Looking for the ultimate dinner idea that’s easy, flavorful, and family-approved? This Honey Lemon Chicken Crockpot recipe is here to save the day! Perfect for those busy weeknights, this dish checks all the boxes for the best chicken breast crockpot recipes.
Whether you’re a fan of chicken breast slow cooker meals or need new chicken dinners to spice up your menu, this crock pot lemon chicken recipe is a winner. It’s one of those effortless crockpot dump recipes where you throw everything in, set it, and come back to a deliciously tender meal.
Whether you call it honey lemon chicken crockpot, lemon honey chicken, or simply delicious, this recipe is sure to inspire your next chicken recipe. So, if you’re looking for easy dinner ideas slow cooker enthusiasts will love, give this one a try—you won’t regret it!
Why This Recipe is a Winner
- So Simple: You don’t need fancy ingredients. Just grab some chicken, honey, and lemons, and you’re halfway there.
- Hands-Free Cooking: Your crockpot does the heavy lifting while you handle everything else—like homework meltdowns or laundry piles!
- Delicious Every Time: The flavors are a perfect mix of zesty lemon and sweet honey, with a hint of garlic that ties it all together.
What You’ll Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you like dark meat)
- 1/3 cup honey (local honey works great!)
- Juice of 2 lemons (plus the zest if you’re feeling fancy)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium if possible)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or plain water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken
First, grab your chicken. Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. I like using thighs because they stay super juicy, but breasts work fine too—just keep an eye on the cooking time so they don’t dry out.
Step 2: Mix the Magic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, and chicken broth. This is where the magic happens! It smells so good already, you’ll want to taste it. (Go ahead, I won’t tell!)
Step 3: Assemble in the Crockpot
Place the chicken pieces in your crockpot. Pour the honey-lemon sauce all over the chicken, making sure it coats everything. You can even lift the chicken pieces to let some sauce sneak underneath.
Step 4: Cook It Up
Cover the crockpot and let it do its thing! Cook on low for 6-7 hours if you’ve got time, or high for 3-4 hours if you’re in a rush. The chicken will be tender, juicy, and practically falling apart.
Step 5: Optional: Thicken the Sauce
Okay, this step is extra but worth it. If you want that sauce to be thicker and glossy, take about 1/2 cup of the liquid out of the crockpot. Mix it with a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water) and heat it on the stovetop for a few minutes until it thickens. Pour it back over the chicken for extra yumminess.
How to Serve Lemon Honey Crockpot Chicken
- With Rice: The sauce is SO good over fluffy jasmine or basmati rice.
- With Veggies: I like to roast some broccoli or carrots on the side for a pop of color.
- In Sandwiches: Shred the chicken and pile it onto buns with a little extra sauce. Instant sandwiches!
- Over Mashed Potatoes: Because mashed potatoes and that sweet-tangy sauce? Yes, please.
Tips
- Don’t Skip the Zest: The lemon zest adds such a fresh, bright flavor. Trust me, it’s worth it!
- Watch Your Chicken: Breasts can dry out if overcooked, so check them at the low end of the cooking time.
- Garnish Like a Pro: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or some lemon slices on top makes it look super fancy.
FAQs About Lemon Honey Crockpot Chicken
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work wonderfully in this recipe. Just ensure they’re boneless and skinless for even cooking.
What if I don’t have fresh lemons?
No fresh lemons? No problem! You can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. For zest, you can skip it or use a pinch of dried lemon peel for flavor.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Cooking on low heat is key for tender chicken. Also, make sure there’s enough liquid in the crockpot. Thighs are less likely to dry out than breasts if overcooked.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan on the stove or microwave, adding a little extra sauce to keep it moist.
Check out more crockpot 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
- Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
- Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken Wings
Lemon Honey Crockpot Chicken
Lemon Honey Crockpot Chicken
Ingredients
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Mix the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, and chicken broth.
Assemble in Crockpot
- Place the chicken in the crockpot and pour the honey-lemon mixture over it, ensuring all pieces are coated.
Cook
- Low: 6-7 hours High: 3-4 hours
Optional
- For a thicker sauce, remove some liquid, mix with a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water), and heat on the stovetop until thickened. Pour back over the chicken.
Notes
- For juicier chicken, use thighs instead of breasts.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon slices for extra flavor and presentation.
If you’re on the hunt for simple yet delicious chicken breast crockpot recipes, this Honey Lemon Chicken Crockpot dish is a must-try. It’s perfect for those busy nights when you need a hands-free meal that delivers on flavor. Whether you’re new to chicken breast slow cooker dishes or a seasoned fan of crockpot dump recipes, this is the kind of chicken recipe that makes dinner a breeze.
The balance of sweet honey and zesty lemon creates a memorable dish that’s ideal for cozy family chicken dinners or even meal prep for the week. Plus, this crock pot lemon chicken is a versatile favorite that works with rice, veggies, or even sandwiches. If you’re looking for new dinner ideas slow cooker fans will rave about, this slow cooker honey lemon chicken is the answer.
Try this lemon honey chicken recipe today and enjoy the ease and flavor of one of the best crockpot lemon chicken recipes out there. Don’t forget to share how it turned out in the comments below—I’d love to hear your tweaks and ideas!
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