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Easy Dump-and-Go Crockpot Honey Lemon Chicken

dump-and-go crockpot honey lemon chicken - featured image

A simple and flavorful crockpot recipe featuring tender chicken thighs cooked in a tangy honey lemon sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup (85 grams) honey
  • Fresh lemon juice from 2 medium lemons (about 1/4 cup or 60 ml)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil (optional, for searing)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, soy sauce, chicken broth, and dried thyme. Set aside.
  2. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Optional: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken thighs 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Skip this step if short on time.
  4. Place chicken thighs evenly in the crockpot and pour the honey lemon sauce over them, coating each piece.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking.
  6. About 15 minutes before serving, remove chicken and pour the liquid into a small saucepan. Simmer on medium heat until sauce reduces and thickens slightly, then pour back over the chicken.
  7. Serve garnished with fresh lemon slices or chopped parsley, paired with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables.

Notes

Dry the chicken before seasoning to help it absorb the sauce better. Avoid lifting the crockpot lid during cooking to maintain temperature. Searing the chicken before slow cooking adds flavor but is optional. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. For paleo, use maple syrup instead of honey. Fresh lemon juice is preferred over bottled for best flavor. If sauce is too sharp, add a pinch of brown sugar. Adjust garlic quantity to taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chicken, honey lemon chicken, easy dinner, slow cooker recipe, weeknight meal, dump-and-go, healthy chicken recipe