recipes

This Honey Barbecue Slow-Cooked Chicken Will Keep you Warm This Winter

This honey barbecue slow-cooked chicken simmered in a sweet, smoky BBQ sauce is an easy-to-make recipe that will bring you warmth and flavour this winter.

Contributed By

OT Staff

November 19, 2025

Honey Barbecue Slow-Cooked Chicken recipe

Honey Barbecue Slow-Cooked Chicken recipe

If you are looking for a winter recipe that feels indulgent and full of depth, yet asks for almost no work from you, then this honey barbecue slow-cooked chicken is for you.

 The sweetness of honey, the smokiness of barbecue sauce, the tang of vinegar, and the savoury punch of garlic and soy come together to create a glossy, well-rounded sauce that clings beautifully to the meat. Slow cooking transforms the chicken into something incredibly tender, allowing the various flavours to seep deep into every bite.

The long, gentle cooking process melts the chicken until it’s juicy and pull-apart soft, making it perfect to serve whole, shredded, or tucked into sandwiches.

What makes this recipe truly shine is its versatility. You can keep it mild or elevate it with heat from hot sauce or chipotle for a more bold, smoky kick. A quick broil at the end adds that irresistible charred finish — a step that takes just minutes but brings the dish to restaurant-level flavour.

Spoon it over creamy mashed potatoes or herbed rice, pair it with roasted vegetables and coleslaw, or shred it to create sliders, tacos, burrito bowls, or even meal-prep lunches. A suggestion would be to ensure some leftover which only gets better as it gives the meat its time to absorb all the flavours.

Quick Info
Prep Time 20 min
Cook Time 50 min
Total Time 70 min
Servings 4
Difficulty medium
Ingredients
  • Chicken (thighs or breasts work better) - 800 g
  • Salt to taste - 0 g
  • Black pepper - 1 tsp
  • Paprika - 1 tsp
  • Garlic powder - 1 tsp
  • Onion powder - 1 tsp
  • Barbecue sauce (choose smoky or spicy based on preference) - 0.5 cup
  • Honey - 0.25 cup
  • Soy sauce - 1 tbsp
  • Apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice) - 1 tbsp
  • Worcestershire sauce - 1 tbsp
  • Hot sauce (optional but great for balance) - 2 tsp
  • Minced garlic cloves - 5 piece
  • Finley-chopped onion - 1 piece
Instructions
Step-1
1. Prep the Chicken Pat the chicken dry. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Optional: Sear the chicken in a hot pan for 2–3 minutes each side for deeper flavour.
Step-2
2. Make the Sauce In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, worcestershire, hot sauce,garlic, onion. Taste and adjust sweetness/acidity as needed.
Step-3
3. Slow Cook Place the seasoned chicken in your slow cooker. Pour the honey–BBQ sauce all over. Cook on: low for 6–7 hours ad high for 3–4 hours. Halfway through, spoon some sauce over the chicken for a sticky finish.
Step-4
4. Caramelize (Optional but should try) Once cooked: Transfer chicken to a baking tray, brush with extra sauce, and broil/grill for 5–7 minutes until slightly charred and caramelized.
Recipe
Prep Time 20 min
Cook Time 50 min
Total Time 70 min
Servings 4
Difficulty medium
Ingredients
  • Chicken (thighs or breasts work better) - 800 g
  • Salt to taste - 0 g
  • Black pepper - 1 tsp
  • Paprika - 1 tsp
  • Garlic powder - 1 tsp
  • Onion powder - 1 tsp
  • Barbecue sauce (choose smoky or spicy based on preference) - 0.5 cup
  • Honey - 0.25 cup
  • Soy sauce - 1 tbsp
  • Apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice) - 1 tbsp
  • Worcestershire sauce - 1 tbsp
  • Hot sauce (optional but great for balance) - 2 tsp
  • Minced garlic cloves - 5 piece
  • Finley-chopped onion - 1 piece
Instructions
Step-1
1. Prep the Chicken Pat the chicken dry. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Optional: Sear the chicken in a hot pan for 2–3 minutes each side for deeper flavour.
Step-2
2. Make the Sauce In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, worcestershire, hot sauce,garlic, onion. Taste and adjust sweetness/acidity as needed.
Step-3
3. Slow Cook Place the seasoned chicken in your slow cooker. Pour the honey–BBQ sauce all over. Cook on: low for 6–7 hours ad high for 3–4 hours. Halfway through, spoon some sauce over the chicken for a sticky finish.
Step-4
4. Caramelize (Optional but should try) Once cooked: Transfer chicken to a baking tray, brush with extra sauce, and broil/grill for 5–7 minutes until slightly charred and caramelized.
Note:
  • Double the ingredients when cooking for more people to ensure everyone gets a fluffy stack.
  • Swap out eggs for mashed bananas, yogurt, or flaxseed mix if you're vegetarian or allergic to eggs.
  • Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for extra soft and airy pancakes.
  • Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking to get fluffier pancakes.
  • Cook on medium-low heat to avoid burning while ensuring even cooking.
  • Add vanilla extract or cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor.
  • Top with fresh fruits, nuts, or honey for a delicious and healthy twist.
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