Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken

This Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. It's such an easy and effortless way to cook flavorful (vs. bland) chicken every time! I will also show you the ideal cooking time to avoid overcooked Chipotle Chicken as well as the best way to shred chicken after slow cooking.

Tender and Flavorful Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken

The key to tender Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken is proper seasoning, layering flavors, and careful slow cooking for juicy, fall-apart results every time. No need for extra liquid because the chicken releases natural juices. This method yields juicy, flavorful chicken perfect for shredding and tacos.

To make sure that this Chipotle Chicken is flavorful and not bland, I used honey, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and smoked paprika in this easy slow cooker recipe.

You might also like Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs in Apricot Glaze

Essential Ingredients

• Chicken: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts is the real star of the show. You want something that gets super tender and shreds beautifully. Chicken breasts work great if you prefer leaner meat. It's all about that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Chipotle peppers in adobo (plus some of that sauce): The secret ingredient! These peppers bring a smoky heat, and you can totally make things as mild or spicy as you want. The adobo sauce is like liquid gold for chipotle chicken.
• Honey: Adds a sweet balance to the smoky, spicy flavors. Picture it kind of like a naturalflavor booster that makes your tacos taste even better.
• Cumin, smoked paprika and oregano powders: These are the flavor builders. They make everything smell amazing as the chicken cooks, and you don't have to chop a thing!
• Garlic: Use an entire head of garlic if you wish. Don't worry if you don't have the exact same number of cloves as I used. It doesn't have to be precise.
• Red salsa: Fire roasted red salsa is savory base of the sauce
• Lime juice: A little bit of acidity for balance
• Salt and pepper: Yep, you always need a little salt and pepper. Or use Homemade Chipotle Seasoning.

How to make Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken

This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients, measurements & instructions are in the recipe card below.

1. Make Chipotle Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, red salsa, honey, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper and lime juice.

2. Pile Everything In

Toss your onion, garlic and chicken into the slow cooker.

3. Pour The Sauce

Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure to cover all the chicken. No liquid needed-the chicken will take care of that as it cooks.

4. Cook It Low and Slow

Put the lid on, set it to low for 5-6 hours(or high if you're in a hurry), and let the slow cooker do all the work. You're waiting until the chicken is soft and shred-ready. Every 1-2 hours, either flip the chicken or spoon more sauce over the top.

5. Finish and Shred

Once the chicken is good and tender, grab two forks and pull it apart right in the pot. Return back to the slow cooker on the warm setting and mix the sauce into the chicken. Be sure to coat very well. Allow the chicken to absorb the sauce for 10-15 minutes.

How Do You Shred Chicken Perfectly After Slow Cooking?

• Allow cooked chicken to rest: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for 10-15 minutes still warm but not piping hot. Resting helps juices redistribute and locks in moisture, making shredding easier and less messy.
• Add some cooking liquid or broth back into the shredded chicken after shredding and toss gently. This retains moisture and enhances flavor for juicier results in recipes or storage.
• Two Forks: Hold the chicken steady with one fork and use the other fork to pull the meat apart gently. This method gives you control over shred size and keeps some chunkiness.

How to Achieve Tender Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken

• "Salt the chicken" overnight or at least a few hours in advance for melt in your mouth fall apart chicken.
• Add ingredients directly to the slow cooker-no sautéing required-and thoroughly coat the chicken in sauce.
• Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, checking for doneness early as chicken breast thickness varies.

Best Seasoning Tips for Maximum Chipotle Flavor

• Choose quality chipotle peppers in adobo and smoky spices: cumin, oregano, and especially smoked paprika.
• Add a touch of honey to balance chipotle heat and juice of fresh lime to enhance tenderness (lime tenderizes chicken).

Using Chicken Thighs vs. Breasts in Slow Cooker

• Breasts require careful timing in slow cookers to avoid drying out, but at the same time they are milder in flavor and firmer texture which is what I love about this slow cooker chipotle chicken recipe.
• Thighs are ideal for slow cooker meals because their fat and connective tissue break down slowly, keeping them moist and tender during 6-8 hours of low-heat cooking.

What Are Easy Toppings to Serve with Chipotle Honey Chicken?

I love to serve it with pickled onions, Sweet and Spicy Pickle Relish, diced avocado, Candied Jalapenos, sour cream, and lime wedges. These toppings add freshness, creaminess, and that ultimate "it" flavor that complements the spicy-sweet chipotle chicken beautifully.

Useful Kitchen Tools

• 8-quart slow cooker: I love that it automatically warms and that the cooking times can be adjusted in 30 minute increments.
• Silicone Solid Turner: Non Stick Slotted Kitchen Spatulas, high heat resistant and BPA Free.
• Stainless Steel Kitchen Tongs: With silicon tips to prevent scratching pans and they are high heat resistant.

Leftover Chipotle Chicken Ideas

• Use leftover chipotle chicken in Avocado Corn Salad or Nectarine Tomato Burrata Salad.
• Stir chipotle chicken into Spicy Sweet Potato Soup or Hungarian Goulash for fun and extra protein.
• Make quick chipotle chicken burrito bowls by pairing shredded chicken with cilantro lime rice, lemon green beans, sautéed peppers, and a creamy chipotle sauce.
• Add shredded chipotle chicken to tacos or quesadillas with fresh Pineapple Salsa, and Caprese Stuffed Avocados.

Smart Storage

• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days: After cooking, allow the chipotle chicken to cool completely at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes. Transfer the cooled chicken and any sauce to an airtight glass container to lock in moisture and prevent contamination. Pro tip: Always place stored chicken on the bottom shelf of the fridge to avoid cross-contamination with other foods.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months: Place shredded chipotle chicken and sauce into freezer-safe resealable bags or airtight containers. Flatten bags to maximize freezer space and enable faster thawing. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Pro tip: Avoid refreezing thawed chicken to preserve texture and taste.
• Reheat gently in the microwave or oven with a splash of broth to keep the meat moist.

More comforting crockpot recipes

• Slow Cooker Brisket in BBQ Sauce
• Slow Cooker Sweet Creamed Corn