Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken

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Don’t worry about dinner tonight! This Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken is so easy to make it pretty much takes care of itself. And can be frozen as part of meal prepping as well. We love making taco bowls with it along with quesadillas as well. It’s really versatile and only takes a few minutes of prep work and the slow cooker does the rest!

A white bowl filled with Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken with toppings around it.

Mexican food always sounds good to me, and I particularly love the flavor of smoky chipotle added to as many dishes as possible. It’s one of those flavors that simply never gets old. And maybe that’s because it’s so multidimensional, being simultaneously smoky/spicy/earthy/with a hint of sweetness hanging out there in the background.

This recipe is another super easy recipe along the lines of my Salsa Chicken or Salsa Beef which are pretty much the easiest slow cooker recipes ever. You basically place the meat in the slow cooker, top it with salsa, punch in the cooking time, and walk away.

And while I’m still rather fond of this method, I thought it might be time to shake things up a bit. So I still kept things simple with just a few ingredients in this recipe. And this means it’s so easy, I can have this in the slow cooker in just 10 minutes flat!

A white bowl filled with Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken with cilantro sprigs around it.

I thought about going all out with fresh onions and garlic for a minute before realizing that no one including myself really wants to have to sauté onions before putting them into the slow cooker.

That’s my biggest pet peeve about slow cooker recipes is that you have to cook half the recipe before placing them into the slow cooker to cook them some more. This seems like too much work and too many dishes for an extra easy meal to me. And why get the stove top dirty if you don’t have to?!

Ingredients & Substitutions

  • Chicken – this recipe calls for chicken breasts, but you can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs. They don’t take quite as long to cook, so I would start checking the slow cooker after about 4-5 hours on low.
  • Tomato paste – makes up the base of the sauce for this recipe which is flavored with the spices below.
  • Chicken stock – is to go along with the tomato paste for the base of the sauce. It also provides the right amount of liquid for super juicy shredded chicken.
  • Spices – as mentioned above, to make this recipe extra easy there are no fresh ingredients here, so the spices are key for flavor! I use a combination of onion & garlic granules along with cumin, chipotle powder, and some sea salt. You can add some of the salt at the beginning of the cooking time, then season to taste at the end to make sure it’s the perfect amount for you!
  • Honey – or maple syrup is just the right touch of sweetness that compliments the chipotle flavors so well. But if you can’t have any kind of sugar, it can be left out as well.

Now let’s make this Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken step by step

All the ingredients for the Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken prepped and sitting on a wooden cutting board.

Step 1: measure out all of the ingredients listed in the recipe.

All the ingredients for the recipe except the chicken being added to the slow cooker bowl.

Step 2: add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker bowl. As mentioned above you don’t have to add the salt at this time, you can season to taste at the end of the cooking time.

All the sauce ingredients for the recipe mixed together in a slow cooker bowl.

Step 3: mix together all of the ingredients you added to form a thick sauce.

You might find a whisk helpful here, but a spatula will work as well.

Adding the chicken breasts to the sauce in the slow cooker.

Step 4: add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker bowl.

Coating the chicken in the sauce before setting the slow cooker timer.

Step 5: Turn the chicken to evenly coat it in the sauce.

Set the slow cooker to 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high.

Tip: You may find your chicken cooks faster than the listed time. This is because the size of chicken breasts varies a lot. I’ve found it’s best to start checking around the 6 hour mark when you’re cooking on low.

Shredding the finished Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken with forks.

Step 6: When the chicken is done, pull it apart into shreds with 2 forks.

Stir the chicken into the sauce and serve!

Ways to serve this

FAQ’s

Can I use chipotle peppers in adobo sauce?

Yes, just omit the chipotle chili powder and use 1 + tablespoon chipotle in adobo to your taste. Also, be aware that not all brands of chipotle in adobo sauce are gluten-free if you have allergies.

How do you know when the slow cooker chicken is done?

It’s easy to tell if your chicken is done by trying to shred it. If it resists shredding it needs to cook some more. If it comes apart easily, you’re ready to go!

Storing leftovers

  • To Store – place any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat – in a small skillet/pan over medium heat stirring until warmed through.
  • To Freeze – place in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat.
A white bowl filled with Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken with cilantro and lime wedges around it.

Tips & Tricks

  • Every slow cooker I’ve ever used cooks at a different rate so you may find your chicken is done earlier or needs a bit more time. You’ll know the chicken is done when it shreds easily.
  • If you like more heat try adding a touch more ground chipotle chili powder. If you’re looking for more smoky flavor without added heat, try adding 2 tsp smoked paprika chili powder.
Up close shot of shredded chipotle chicken.

I hope you enjoy this shredded chipotle chicken as much as we have. It’s been a long-time favorite, and you’ll almost always find a package in my freezer for those ‘just in case I’m really frantic days!’.

And if you’re looking for some more easy slow cooker dinners, definitely let me know below what you’d like to see. If you do make this, I hope you’ll leave me a comment/rating below, I always love hearing from you here.

A white bowl filled with Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken with cilantro and lime wedges around it.

Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken


5 from 21 votes
Author: Kari Peters
Total Time 8 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Course: Dinner

INGREDIENTS  

  • 2 tsp ground chipotle chili powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp sea salt - or to your taste at the end of the cooking time
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 6 ounce can tomato paste - 10 Tablespoons
  • 1 cup low sodium chicken stock - or water
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts - 4
  • Optional: chopped fresh cilantro to sprinkle on top and lime wedges/ lime juice

INSTRUCTIONS 

  • Whisk/stir together the spices, sea salt if using, honey, and tomato paste in a slow cooker. Whisk in a small amount of chicken stock at a time until the mixture isn't quite as thick before adding the rest of the chicken stock. Whisk until completely combined.
  • Place the chicken breasts into the tomato/spice mixture and turn to coat both sides.
  • Top the slow cooker with the lid and set the program for 4 hours on high heat or 8 hours on low heat.
  • When the cooking time is done, use two forks to pull apart the meat into shreds.
  • Serve immediately with your choice of sides. Rice/cauliflower rice are great along with taco toppings, like tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sour cream, and grated cheese.
  • Otherwise if you’re not using some/all of the chipotle chicken right away, cool the meat completely in the refrigerator before packaging it into containers for the freezer.
  • Freeze and use within 3 months. To defrost the meat, get the container out of the freezer the night before and place it in the refrigerator to thaw over the next 24 hours.
Bonus StepIf you made this recipe, please leave a rating/comment. Ratings really help us continue to bring you high-quality free recipes. Rate This Recipe!

NOTES

If your chicken breasts are on the small side, (less than 8 ounces) start checking them for doneness at around the 6-hour mark if cooking on low heat.
If you like more heat try adding a touch more ground chipotle chili powder. If you’re looking for more smoky flavor without added heat, try adding 2 tsp smoked paprika chili powder.
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: Chipotle Chicken Slow Cooker, Chipotle Shredded Chicken, Shredded Chipotle Chicken, Shredded Chipotle Chicken Recipe

nutrition facts

Calories: 172kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 899mg | Potassium: 685mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 508IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Tag @get.inspired.everyday on Instagram or hashtag #getinspiredeveryday

This recipe was originally published in 2016 but has been updated with more information, tips, nutritional info, and new photos.

70 thoughts on “Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken”

  1. 5 stars
    This is the best recipe I have found for chicken in the slow cooker. And the tip for using your stand mixer to shred it is so good! It worked perfectly. All of your tips and suggestions are great, thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  2. 5 stars
    This recipe turned out AMAZING!! The only change I made was opening a can of jalapeños in vinegar and adding a splash of it to the mixture and a few sliced jalapeños to give it some heat. I put the chicken in quesadillas and everyone was asking for seconds. This is going in the regular rotation for sure!

    Reply
    • I’m so glad to hear you all enjoyed it! Both the jalapeno addition and the quesadillas sound amazing, thanks so much for writing with what you did, I always love the extra ideas!

      Reply
    • I’m so glad to hear you’ve been enjoying this one, it is one of my favorites to meal prep ahead and super tasty in lunches!

      Reply
  3. 5 stars
    My son gave this chicken a 4.8* review. He likes to leave room for improvement. 😉 Seriously, it was easy, he likes it, it’s going to make excellent burrito bowls later. I added a jalapeno (bc we needed to use or lose), a can of rinsed black beans, and a little extra honey to offset the jalapeno. It was ready too early, but I would definitely make it again! Thanks!

    Reply
    • I like his style, there’s always room for improvement but I also appreciate the star rating, they help so much! Also thanks so much for writing with your variations, it always helps others and gets me inspired to try something new with this recipe too!

      Reply
  4. I had already made gazpacho for tonight and …. what a great idea .. used the tomato, onion and spice slurry to oven bake boneless chicken thighs and serve over quinoa with sliced avocado on the side. Thanks for the idea!!

    Reply
  5. Hi Kari,
    Super excited to try this one out! I’m making it for 6 people tomorrow. How many chicken breasts should I use? Thanks!

    Reply
    • I usually figure on 4-6 ounces per person, but you may need more or less depending on the appetites of who you’re feeding and what you serve this with. I sure hope you enjoy it, and be sure and let me know how it goes, or if you have anymore questions!

      Reply
  6. In your picture of your ingredients there is something white that looks like mayo or something, but is not in the ingredients.. If you could clarify for me. looks amazing.

    Reply
    • The something white you see in the photos is the honey, it just isn’t clear like honey often is because it’s a local unfiltered honey I picked up at Farmer’s Market. I hope this clears things up, but be sure to let me know if you have anymore questions, and I sure hope you enjoy the recipe!

      Reply

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