Thank you so much for being here—I truly mean that. 💛 Recipes like this Crockpot Honey Barbecue Chicken are the reason I love slow cooking so much. From the very first bite of Crockpot Honey Barbecue Chicken, you get tender, juicy chicken coated in a sticky-sweet, smoky sauce that tastes like you worked way harder than you did. This is one of those recipes that saves busy days and still makes dinner feel exciting.
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Overview of Crockpot Honey Barbecue Chicken
Crockpot Honey Barbecue Chicken is a simple slow cooker recipe made with tender chicken simmered in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce sweetened with honey. The result is fall-apart chicken that’s perfect for sandwiches, rice bowls, salads, or straight from the plate—anything but boring!!
Reasons to Love This Crockpot Honey Barbecue Chicken
- Just a few pantry ingredients
- Sweet, smoky, and savory flavor
- Perfect for meal prep
- Family-friendly and kid-approved
- Versatile for multiple meals
What Does Crockpot Honey Barbecue Chicken Taste Like?
This dish is rich, sweet, and slightly tangy with a smoky barbecue flavor balanced by honey. The chicken becomes incredibly tender as it slow cooks, soaking up every drop of sauce. It’s sticky, flavorful, and downright addictive.
Benefits of This Recipe
- High-protein, filling meal
- Easy hands-off cooking
- Budget-friendly
- Great for leftovers
- Perfect for feeding a crowd
Ingredients for Crockpot Honey Barbecue Chicken
You’ll need:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Tools You’ll Need
- Slow cooker (4–6 quart)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spoon
- Tongs or forks for shredding
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
- Chicken thighs for extra juiciness
- Spicy barbecue sauce for heat
- Brown sugar instead of honey (slightly richer flavor)
- Hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a kick
- Gluten-free soy sauce if needed
How to Make Crockpot Honey Barbecue Chicken Step by Step
Step 1: Add the Chicken
Place the chicken in the bottom of the crockpot in an even layer.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Pour and Cover
Pour the honey barbecue sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Step 5: Shred or Serve Whole
Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks, or serve the pieces whole and spoon extra sauce over the top.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
What to Serve with Crockpot Honey Barbecue Chicken
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Try serving it with:
- Steamed rice or buttered noodles
- Mashed potatoes
- Corn on the cob
- Coleslaw
- On sandwich buns or sliders
Tips for the Best Crockpot Honey Barbecue Chicken
- Use thick barbecue sauce for best texture
- Cook on LOW for the most tender chicken
- Shred and let sit 10 minutes to soak up sauce
- Taste and adjust sweetness at the end
- Double the sauce if serving over rice
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Crockpot Honey Barbecue Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove. This recipe freezes well for up to 2 months.
General Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–5 hours
- Total Time: About 5 hours
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty: Easy
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Honey Barbecue Chicken
Can I use frozen chicken?
For best results, thaw chicken first for even cooking.
Is this recipe very sweet?
It’s balanced, not overly sweet—but you can reduce honey if preferred.
Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely! Add hot sauce, cayenne, or red pepper flakes.
Can I cook it longer?
Yes, but LOW is best to prevent dryness.
Is this good for sandwiches?
It’s perfect for sandwiches and sliders!
Conclusion
Crockpot Honey Barbecue Chicken is one of those no-fail recipes you’ll come back to again and again. It’s sweet, savory, unbelievably easy, and fits into so many meals throughout the week. Whether you shred it, slice it, or serve it straight from the crockpot, it never disappoints.