Aromatic Crockpot Honey Lavender Provençal Chicken Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper color and more intense flavor, you can sear the chicken breasts in a hot skillet for two minutes per side before placing them into the slow cooker.

This adds a layer of complexity from the Maillard reaction, although it is not strictly necessary for the recipe to succeed. If you choose this route, ensure the skillet is clean before proceeding.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken once cooked and transfer the liquid to a small saucepan on the stove. Boil the liquid over medium-high heat for 5 to 8 minutes until it reduces to a syrup-like consistency.

This extra step allows you to control the glaze thickness precisely before drizzling it over the plated chicken and sides.

Variations

• Citrus Zest Boost: Add the zest of one whole lemon during the layering phase to intensify the citrus notes. The essential oils in the zest provide a bright, fresh contrast to the sweetness of the honey.
• Garlic Lover's Version: Increase the garlic to 6 cloves and smash them slightly instead of mincing. This provides a milder, sweeter garlic flavor that permeates the sauce throughout the long cooking process.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of water to loosen the glaze.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the chicken has cooled to room temperature, but do not leave it out for longer than 2 hours before placing it in the fridge. This practice prevents the growth of harmful bacteria and ensures the quality of the meat remains high for subsequent meals.

This dish is excellent for make-ahead meal preparation. You can assemble all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before and store it in the refrigerator.

When ready to cook, simply place the insert into the base and turn it on. Note that you may need to add an extra 30 minutes to the total cooking time to account for the ingredients starting from a cold temperature.

Serving ideas

Serve the chicken hot, ideally over a bed of roasted fingerling potatoes or steamed green beans. These sides are perfect for soaking up the remaining honey-herb jus. Arrange the chicken pieces neatly on the plate and drizzle the reduced glaze generously over the top to ensure every bite is infused with the aromatic Provençal flavors.

Consider pairing this meal with a crisp, dry white wine that matches the one used in the sauce, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling.

The acidity in these wines complements the sweetness of the honey and the floral notes of the lavender, creating a cohesive dining experience that highlights the elegance of the French-inspired components.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Aromatic Crockpot Honey Lavender Provençal Chicken

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup wildflower honey
• 1 tbsp Herbes de Provence
• 1 pinch culinary lavender
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup white wine

Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts into the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the honey, Herbes de Provence, culinary lavender, lemon juice, garlic, and white wine over the chicken.
2. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 4 hours. Occasionally baste the chicken with the juices to ensure a consistent glaze as the liquid thickens.
3. Verify the chicken is cooked through by ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Shred or slice the chicken as preferred and serve with the reduced herb jus.

Contains: sulfites

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

28 g

Fat

6.5 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

25 g

Sodium

120 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.