There’s something magical about letting your slow cooker do all the work while your home fills with the smoky-sweet aroma of something incredible on the way. This Slow Cooker Honey Chipotle Chicken is just that—magic. A recipe that reminds me of summers spent at my abuelita’s home in Jalisco, where flavors danced boldly and meals were made with love and time.
This dish has it all: juicy chicken infused with smoky chipotle peppers, sweet golden honey, and just enough zing to make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re serving it on a warm corn tortilla, atop a summer salad, or stuffing it into sliders for your next backyard BBQ, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Table of contents
Slow Cooker Honey Chipotle Chicken
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Mixing Bowl
- Forks for Shredding
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp adobo sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil optional, for extra richness
Instructions
- Place the chicken thighs or breasts into the slow cooker. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, tomato sauce, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and olive oil.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and let it soak in the sauce for an additional 10-15 minutes on warm.
- Serve hot with tortillas, over salads, or in buns. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
Notes
Why You’ll Love The Slow Cooker Honey Chipotle Chicken
- Effortless Cooking: Toss everything into the slow cooker and walk away.
- Incredible Flavor: A perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy.
- Versatile: Use it in tacos, burritos, bowls, salads, or even on nachos!
- Summer Vibes: Light, flavorful, and perfect for warm-weather meals.
Ingredients of Slow Cooker Honey Chipotle Chicken
- 2 lbs (about 1 kg) boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from the chipotle can)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (fresh is best)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for extra richness)
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
Equipment Needed
- Slow Cooker (Crock-Pot style)
- Mixing bowl
- Forks for shredding
- Serving tongs
Step-by-Step Instructions
🔥 Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs or breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
🌶️ Step 2: Make the Honey Chipotle Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, vinegar, lime juice, tomato sauce, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and olive oil.
This sauce is where the magic happens—smoky chipotle heat balanced with honey’s mellow sweetness and a splash of citrus zing!
🕒 Step 3: Pour and Cook
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Cook on:
- Low for 6–7 hours OR
- High for 3–4 hours
The chicken will become incredibly tender and infused with all the rich flavors.
🍴 Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the pot. Let it soak in the juices for another 10–15 minutes on warm.
🌿 Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the shredded chicken with warm tortillas, over rice bowls, or inside sandwich buns. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or even a dollop of crema or guacamole.
Tips for Best Results
- Adjust the heat: Use just 1 chipotle for a milder dish, or go wild with 3 for bold spice lovers.
- Use thighs: Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender, perfect for slow cooking.
- Double the batch: This freezes beautifully! Store extras for a quick taco night.
Serving Ideas for Summer
- 🌮 Tacos: Top with pickled red onions, avocado, and cotija cheese.
- 🥗 Salad Bowl: Serve over greens with grilled corn, black beans, and creamy lime dressing.
- 🍞 Sliders: Serve on mini brioche buns with crunchy slaw.
- 🌽 Street Corn Pairing: This chicken + elote (Mexican grilled corn) = summer bliss.
Make It a Meal: What to Serve With It
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
- Chilled Watermelon Agua Fresca
- Grilled Pineapple Salsa
- Spicy Black Bean Salad
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.
Reader Favorite Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely. Thighs are more tender, but chicken breasts work just as well if you prefer leaner meat.
Is this dish very spicy?
It has a mild to moderate spice. You can easily control the heat by using fewer or more chipotle peppers.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Make it a day ahead — the flavors become even deeper overnight.
Can I freeze the leftover Honey Chipotle Chicken?
Definitely. It freezes beautifully! Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
What are the best ways to serve this chicken?
This chicken is super versatile! Use it in tacos, salads, rice bowls, sliders, quesadillas — or even in a spicy chicken wrap.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Honey Chipotle Chicken is a must-make dish that brings the soul of summer and the heart of Mexican comfort food together in one dish. Sweet, spicy, and irresistibly tender, it’s proof that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. Just a few pantry staples, a slow cooker, and a little patience—and you’ll be feasting like it’s fiesta time.
I hope you love this recipe as much as my family and I do! 🌞