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Easy Slow Cooker Chipotle Honey Shredded Chicken

slow cooker chipotle honey shredded chicken - featured image
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A flavorful and easy slow cooker recipe combining smoky chipotle peppers and sweet honey to create tender shredded chicken perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup honey (85 grams)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (120 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing)

Instructions

  1. Pat dry the chicken thighs or breasts and season both sides with salt, pepper, ground cumin, and smoked paprika.
  2. Optional: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  3. In a bowl, mix chopped chipotle peppers, honey, minced garlic, chicken broth, chopped onion, and lime juice until combined.
  4. Place the chicken in the slow cooker and pour the chipotle honey sauce evenly over it. Stir gently to coat the chicken.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fork-tender.
  6. If the sauce is too thin after cooking, remove the lid and cook on high for 15-20 minutes to thicken.
  7. Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks or meat shredders and mix well with the sauce.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or lime juice if needed.
  9. Serve warm in tacos, burrito bowls, salads, or sandwiches.

Notes

Searing the chicken before slow cooking adds flavor and locks in juices but can be skipped to save time. Adjust chipotle peppers to control heat level. Use fresh lime juice for best flavor. If sauce is thin after cooking, thicken by cooking uncovered on high for 15-20 minutes. Leftovers taste better after a day and can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, chipotle honey chicken, shredded chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, crockpot recipe, smoky chicken, honey chicken

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/easy-slow-cooker-chipotle-honey-shredded-chicken-recipe-for-perfect-weeknight-dinners/