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Home Method Slow Cooker Slow Cooker Chicken
5
/5
5 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

Slow Cooker Honey Lime Shredded Chicken

Dairy Free Dairy-Free Gluten Free Gluten Free Nut Free Nut Free Freezer Friendly Freezer Meal Prep Meal Prep
Jump to Recipe
By: Annie79 Comments
Posted: 3/6/20 Updated: 11/22/24

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

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.

Don't forget to pin this post to save it for later!

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:

  • 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

  • Thai Chicken Naan Pizza
  • Sesame Chicken Soba Noodle Salad
  • Shredded Chicken Sandwiches
A close up of honey lime shredded chicken sandwich on a wood cutting board

More slow cooker chicken recipes

  • 7 No Sautee Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
  • Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
  • Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs
  • Sticky Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

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

Honey lime chicken in the slow cooker with pair of tongs pulling some out

Slow Cooker Honey Lime Chicken

5 from 46 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Cook Time: 5 hours hrs
Total Time: 5 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
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)

Instructions 

  • Whisk together honey, stock, limes, garlic and salt in the bottom of a 4-6 quart slow cooker.
  • Add the chicken breasts and turn to coat in the sauce.
  • Cook on low for 3-4 hours, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Remove chicken from slow cooker and transfer to a bowl. Shred with two forks or an electric hand mixer.
  • Toss with cooking liquid and enjoy.

Storage

  • Before cooking- this recipe can be assembled as a freezer crockpot meal. Combine all ingredients in a freezer bag, meal prep container or reusable silicone bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before cooking as directed above.
  • After cooking- this recipe can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Tips:

Instant Pot- Cook this honey lime chicken in the Instant Pot on high pressure for 8 minutes followed by a quick pressure release. Shred the chicken and toss in the cooking liquid.
Oven- Cook this honey lime chicken in the oven in a covered baking dish at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Shred the chicken and toss in the cooking liquid.

Video

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1/2 cup, Calories: 175kcal, Carbohydrates: 18g, Protein: 23g, Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 58mg, Sodium: 207mg, Sugar: 18g
Author: Annie Holmes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican

© Sweet Peas & Saffron - Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.

Did You Make This?Don't forget to leave a review below, and tag us on Instagram using @SweetPeasAndSaffron or #sweetpeasandsaffron
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Reader Interactions

5 from 46 votes (39 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




  1. Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel says

    Posted on 8/26/15 at Posted on 8/26/15

    Oh my gosh, all these recipes look SO good! I have to say, I am especially drooling over that Thai chicken pizza!! Yum yum. What a great idea to cook once and use the chicken 3 ways!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 8/29/15 at Posted on 8/29/15

      Thanks so much, Jess! The pizza is SO flipping easy (and tasty).

      Reply
  2. Helen @ Scrummy Lane says

    Posted on 8/26/15 at Posted on 8/26/15

    I'm definitely needing some slow cooker inspiration for this coming winter, Denise... this definitely provides it! (although this is a great reminder that the slow cooker can be used in summer, too!)
    I love the fact that the base recipe is so so simple ... just my kind of thing. I bet the chicken freezes really well, too. Great series!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 8/29/15 at Posted on 8/29/15

      I have been using my slow cooker quite a bit this summer, it's great when you don't want to turn on the oven! The chicken does freeze, I should probably put that in the notes...thanks for the reminder 🙂 Thanks, Helen!

      Reply
  3. Leah | So, How's It Taste? says

    Posted on 8/26/15 at Posted on 8/26/15

    Love this! Let the slow cooker do the work, and it's great you've given us some recipes to use it so we don't get burned out on the same ol' thing. This is fantastic!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 8/29/15 at Posted on 8/29/15

      Exactly! I get so tired of the same thing over and over and over...thanks, Leah!

      Reply
  4. Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says

    Posted on 8/26/15 at Posted on 8/26/15

    Denise, love this post! I always make slow cooker chicken and then always have leftovers! love the pizza and the pulled chicken sandwich . . delicious!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 8/29/15 at Posted on 8/29/15

      I was just tired of these huge batches from the slow cooker sitting in the fridge, they can get pretty boring after awhile. Thanks, Alice 🙂

      Reply
  5. Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says

    Posted on 8/26/15 at Posted on 8/26/15

    OH YUM! I am absolutely loving this post with 3 in 1 recipes, Denise! That shredded chicken looks so tender and awesome! Burger sounds incredible for me! 🙂

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 8/29/15 at Posted on 8/29/15

      Thank-you so much, Anu!

      Reply
  6. Regina says

    Posted on 8/25/15 at Posted on 8/25/15

    How brilliant idea is this 3 in 1 series! Honey lime chicken sounds like something I wouldn't easily get tired of 🙂

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 8/29/15 at Posted on 8/29/15

      Thanks, Regina! I've had so much fun with this series 🙂

      Reply
  7. Michelle { A latte Food } says

    Posted on 8/25/15 at Posted on 8/25/15

    I love this series! Not only do I absolutely love honey and lime on my chicken, I'm all about these quick and easy recipes!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 8/29/15 at Posted on 8/29/15

      This is definitely easy, that's for sure 🙂 Thanks, Michelle!

      Reply
  8. Medha @ Whisk & Shout says

    Posted on 8/25/15 at Posted on 8/25/15

    Yay for three ways! Love this recipe and love all the variety!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 8/29/15 at Posted on 8/29/15

      I get bored so easily, I need lots of variety! Thanks, Medha!

      Reply
  9. marcie says

    Posted on 8/25/15 at Posted on 8/25/15

    These 3-in-one posts are great, Denise, and I love the sound of that chicken! All 3 of the dishes you created with it are mouth-watering, too! 🙂

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 8/25/15 at Posted on 8/25/15

      Thanks so much, Marcie!

      Reply
  10. Ashley | The Recipe Rebel says

    Posted on 8/25/15 at Posted on 8/25/15

    I just love how simple this recipe is! I am definitely going to need to try those Pulled Chicken Sandwiches!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 8/25/15 at Posted on 8/25/15

      It's SO easy....like 10 minutes total effort 😉 Thanks, Ashely!

      Reply
  11. Jess @ whatjessicabakednext says

    Posted on 8/25/15 at Posted on 8/25/15

    Love this slow-cooker chicken! Honey and lime makes a great flavour combo! Great recipe, cannot wait to try it out! 😀

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 8/25/15 at Posted on 8/25/15

      Thanks so much, Jess!

      Reply
  12. Jen | Baked by an Introvert says

    Posted on 8/25/15 at Posted on 8/25/15

    This honey lime chicken sounds fantastic. Love that it is made in a slow cooker!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 8/25/15 at Posted on 8/25/15

      Thanks, Jen! I love my slow cooker 🙂

      Reply
  13. Andrea @ Cooking with Mamma C says

    Posted on 8/25/15 at Posted on 8/25/15

    Well done, Denise! What a great, practical idea, and fun recipes. I love how you used leftovers in creative ways.

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 8/25/15 at Posted on 8/25/15

      Thanks, Andrea! I got tired of having a TON of leftover food from my crockpot, and it's pretty fun to come up with new ways to use them up!

      Reply
  14. Chicago Jogger says

    Posted on 8/25/15 at Posted on 8/25/15

    This sounds fantastic! I'm adding your recipe to my list to make this week. I love the flavors of honey + lime 🙂

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 8/25/15 at Posted on 8/25/15

      Thanks, Chicago Jogger 🙂 Honey and lime is just a match made in heaven 😉

      Reply
  15. Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says

    Posted on 8/25/15 at Posted on 8/25/15

    These are such great recipes, Denise! I've never made a honey lime chicken before, so I definitely need to try this out. Love that these are so easy, too!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 8/25/15 at Posted on 8/25/15

      Thanks, Gayle! They are all SUPER easy. That's how I roll, ha ha!

      Reply
  16. Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says

    Posted on 8/25/15 at Posted on 8/25/15

    Ahhh! I LOVE your 3-in-one posts, Denise! They seriously give me so much dinner inspiration and this one is no different! That shredded chicken looks so melt-in-your-mouth tender and perfect!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 8/25/15 at Posted on 8/25/15

      Thanks, so much, Sarah! I am having so much fun with these posts!

      Reply
  17. Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says

    Posted on 8/25/15 at Posted on 8/25/15

    I love using my slow cooker and this 3-in-1 post is genius!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 8/25/15 at Posted on 8/25/15

      Thanks, Christin! I was finding my slow cooker collecting dust earlier this summer and decided it was time to get it out to play 😉

      Reply
  18. Kristine | Kristine's Kitchen says

    Posted on 8/24/15 at Posted on 8/24/15

    These recipes are so creative! I love that I can make a batch of this chicken and then have 3 totally different meals to enjoy it. Those pulled chicken sandwiches with the corn and cabbage slaw look so yummy!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 8/25/15 at Posted on 8/25/15

      Thanks, Kristine! I love not having to worry about thawing out meat for dinner...so easy when it's already cooked 😉

      Reply
  19. Danielle says

    Posted on 8/24/15 at Posted on 8/24/15

    I absolutely love these 3 in 1 posts, Denise! This honey lime chicken sounds so great and that Thai Chicken Pizza is calling my name!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 8/25/15 at Posted on 8/25/15

      Thanks so much, Danielle!

      Reply
  20. Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says

    Posted on 8/24/15 at Posted on 8/24/15

    I love this 3-in-1 posts! I'm finding it so much more economical to stretch a meal by repeating an ingredient. Plus, less cooking for me! Which means more time sitting on the couch, haha! This honey lime chicken sounds delicious. Especially love that soba noodle salad.

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 8/25/15 at Posted on 8/25/15

      So true...I hate losing left-overs to the fridge monster and then having to throw them out. And yes to couch time, especially for you! Put your feet up!

      Reply
      • Kelly says

        Posted on 11/16/19 at Posted on 11/16/19

        5 stars
        This is great!! Made it this week, lasted several meals--ate it with noodles,mixed with a salad, and just by itself with quinoa. Tasted even better towards the end as it soaked up the juices. Will definitely make again. Thank you!

        Reply
        • Denise says

          Posted on 11/18/19 at Posted on 11/18/19

          Hi Kelly! I'm so happy you enjoyed the recipe! Thanks for reporting back.

          Reply
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