Hey there, foodies! If you’re like me and always on the hunt for a recipe that’s easy, full of flavor, and makes the whole family happy, this Crockpot Honey Chipotle Chicken is for you. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy, and guess what? Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting!
Looking for the perfect combination of sweet and spicy to spice up your dinner table? This Crockpot Honey Chipotle Chicken is your answer! Whether you’re searching for easy chicken dinner ideas, delicious chicken crockpot recipes, or crowd-pleasing chicken appetizers, this recipe checks all the boxes. With tender, slow-cooked chicken swimming in a flavorful sweet and spicy sauce, it’s a must-try for any night of the week.
From cozy fall dinners to meal-prepped Crockpot chicken dinners, this dish fits right in. You’ll love how versatile it is – serve it in Crockpot Chipotle Chicken Bowls, as a slow cooker chicken appetizer, or as part of a comforting family meal. Plus, it’s beginner-friendly, making it one of the easiest Crockpot recipes you’ll ever try.
Check out more recipes:
- Easy Crockpot Honey Chicken Recipe
- Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
- Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe
- Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe
- Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Easy Crockpot Honey Chicken Wings
- Crockpot Honey Barbecue Chicken Recipe
- Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe
Packed with bold flavors of honey chipotle, this dish transforms into melt-in-your-mouth shredded chipotle chicken perfect for tacos, sliders, or even salads. If you’ve been searching for chicken slow cooker recipes, chipotle chicken slow cooker ideas, or hearty slow-cooked meals, this is the recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Let’s get cooking!
I made this on a busy school night, and let me tell you – my kids cleaned their plates! Even my youngest, who’s not a fan of “spicy stuff,” loved it because the honey tones down the heat. Let’s dive in and make this dish together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- So Simple: Just mix, dump, and let your crockpot work its magic.
- Big Flavors: Smoky chipotle peppers + sweet honey = a combo you can’t resist.
- Great for Leftovers: This chicken tastes even better the next day, perfect for meal prep.
- Versatile: Serve it with rice, stuff it in tacos, or slap it on a bun – it’s delicious every way!
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (use less if you want it mild, more if you like it hot!)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lime (optional for serving)
- Fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken with a bit of salt and pepper. Don’t go overboard – the sauce is gonna bring all the flavor you need.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Grab your blender or food processor and toss in the chipotle peppers, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, smoked paprika, and cumin. Blend it all up until smooth. If you like a chunky sauce, you can skip blending and just stir it up.
Step 3: Pour and Cook
Put the chicken in your crockpot. Pour that amazing sauce over the top, making sure the chicken is covered. Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Tip: If you’re in a rush, cooking on high works, but low and slow makes the chicken extra tender.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, grab two forks and shred it right in the crockpot. Let the shredded chicken sit in the sauce for another 10-15 minutes to soak up all that flavor.
How to Serve It
Here’s where you can get creative! This chicken is so versatile.
- Over Rice: Spoon it over white or brown rice for a cozy dinner.
- Tacos: Stuff it in tortillas and top with avocado slices, chopped onions, and a squeeze of lime.
- On Buns: Make a pulled chicken sandwich – add some slaw for a crunch.
- With Veggies: Serve with roasted sweet potatoes or a simple salad.
Fareeha’s Real-Mom Tip 💡
As a mom of three (with at least one picky eater in the mix), I love how flexible this recipe is. When my son said it was “a little too spicy,” I added a dollop of sour cream to his plate, and he gobbled it up. Oh, and make a double batch – it freezes beautifully for those nights you just can’t cook.
Storing and Reheating
- Fridge: Leftovers can chill in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Pop it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm it on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
FAQs About Crockpot Honey Chipotle Chicken
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can definitely use chicken breasts, but chicken thighs are recommended for this recipe because they stay juicier and more tender when slow-cooked. If using breasts, just keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out.
How spicy is this recipe?
The heat level depends on how many chipotle peppers you add. If you want a milder flavor, use just one chipotle pepper or remove the seeds. The honey helps balance the heat, but it still has a nice kick!
Can I make this recipe in a regular pot if I don’t have a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make this recipe in a regular pot. Just bring everything to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook covered for about 1-2 hours, or until the chicken is tender.
How long can I store leftover Crockpot Honey Chipotle Chicken?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
This Crockpot Honey Chipotle Chicken is the perfect addition to your collection of easy chicken dinner ideas and Crockpot recipes. Whether you’re looking for a chicken appetizer, a slow-cooked meal, or a hearty dinner that the whole family will love, this recipe hits all the marks. With its sweet and spicy sauce, it’s a delicious spin on chipotle chicken crockpot meals, offering the right balance of heat and sweetness.
Crockpot Honey Chipotle Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts boneless, skinless
- 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce use less if you want it mild, more if you like it hot!
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lime optional for serving
- Fresh cilantro optional for garnish
Instructions
Season the Chicken
- Start by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper. Don’t overdo it – the sauce will bring in plenty of flavor!
Make the Sauce
- In a blender or food processor, combine chipotle peppers, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, smoked paprika, and cumin. Blend until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier sauce, you can skip the blender and stir it all together instead.
Pour and Cook
- Place the chicken in the crockpot and pour the sauce over the top, making sure the chicken is fully covered. Cover the crockpot and set to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Tip: If you’re in a hurry, cooking on high works well, but cooking on low makes the chicken extra tender.
Shred the Chicken
- Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred it right in the crockpot. Let the shredded chicken sit in the sauce for 10-15 minutes to soak up all that amazing flavor.
From Crockpot honey chicken recipes to shredded chipotle chicken crockpot options, this dish can be used in so many ways. You can enjoy it in Crockpot Chipotle Chicken Bowls, pile it on tacos, or serve it alongside a simple salad for a perfect dinner fall recipe.
If you’re a fan of slow cooker chicken shredded, this recipe gives you the best of both worlds – a rich, flavorful sweet shredded chicken that’s ideal for meal prep or making Crockpot chicken dinners. Whether you’re in the mood for honey chipotle chicken crockpot or just looking for a new way to enjoy slow-cooked chicken, this dish will become a staple in your kitchen. So next time you’re searching for Crockpot chicken ideas, give this Honey Chipotle Crockpot Chicken a try – it’s sure to impress!
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