white onions for a traditional Nashville hot chicken sandwich. Try adding coleslaw or a cool cucumber salad to balance the heat. This shredded chicken also works great in wraps or over a leafy green salad.

This slow cooker take on Nashville hot chicken delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s perfect for game day or a simple weeknight meal.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Is the shredded chicken spicy?

The chicken balances sweet, savory, and mild heat. The sauce adds spiciness, which you can adjust on the side.

→ How can I increase the heat level?

Doubling cayenne pepper or adding your preferred hot sauce will boost the spiciness.

→ What sides go well with this dish?

Pickle chips and sliced white onion complement the flavors well, especially on sandwiches.

→ Why does the sauce separate when cooled?

The sauce separates as it cools; warming it gently and whisking helps keep it combined.

→ Can I mix the sauce directly into the shredded chicken?

Yes, you can toss the sauce with the chicken or serve it on the side to control flavor intensity.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

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