Slow Cooker Maple Chipotle Chicken Breasts Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best flavor, use real maple syrup — the kind that comes from trees, not the pancake syrup made with corn syrup. The difference is noticeable in the finished dish.

If you like extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or a minced chipotle pepper in adobo along with the chipotle powder. For a thicker sauce, you can remove the chicken when it is done and simmer the sauce on the stovetop for a few minutes to reduce it, then pour it back over the chicken.

This recipe is endlessly adaptable. You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts — they will be even more forgiving and juicy. If you use thighs, the cooking time may be slightly shorter, so check for doneness at the lower end of the range.

You can also add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lime juice at the end to brighten the sauce, or stir in a tablespoon of butter for extra richness.

Variations

• Spicy Maple Chicken Tacos: Shred the cooked chicken and serve in warm corn or flour tortillas with a little shredded cabbage, crumbled queso fresco, and a squeeze of lime. The sweet-spicy sauce doubles as a taco sauce.
• Maple Chipotle Chicken Sandwich: Pile the shredded chicken onto brioche buns with a spoonful of the onions and sauce. Top with a crunchy slaw or pickled red onions for contrast.
• Chicken and Rice Bowl: Serve the chicken over a bed of steamed rice, with black beans, corn, avocado, and a drizzle of extra sauce. A sprinkle of cilantro and a wedge of lime complete the bowl.
• Maple Chipotle Chicken Salad: Slice the chicken and serve warm over mixed greens with roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, and a light vinaigrette. The maple chipotle sauce adds a bold dressing.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The chicken stays moist in the sauce.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water, or in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring occasionally.

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, and the chicken will stay moist thanks to the sauce.

To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a little extra broth or water, or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring the sauce occasionally. The chicken can also be shredded and used in tacos, sandwiches, or salads.

You can assemble the entire dish the night before: place the chicken in the slow cooker, scatter the onions, sprinkle the chipotle, and pour over the maple mixture. Cover and refrigerate the insert overnight.

In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker and cook as directed. This makes the recipe even more convenient for busy days. Just be sure to add a little extra cooking time if starting from cold.

Serving ideas

Serve the maple chipotle chicken over steamed rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. It also pairs well with roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or warm cornbread. For a fun twist, shred the chicken and pile it into tortillas with a little slaw and a squeeze of lime for tacos. The sweet-spicy sauce is versatile enough to work in many dishes.

Garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions, if you like, though the video does not show them. The dish is satisfying on its own, but a little freshness can brighten the rich flavors. Leftovers are great the next day, cold or reheated. The chicken also makes excellent sandwich filling or a topping for nachos.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Maple Chipotle Chicken Breasts

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

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tsp chipotle powder
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup chicken broth

Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the slow cooker. Scatter the sliced red onion over the top, then sprinkle the chipotle powder evenly over the chicken and onions.
2. In a small bowl, stir together the maple syrup and chicken broth. Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken and onions.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. Check the internal temperature of the thickest part of a chicken breast with an instant-read thermometer. It should read at least 165°F (74°C).
5. Turn off the slow cooker. Let the chicken rest in the sauce for 5 minutes before serving. Use tongs to lift the chicken breasts onto plates, then spoon the onions and sauce over the top.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

350

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

30 g

Fat

9 g

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