Shredded Nashville Hot Chicken

Crock Pot Shredded Nashville Hot Chicken turns the fiery flavor of Nashville hot chicken into a tender, easy crock pot meal. This version ditches the breading and frying for slowcooked chicken breasts seasoned with a sweet and spicy rub, finished with a buttery homemade sauce that you can control for heat. It’s a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy that’s fun to eat on sandwiches, wraps, or even salads.

I first made this recipe on a chilly weekend and my family was hooked instantly. It’s become my goto when I want a flavorful, comforting meal without the fuss of frying.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: cooks evenly and shreds easily choose fresh or thawed for best cooking results
• Light brown sugar: adds gentle sweetness that balances the heat pick a soft, moist variety
• Cayenne pepper: provides the signature Nashville heat use more or less to adjust spice level
• Garlic powder and onion powder: build savory depth opt for fresh powders for stronger flavor
• Salt: enhances all the flavors
• Butter: key for richness in the sauce and keeping chicken moist use unsalted to control saltiness

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics and Season the Chicken:

Spray a sixquart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Lay the chicken breasts flat inside. Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt all over the chicken pieces. Split the butter into slices and distribute it on top of the chicken breasts.

Slow Cook the Chicken:

Cover the crock pot and set it to low for five to six hours or high for three to four hours. The chicken will slowly cook in its own juices, becoming tender enough to shred easily without adding extra liquid.

Shred the Chicken with Juices:

Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken right in the crock pot. If your slow cooker has a ceramic insert, you can use an electric hand mixer on low speed to shred faster. Stir the shredded chicken together with the flavorful cooking juices, then cover and keep warm while you prepare the sauce.

Prepare the Nashville Hot Sauce:

In a small saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Warm the mixture over medium heat, whisking continuously to prevent burning. When the sauce just begins to simmer, remove it from the heat. The sauce should be warm, glossy, and well combined.

Assemble and Serve:

Pile the shredded chicken onto hamburger buns or slider rolls. Drizzle the warm Nashville hot sauce over the top. Serve extra sauce on the side so everyone can add as much heat as they like.

One of my favorite things about this dish is the buttery, spicy Nashville hot sauce. It has just the right amount of kick but also a touch of sweetness that keeps every bite balanced. I remember the first time I served this at a neighborhood potluck and people couldn’t believe it was crock pot chicken instead of something fried.

Storage Tips

Store leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce can be stored separately or mixed with the chicken. For longer storage, freeze the chicken for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently in a skillet or microwave.

Ingredient Substitutions

Chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts if you prefer a slightly richer, juicier texture just increase cooking time slightly. Use honey instead of brown sugar for a floral sweetness though the flavor will be less deep. For a nondairy butter substitute use plant-based margarine or coconut oil, but expect a slight change in richness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve on classic hamburger buns with white onion slices and pickle chips for a true Nashville experience. Wrapped in a tortilla with shredded lettuce and shredded cheddar cheese for a southwestern twist. Toss shredded chicken over a crisp green salad with ranch or blue cheese dressing for a light, spicy lunch option.

Enjoy this easy, bold Nashville hot chicken made in the crock pot. It’s perfect for sandwiches, meal prep, or feeding a crowd.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Is the shredded chicken spicy?

It has a balanced mix of sweet, savory, and a mild spicy kick. You can control heat by adding Nashville hot sauce separately.

→ How can I increase the sauce's heat?

Double the cayenne pepper or add your favorite hot sauce to make it spicier.

→ What sides complement this chicken?

Try pickles and sliced white onions for an authentic Nashville flavor experience.

→ Why does the sauce sometimes separate?

The sauce may separate when cooling; reheat gently and whisk to recombine.

→ Can I mix the sauce into the shredded chicken?

Yes, you can toss the sauce with the chicken instead of serving it on the side for more flavor throughout.

→ 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.