Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken is an effortless way to enjoy tender, flavorful chicken with a sweet and spicy kick. Perfect for busy days, this recipe combines bold spices and a sticky honey glaze that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Ingredients

• 6 to 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 to 3 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 to 3 teaspoons cornstarch

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the chicken thighs in a lightly greased 6-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle the cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt evenly over the chicken.
2. Step 2: Drizzle the ketchup and honey over the seasoned chicken.
3. Step 3: Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
4. Step 4: Carefully pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan. Mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and add to the saucepan. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently, until thickened.
5. Step 5: Shred the chicken using two forks, then pour the thickened sauce back over the shredded meat. Stir gently to combine before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control the heat level according to your preference.
• Use chicken breasts instead of thighs if you prefer leaner meat; just reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid drying out.
• Try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar to the sauce for a tangy twist.
• Serve over rice, quinoa, or with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. The sauce may thicken in the fridge, so stir in a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen it.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken thighs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs, but increase the cooking time by about 1 to 2 hours on LOW to ensure the chicken cooks thoroughly.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The spice level depends on how much cayenne pepper you add. Start with 2 teaspoons for a mild heat and increase to 3 teaspoons if you prefer it spicier. You can always add more hot sauce when serving as well.

Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 63 reviews

This Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken recipe combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with a perfectly balanced spicy and sweet sauce. Slow-cooked to perfection and tossed in a thickened hot honey glaze, it’s an easy and flavorful dish ideal for an effortless weeknight dinner or meal prep.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 6 to 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Spices

• 2 to 3 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Sauce

• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 to 3 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cold water (for cornstarch slurry)

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken and seasoning: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a lightly greased 6-quart slow cooker. Evenly sprinkle the cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt all over the chicken to ensure a flavorful base.
2. Add sauce ingredients: Drizzle ketchup and honey over the seasoned chicken pieces. This combination will create a sweet and spicy glaze as it cooks.
3. Slow cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the LOW setting for 4 to 6 hours. This slow cooking process will make the chicken extremely tender and infused with all the spices and honey flavors.
4. Make the thickened sauce: Once cooking is finished, carefully pour all the cooking liquid into a saucepan. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Add this slurry to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and stir frequently until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Shred the chicken and combine: Use two forks to shred the cooked chicken inside the slow cooker. Pour the thickened hot honey sauce back over the shredded chicken and gently stir to coat everything evenly. Serve warm.

Notes

• For less heat, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it entirely.
• Use chicken breasts instead of thighs if preferred, but cooking time may vary.
• The sauce can be thickened to your liking by adjusting the amount of cornstarch slurry.
• This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, hot honey chicken, spicy honey chicken, easy slow cooker recipes, chicken thighs recipe