Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken

This Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken is tender, smoky, and packed with bold flavor. Juicy shredded chicken is simmered in a rich, spiced chipotle sauce and cooked to perfection in the slow cooker. Ideal for tacos, burritos, rice bowls, or meal prep, this easy and satisfying recipe is a must-try for any home cook who loves bold, smoky flavors with a touch of sweetness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chipotle chicken is effortless to prepare and delivers maximum flavor with minimal work. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, creating fall-apart tender meat infused with a spicy, smoky sauce. With a mix of chipotle peppers, honey, salsa, and aromatic spices, this dish strikes the perfect balance between heat and sweetness. It’s great for feeding a crowd or stocking your fridge with delicious leftovers you can use all week.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 cups yellow onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• ½ cup diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce

• ½ cup red salsa (fire-roasted if possible)

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• Juice of 1 lime

Directions

1. Place the diced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.

2. Lay the chicken breasts on top of the onion and garlic mixture.

3. In a mixing bowl, combine chipotle peppers, salsa, honey, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Whisk until well mixed.

4. Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring the chicken is fully coated.

5. Cover and cook on high for 3–4 hours or low for 5–6 hours. Every 1–2 hours, flip the chicken or spoon sauce over it to keep it moist.

6. When the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.

7. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mix it thoroughly with the sauce, and let it sit on the warm setting for 10–15 minutes to absorb all the flavors.

8. Serve hot over rice, in tacos, burritos, or bowls.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 6 plates.
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours on high or 5 hours on low
Total Time: 8 hours 8 minutes

Variations

• Spicier Version: Add extra chipotle peppers or a pinch of cayenne for more heat.

• Sweet & Smoky: Increase honey for a slightly sweeter flavor balance.

• Citrus Twist: Add orange juice along with lime for a citrusy note.

• Add Veggies: Mix in corn, bell peppers, or black beans in the last hour of cooking.

• Make it Creamy: Stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese at the end for a creamy chipotle chicken variation.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze, portion the chicken into freezer-safe bags or containers and store for up to 3 months.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth, or microwave until hot. For best texture, avoid overcooking during reheating.

FAQs

What can I serve with chipotle chicken?

It pairs perfectly with rice, tortillas, beans, grilled veggies, or inside tacos and burritos.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work well and will be just as tender and flavorful.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The spice level is moderate. You can adjust it by using fewer chipotle peppers or adding extra if you want more heat.

Do I need to sear the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker?

No searing is necessary. The slow cooker will tenderize the chicken without that step.

Can I cook this on the stovetop or in the oven?

Yes, you can simmer it covered on the stove or bake in a covered dish at 325°F for about 2 hours.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

It should shred easily with two forks. If it resists, it needs more time.

What’s the best salsa to use?

Fire-roasted red salsa adds depth, but any mild or medium salsa will work.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but be sure not to overfill the slow cooker. You may need to slightly increase cooking time.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all ingredients (especially salsa and chipotle peppers) are gluten-free.

Can I make this into a freezer meal?

Yes. Combine all ingredients in a freezer bag and freeze raw. Thaw overnight, then cook in the slow cooker as directed.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken is a flavorful and flexible dish that’s easy enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. With its smoky heat, tender texture, and bold seasoning, it’s perfect for meal prepping or serving up family-style. Whether tucked into tacos or spooned over rice, this dish delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.