Honey Chipotle Crockpot Chicken Recipe

This tender, sticky Honey Chipotle Crockpot Chicken Recipe is made with chicken breasts, honey, and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and ready in 4 hours and 10 minutes. The meat becomes so soft that it effortlessly falls apart when you pull it with two forks. I always keep a batch of this in my fridge for quick tacos and rice bowls during busy weeks.

What Makes This Version Different

Most slow cooker chicken recipes end up tasting watery or bland by the time they finish cooking. I prefer a thick sauce to coat the meat and intensify the sweet and spicy flavors.

Initially, I made the mistake of adding too much chicken broth, which completely washed out the honey glaze. Now, I rely strictly on the moisture from the chicken itself and the thick honey adobo mixture.

Jump to Recipe

Honey Chipotle Crockpot Chicken Recipe Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1/3 cup honey
• 3 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

How To Make Honey Chipotle Crockpot Chicken Recipe

1. Mix the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, chopped chipotle peppers, ketchup, garlic, vinegar, cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Coat the chicken: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot and pour the honey chipotle sauce evenly over the top.
3. Cook the chicken: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Shred and serve: Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, return it to the crockpot to toss in the warm sauce, and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

• Control the heat: Use fewer chipotle peppers if you prefer a milder flavor, or keep the seeds in for an extra spicy kick.
• Avoid overcooking: Check the chicken at the earliest time mark to prevent it from drying out and becoming tough.
• Thicken the glaze: If the leftover liquid is too thin, simmer it in a saucepan for five minutes before tossing the shredded chicken back in.

What To Serve With Honey Chipotle Chicken

This sweet and spicy chicken pairs perfectly with warm flour tortillas and a crunchy cabbage slaw for easy tacos. You can also serve it over a simple bowl of cilantro lime rice and black beans for a filling weeknight dinner.

How To Store

Keep leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. You can also freeze the shredded chicken in its sauce for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work perfectly in this recipe. They have a slightly higher fat content, which keeps them incredibly juicy during the long cooking time.

Is this recipe very spicy?

It has a moderate kick from the adobo peppers. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more honey or reducing the amount of chipotles.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

You can cook this on high pressure for 15 minutes followed by a 10-minute natural release. Make sure to add a splash of chicken broth to prevent the burn warning.

Nutrition

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Total Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
• Protein: 34 g