Name: Slow Cooker Honey Lemon Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 breasts); 3 tablespoons corn starch; 2 tablespoons canola oil; ½ cup liquid honey; ⅓ cup low sodium chicken broth; ¼ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (about 1 lemon, zest before juicing!); 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons corn starch; Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

If you’re looking for a dish that’s effortless yet absolutely bursting with flavor, you’re in the right place. This Slow Cooker Honey Lemon Chicken Recipe is one of those magic meals that comes together with minimal effort but delivers maximum tasty payoff. I love this recipe because it’s tender, juicy, and marries the perfect balance of sweet and tangy in every bite. Plus, it’s a total lifesaver when you want a home-cooked meal without standing over the stove for hours.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-Off Cooking: Just brown the chicken, toss everything in the slow cooker, and let it do the work while you relax or tackle other tasks.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The honey adds gentle sweetness while fresh lemon brightens it up with tang, making it irresistible.
Versatile Meal: This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or even roasted veggies, making it super adaptable to what’s in your kitchen.
Family Friendly: It’s a recipe that got my family asking for seconds, especially on busy weeknights when time is tight.

A white plate holds a bed of fluffy white rice as the base layer, with tender pieces of golden-brown chicken covered in glossy orange glaze arranged on top. The chicken pieces are irregular in shape and coated evenly in sauce that glistens under the light. On the upper left side of the plate, three thin lemon slices are placed neatly, along with a small sprig of fresh green parsley for garnish. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and part of a blue cloth napkin is visible in the bottom left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

All of the ingredients here come together to make a sauce that’s just as lovely as the chicken itself. Each component works in harmony to create that sticky, glossy coating we all crave. Grab fresh lemons for that punchy brightness and opt for low sodium soy and broth to keep flavors balanced and not too salty.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender white meat that cooks up juicy in the slow cooker, perfect for soaking up the honey lemon sauce.
Corn Starch: You’ll use it twice — first to coat the chicken for a nice sear, then in the sauce to help it thicken beautifully.
Canola Oil: Great for high-heat browning without overpowering flavors.
Honey: The natural sweetener that makes this dish so comforting and delicious.
Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Adds depth and keeps the sauce from tasting too sharp.
Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice: Brings vibrant acidity to balance sweetness — make sure to zest before juicing to save that extra flavor boost!
Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Just a touch for umami and to round out the sauce’s flavor profile.
Salt: To season just right without overwhelming.
Black Pepper: Adds a subtle kick and warmth.
Lemon Zest: (Optional but highly recommended) For an extra punch of fresh lemon aroma and zing.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to mix things up now and then with this Slow Cooker Honey Lemon Chicken Recipe. It’s super flexible, so you can adjust it to fit your mood or dietary needs without losing that amazing balance that makes it shine.

Make it Spicy: I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce to give it a subtle kick my family loves.
Use Thighs Instead of Breasts: For a juicier, richer flavor, swap in boneless skinless chicken thighs — they hold up nicely in the slow cooker.
Low-Sugar Version: Try half the honey and substitute the rest with a sugar-free syrup to lower sweetness without sacrificing flavor.
Herb Boost: Add fresh thyme or rosemary during cooking for an herbal twist that’s lovely with lemon.

How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Lemon Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Brown the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about ½ to ¾ inch cubes. Toss them in a large zip-top bag with 3 tablespoons of cornstarch — this helps the chicken brown nicely and gives your sauce a silky finish later. Heat canola oil in a skillet over high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed so each piece gets a beautiful golden crust. This step adds a ton of flavor and texture — trust me, it’s worth the extra moment.

Step 2: Assemble the Sauce and Slow Cook

Once all the chicken is browned, transfer it to your slow cooker (I use a 2.5 to 4-quart model for this recipe). Next, whisk together the honey, chicken broth, lemon juice, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until completely combined. Pour this luscious mixture over the chicken — it’ll look thin at first but don’t worry, it thickens as it cooks. Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 3 hours or high for about 1½ to 2 hours. The chicken will come out tender and infused with that enchanting honey-lemon goodness.

Step 3: Final Touches

When your slow cooker timer goes off, give the sauce a good stir and taste – this is the moment to tweak things if you want more salt, pepper, or sweetness. If you love lemon as much as I do, adding the zest of one lemon at this stage really amps up the citrus flavor and freshness. Serve immediately or keep warm until you’re ready.

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Honey Lemon Chicken Recipe

Don’t Skip Browning: This little extra step adds amazing flavor and improves the texture — your sauce won’t be as rich otherwise.
Use Fresh Lemon: Fresh juice and zest are game changers here — bottled lemon juice just can’t compete.
Adjust Sweetness Last: The honey flavor intensifies while cooking, so always taste and add a touch more at the end if needed instead of upfront.
Don’t Overcook Chicken: Keep an eye on your slow cooker’s settings and timing; chicken can dry out if cooked too long. I’ve found 3 hours on low or about 2 hours on high works perfectly.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Lemon Chicken Recipe

The dish shows a white plate filled with a base layer of light brown cooked rice, with well-separated grains forming a circular bed. On top, there is a thick layer of glossy golden-brown chunks of chicken coated in a shiny sauce, creating a rich, smooth texture with some small flecks of lemon zest scattered over. To the side near the top right edge of the plate, three thin lemon slices rest against the rice and a small green parsley sprig adds a fresh touch. The plate sits on a surface with a white marbled texture and there is a blue fabric napkin slightly visible in the upper left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of sprinkling a little fresh chopped parsley or cilantro on top — it adds a lovely color contrast and fresh note that cuts through the sweetness. A few thin lemon slices on the side also look pretty and reinforce that citrus vibe we love.

Side Dishes

My go-to side is simple steamed jasmine rice or fluffy egg noodles – both soak up the sauce so beautifully. For something lighter, roasted asparagus or steamed green beans make great greens that complement the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like to plate the chicken on a bed of lemon-infused quinoa and garnish with edible flowers for a pop of color and elegance. It always sparks compliments, and the slow cooker method keeps me free to chat instead of fussing in the kitchen.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken stays tender, and the sauce thickens slightly, which I actually find even better for reheating. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing to keep things fresh.

Freezing

This recipe freezes like a dream. I portion out the chicken and sauce in freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you want a quick dinner, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently — no need to make sauce from scratch again!

Reheating

I prefer reheating this gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally so the sauce loosens up and doesn’t stick to the pan. Microwave works in a pinch, but you might want to add a splash of water or broth to keep it saucy and avoid drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Slow Cooker Honey Lemon Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and tend to stay juicier and more flavorful in the slow cooker. Just adjust your cooking time slightly if needed — thighs often need a tad longer or a lower temperature to become perfect.
Is it necessary to brown the chicken before slow cooking?

While you could skip browning to save time, I highly recommend it. Browning adds rich color and a depth of flavor that makes the sauce taste richer and more complex. It also improves the texture, giving the chicken a slight crust that’s lovely in the final dish.
Can I make this Slow Cooker Honey Lemon Chicken Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the soy sauce for gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Check your broth and cornstarch to ensure they’re gluten-free as well. The flavors will still be just as fantastic.
How thick should the sauce be when the Slow Cooker Honey Lemon Chicken is done?

The sauce should be thick enough to coat the chicken pieces, glossy and luscious but not overly gelatinous. If it seems thin, you can cook uncovered on high for an extra 10-15 minutes to reduce it or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water and cook a bit longer to thicken.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead and refrigerate before slow cooking?

Yes, you can brown the chicken and mix up the sauce a day in advance, then combine them in the slow cooker right before cooking. Just keep the chicken and sauce separate in the fridge until ready to cook for best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Honey Lemon Chicken Recipe has quickly become one of my kitchen staples for busy weeknights. It’s reliable, packed with flavor, and feels like a special treat despite being so simple. I love how the slow cooker frees me up while still serving my family a meal they crave again and again. Give it a try — I promise you’ll be smiling when you taste that sweet, tangy, tender chicken that comes straight from your slow cooker!