Slow Cooker Smoky Chipotle Chicken
Tender, juicy chicken slow-cooked in a rich, smoky chipotle sauce — perfect for tacos, rice bowls, sandwiches, or meal prep.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
2 lbs (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the can)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, balances heat)
Juice of 1 lime
½ cup chicken broth
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Base
Place chopped onion and garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2️⃣ Add the Chicken
Lay the chicken pieces over the onions.
3️⃣ Make the Sauce
In a bowl, mix crushed tomatoes, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, brown sugar, lime juice, and chicken broth.
Stir well until combined.
4️⃣ Slow Cook
Pour the sauce over the chicken.
Cover and cook:
Low: 6–7 hours
High: 3–4 hours
The chicken should be tender and easy to shred.
5️⃣ Shred & Finish
Remove chicken and shred with two forks.
Return shredded chicken to the sauce and stir.
Cook an additional 15–20 minutes on low to absorb flavor.
🌮 Serving Ideas
Tacos with avocado and cilantro
Burrito bowls with rice and black beans
Stuffed into quesadillas
Over mashed potatoes
On toasted sandwich buns
🔥 Tips
For extra smokiness, add ½ teaspoon liquid smoke.
Want it creamier? Stir in 2 tablespoons cream cheese at the end.
Freezes well for up to 3 months.
Slow Cooker Smoky Chipotle Chicken
