Slow Cooker Honey Lime Shredded Chicken

Name: Slow Cooker Honey Lime Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 300 min
Total time: 310 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup honey; 1/4 cup chicken stock ((or water)); 2 limes ((juiced)); 6 cloves garlic ((minced)); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts ((roughly 4-5 chicken breasts))

This honey lime shredded chicken is an easy and delicious slow cooker recipe with only 6 ingredients and takes only 10 minutes to throw together. Use it on sandwiches, tacos, salads and more. Gluten-free, meal prep- and freezer-friendly.

When I cook chicken breasts in the slow cooker, I like to make sure it simmers in a delicious sauce. This Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken is a personal fave, as is this Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken. And I have a real soft spot for this slow cooker honey lime chicken because it is just so versatile!

tongs picking up Slow Cooker Honey Lime Chicken

This honey lime shredded chicken has just six simple ingredients and does not require sauteeing, which makes prep super duper easy.

Not only that, but you can enjoy your honey lime chicken straight from the slow cooker or enjoy it in a variety of meals. In fact, I have a meal prep plan + shopping list for you here!

Reasons you’ll ♡ this honey lime chicken

You need just 6 simple ingredients; no marinade is required!
There is no sautee step, so you can get it cooking quickly
It's delicious and extremely versatile- use it in various meals!
Super versatile! You can use this recipe to make honey-lime chicken thighs, or other proteins as well.

Recipe video

Watch the video below to see exactly how I prepped this slow cooker honey lime chicken. It’s so easy! You can find more of my recipe videos on my YouTube channel, or on Facebook.

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overhead view of ingredients required for honey lime chicken

Let's talk ingredients

chicken- we are using boneless skinless chicken breasts, but you could easily swap for 2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken thighs (increase the cook time to 4-5 hrs on low)
stock- use chicken stock or homemade bone broth
garlic- six cloves, but don't worry, this is not overly 'garlicky' in flavor
lime- juice two limes. Use fresh for the best flavor, but don't worry, bottled lime juice works as well. This is great served with lime wedges as well.
honey- for a touch of sweetness
salt- to bring out all the other flavors

slow cooker honey lime chicken ingredients in the slow cooker before cooking

Meal prep tips

This slow cooker honey lime chicken works amazingly well for meal prep. Here are some tips to get you cooking:

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big batch- this recipe makes 4-6 cups of shredded chicken, so it's good to have a plan to use it all up.
- Find a meal prep plan + shopping list for this recipe here!
- you can cut this recipe in half, but will need to cook it in a small (2.5 quart) slow cooker.
fast or slow- while this is written as a slow cooker recipe, you can also cook it in an Instant Pot or in the oven. Find directions on the recipe card.
storage- store your shredded chicken in a meal prep container in the fridge for up to 4 days or the freezer for up to 3 months
hack- bust out your electric hand mixer to shred your chicken breasts in seconds!

Find my favorite slow cookers, meal prep containers, and other kitchen equipment in my shop!

showing how to shred chicken with a hand mixer

Variations

This dish has so much flavor already, but you can add one tablespoon sriracha for a spicy version or garnish with red pepper flakes.
Garnish with cilantro to compliment that tart citrus tang and serve alongside cilantro lime rice for a fantastic burrito bowl.
Adding one teaspoon of chili powder and black pepper to taste gives a more intense, sweet, and savory version that makes amazing chicken tacos.

Recipe FAQ

Can I leave out the honey?

You will need some sweetener, maple syrup will work. However, if you need to cut carbs, I would advise looking for a low-carb sweetener instead (monk fruit is my fave).

Can I make this in the Instant Pot?

Yes, you sure can! Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a quick pressure release. Shred the chicken and toss in the glaze to serve.

Can I prepare this as a freezer crockpot meal?

Yes, this works great as a freezer crockpot meal. Simply combine all ingredients in a freezer bag, meal prep container, or reusable silicone bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before cooking as directed.

slow cooker shredded chicken in the crock pot

Use your crock pot honey lime chicken in

A close up of honey lime shredded chicken sandwich on a wood cutting board

More slow cooker chicken recipes

Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!

Slow Cooker Honey Lime Chicken

5 from 46 votes

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 5

Total Time: 5 10

Print Rate

This honey lime chicken is an easy and delicious base slow cooker recipe with only 6 ingredients and takes only 10 minutes to throw together. Use it on sandwiches, tacos, salads and more. Gluten-free, meal prep- and freezer-friendly.

6 cups

Ingredients

▢ ½ cup honey
▢ ¼ cup chicken stock (or water)
▢ 2 limes (juiced)
▢ 6 cloves garlic (minced)
▢ ½ teaspoon salt
▢ 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (roughly 4-5 chicken breasts)