Slow Cooker Honey Lime Chicken
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.
Get ready to let your slow cooker work its magic and create a mouthwatering chicken dish that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors. This slow cooker honey lime chicken is a game-changer, delivering tender, juicy chicken infused with the rich sweetness of honey and the vibrant zest of fresh lime.
It’s a versatile recipe that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, allowing you to elevate your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes with minimal effort. Spice up your taco night and serve it with flour tortillas or corn tortillas, along with some pico de gallo. Add it as a flavorful part of nachos or burrito bowls, along with some sour cream, cheese, and cilantro. Or top off a fresh, vibrant lettuce salad along with some guacamole. No matter how to use it, this honey lime chicken is the perfect addition.
The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, infusing the chicken with layers of flavor while you go about your day. By the time dinner rolls around, you’ll have a pot full of this delicious chicken that’s ready to be shredded and enjoyed in a variety of ways. You’ll love how effortlessly this recipe comes together, transforming simple ingredients into a dish that’s bursting with sweet, tangy goodness that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients to Make Slow Cooker Honey Lime Chicken
- BONELESS SKINLESS CHICKEN BREASTS
- SALSA VERDE
- HONEY
- LIME JUICE
- CHILI POWDER
- SALT
- ONION POWDER
- GARLIC POWDER
- SMOKED PAPRIKA
- CUMIN
How to Make Salsa Verde Honey Lime Chicken
Start making this slow cooker honey lime chicken by placing the chicken in your slow cooker.
Now, you are going to add some salsa verde to a bowl. You can pick your level of heat here. For my family, I use the mild version. Then, you add some honey and lime juice. You can adjust the sweet factor to your liking. We love the full sweet flavor, so we use 1/2 cup of honey.
Next comes the spices. Add some chili powder, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cumin to the bowl. Then, whisk everything together and pour the mixture over the chicken. Let this cook on low for 6-7 hours on low or high for 2-4 hours until fully cooked.
Once it’s cooked, you will want to remove most of the liquid from the slow cooker. I set some aside in a bowl, just in case I need more. The rest I get rid of. Then I shred the chicken. You want the chicken nice and moist but not too liquidy. If it needs more liquid, feel free to add some back in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe with frozen chicken?
It’s best to use thawed chicken for this recipe to ensure even cooking and avoid potential food safety issues. If you only have frozen chicken, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using it in the slow cooker.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the honey lime chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the slow cooker on low or in the microwave until heated through. The flavors often deepen and become more robust after sitting for a day.
Is there a way to make the sauce less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the amount of honey or add more lime juice to balance the sweetness. You can also add some soy sauce or apple cider vinegar for more tanginess.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, honey lime chicken freezes well. Let the chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently before serving. This works well for meal prep.
What can I serve with honey lime chicken?
Honey lime chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, such as rice, quinoa, or couscous. For a complete meal, you can also serve it with steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or tortillas. Try serving it with coconut rice or a mango salsa for a more tropical twist.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Honey Lime Shrimp
- Tasty Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas
- Honey Lime Fruit Salad
- Honey Lime Grilled Chicken
Slow Cooker Honey Lime Chicken
Real Mom Kitchen
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup mild salsa verde use medium for more spice
- ⅓-½ cup honey I use 1/2 cup
- ½ cup lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- In abowl, whisk together all of the remaining ingredients. Pour mixture over the chicken. Cook on high for 2-4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours or until chicken is tender enough to shred.
- Remove chicken to a cutting board, and allow to rest 5 minutes before shredding. There will be a lot of liquid remaining in the slow cooker. I remove most of it but save some of it in a bowl.
- Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and add more of the reseved liquid if needed. Cook on low for an additional 20-30 minutes to absorb some of the liquid/juices. Drain excess liquid before serving or use tongs to remove shredded chicken. Serves 12 depending on how you are using it.
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe is adapted from Carlsbad Cravings.
