Slow-Cooker Burnt Honey Barbecue Chicken

Name: Slow-Cooker Burnt Honey Barbecue Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-486011H9M21S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 cup apple cider; ½ cup honey; ¼ cup tomato paste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 ½ teaspoons kosher salt

Published: June 10, 2025

by Lucille

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: Simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time make this dish perfect for any cook.
Rich Flavor: The burnt honey adds a unique sweetness that elevates traditional barbecue chicken.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it on its own, with rice, or in sandwiches for delicious leftovers.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy throughout the week; it’s great reheated!
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Ideal for gatherings or family dinners—everyone will love it!

Tools and Preparation

To create this flavorful slow-cooker meal, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that make the process easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Slow cooker
Cast-iron skillet
Saucepan
Measuring spoons
Cutting board
Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, ensuring tender chicken with deep flavor.
Cast-iron skillet: Perfect for searing chicken, which enhances flavor through caramelization.
Saucepan: Needed for making the rich honey sauce that will finish off the dish beautifully.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 tablespoon sweet Hungarian paprika
2 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
½ teaspoon dry mustard
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon garlic powder
8 (4-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken thighs

For Cooking

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 cup finely chopped yellow onion (from 1 onion)
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic (from 3 cloves)

For the Sauce

1 cup apple cider
¼ cup tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon dark chili powder
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

For Finishing Touches

½ cup honey
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Slow-Cooker Burnt Honey Barbecue Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a small bowl, combine paprika, 1 ½ teaspoons of kosher salt, dry mustard, thyme, and garlic powder. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken thigh.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear four chicken thighs for about 4–6 minutes per side until they are nicely browned. Transfer them to a 6-quart slow cooker. Repeat this process with the remaining oil and chicken thighs.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Add chopped onion and garlic; cook for about 6–8 minutes until softened. Remove from heat and stir in apple cider, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, Dijon mustard, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and the remaining salt. Pour this sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker and turn to coat well.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Cover your slow cooker and cook on HIGH for about 2 hours and 30 minutes or on LOW for 4–5 hours until the chicken is tender enough to shred easily with two forks.

Step 5: Finish with Burnt Honey Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring honey to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to low heat and cook for an additional 5 minutes while stirring occasionally until it reaches a deep amber color. Stir in fresh lemon juice and apple cider vinegar before pouring it over shredded chicken in the slow cooker. Mix well to combine all flavors.

Now you’re ready to serve your delicious Slow-Cooker Burnt Honey Barbecue Chicken! Enjoy!

How to Serve Slow-Cooker Burnt Honey Barbecue Chicken

Serving slow-cooker burnt honey barbecue chicken is a breeze, and it can elevate your meal with delightful pairings. The tender, flavorful chicken pairs well with various sides and toppings, allowing you to create a memorable dining experience.

On a Bun

Pulled Chicken Sandwiches: Serve the shredded chicken on soft buns for a hearty sandwich. Top with coleslaw for extra crunch.
Slider Bites: Use small slider buns for bite-sized sandwiches, perfect for parties or gatherings.

With Fresh Salads

Tangy Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw balances the sweetness of the barbecue sauce.
Mixed Greens Salad: Toss mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette for a fresh complement.

As Tacos

Barbecue Chicken Tacos: Fill corn tortillas with shredded chicken and top with avocado and cilantro for a tasty twist.
Taco Bowls: Layer rice, beans, and shredded chicken in bowls for a satisfying meal.

With Rice or Grains

Fluffy Rice: Serve the chicken over steamed white or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Quinoa Bowl: For a healthier option, use quinoa as a base and add the barbecue chicken on top.

How to Perfect Slow-Cooker Burnt Honey Barbecue Chicken

To ensure your slow-cooker burnt honey barbecue chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these tips.

Bold seasoning: Make sure to rub enough seasoning over the chicken thighs to enhance their flavor.
Sear properly: Achieve a nice golden crust by searing each side of the chicken thighs. This adds depth to your dish.
Cook low and slow: If possible, use the low setting on your slow cooker. It helps develop flavors better than cooking on high.
Check for tenderness: The chicken should be fork-tender when done. If not, give it more time in the slow cooker.
Use quality honey: Opt for high-quality honey for that deep amber color and rich flavor in your burnt honey sauce.
Add acidity at the end: Incorporating lemon juice and apple cider vinegar into the honey sauce brightens the overall flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Slow-Cooker Burnt Honey Barbecue Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your slow-cooker burnt honey barbecue chicken can round out your meal beautifully. Here are some excellent options to consider.

Cornbread: This sweet bread complements the savory flavors of barbecue perfectly and is easy to prepare alongside your main dish.
Baked Beans: A classic barbecue side that adds heartiness and sweetness; consider using homemade or canned varieties.
Grilled Vegetables: Season seasonal vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers; they add color and nutrition to your plate.
Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad provides a cool contrast to the warm barbecue chicken; try adding herbs for freshness.
Macaroni and Cheese: Velvety mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with barbecue flavors, making it a favorite comfort food choice.
Cola Glazed Carrots: Sweet carrots glazed with cola bring an unexpected twist that complements the burnt honey flavor beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow-Cooker Burnt Honey Barbecue Chicken, avoiding common pitfalls can lead to a more delicious outcome.

Skipping the searing step: Searing the chicken helps lock in juices and adds flavor. Don’t skip this step for a richer taste.
Overcrowding the slow cooker: If you add too many chicken thighs at once, they may not cook evenly. Ensure there’s enough space for the heat to circulate.
Ignoring the cooking time: Cooking for too long can dry out the chicken. Stick to the recommended times for best results.
Not tasting the sauce: The honey barbecue sauce should be balanced. Taste it before serving and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Using old spices: Fresh spices enhance flavor significantly. Check your spice cabinet and replace any outdated items.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Consume within 3–4 days for best quality.

Freezing Slow-Cooker Burnt Honey Barbecue Chicken

Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
Keep frozen for up to 3 months for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating Slow-Cooker Burnt Honey Barbecue Chicken

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in a covered dish and heat until warmed through, about 20–25 minutes.
Microwave: Place chicken in a microwave-safe container. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add chicken with a splash of water or broth. Heat until warmed, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Slow-Cooker Burnt Honey Barbecue Chicken that might help you enhance your cooking experience.

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, bone-in chicken can be used; however, adjust the cooking time as it may take longer to become tender.

What can I substitute for honey?

You can use maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer a different sweetener.

How do I make this recipe spicier?

To add extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper or include diced jalapeños in the sauce mixture.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken overnight with spices before cooking it in the slow cooker.

Final Thoughts

Slow-Cooker Burnt Honey Barbecue Chicken is not only flavorful but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adjusting spices or adding vegetables to suit your taste. This dish is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, making it a great addition to your recipe collection. Give it a try, and enjoy its delightful flavors!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card