Dump & Go Slow Cooker Honey Lemon Chicken — bright, comforting, and perfect for busy days

Sweet, tangy, and irresistibly glossy, this dump-and-go slow cooker honey lemon chicken is the ultimate no-fuss dinner that delivers big flavour with minimal effort. Tender chicken breast slowly simmers in a bright honey lemon soy sauce until juicy and perfectly glazed. This easy slow cooker chicken recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you want something comforting yet fresh and vibrant.

Honey lemon chicken is inspired by the classic sweet-and-sour flavour balance loved across many Asian-style dishes, where sweetness, acidity, and savoury depth work in perfect harmony. The result is a sauce that’s sticky, light, and deeply satisfying without being heavy. Lemon adds a refreshing brightness that lifts the richness of honey, while soy sauce grounds everything with umami. Nutritionally, this dish is high in lean protein and uses simple pantry ingredients with immune-supporting benefits from garlic and lemon. For best results, choose fresh lemon juice for clean acidity and evenly sized chicken cubes for uniform cooking. This dish stores beautifully, making it perfect for make-ahead lunches, and it also freezes well for future quick meals.


Key Ingredients & Their Roles

  • Chicken Breast → Lean protein that becomes tender and juicy when slow cooked gently.
  • Honey → Provides natural sweetness and creates a glossy, sticky glaze.
  • Lemon Juice → Adds brightness, balance, and cuts through the sweetness.
  • Soy Sauce → Brings salty umami depth to the sauce.
  • Garlic → Builds aromatic warmth and savoury backbone.
  • Black Pepper → Adds subtle heat and balance.
  • Sesame Seeds → Give nutty crunch and visual appeal.
  • Spring Onion → Fresh garnish that lifts the finished dish. 



Dump & Go Slow Cooker Honey Lemon Chicken Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes |Cook Time: 2 hours (High) or 4 hours (Low) |Total Time: Up to 4 hours 10 minutes |Cuisine Type: Asian-Inspired / Fusion |Calories (Estimate): 430–480 kcal per serving |Serving Size: Serves 4


πŸ“ Ingredients

  • 700 g (1.5 lb) chicken breast, cut into cubes

Honey Lemon Sauce

  • ⅓ cup (80 ml / 2.7 fl oz) honey
  • ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) fresh lemon juice
  • 3 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp minced garlic
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp corn starch

Garnish

  • Spring onion, sliced
  • Sesame seeds

To Serve

  • Hot steamed rice

πŸ‘¨‍🍳 Instructions 

  1. Prepare the Chicken
    • Cut chicken breast into even bite-sized cubes for even cooking. 

  2. Make the Sauce
    • In a small bowl, mix:
      • Honey
      • Lemon juice
      • Soy sauce
      • Minced garlic
      • Black pepper
      • Corn starch
    • Stir until well combined. 


  3. Load the Slow Cooker
    • Place the cubed chicken into the slow cooker.
    • Pour the honey lemon sauce over the chicken.
  4. Cook
    • Gently stir so all chicken is coated. 

    • Cover with the lid.
    • Cook on:
      • HIGH for 2 hours (about 95–98°C / 203–208°F)
      • LOW for 4 hours (about 85–90°C / 185–194°F)
    • Chicken should be tender and glazed in sauce. 

  5. Finish & Garnish
    • Sprinkle with sesame seeds and freshly sliced spring onion. 

  6. Serve
    • Serve hot over freshly steamed rice. 


Tips & Ingredient Substitutions

  • Juicier Option: Swap chicken breast for chicken thighs for extra tenderness.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
  • Extra Tangy: Add lemon zest for a brighter citrus kick.
  • Spicy Kick: Add chilli flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
  • Time-Saving Tip: Use pre-cut chicken breast cubes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can I make honey lemon chicken ahead of time?
Yes. Store cooked chicken in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.

Q2. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Q3. What can I use instead of honey?
Maple syrup or brown sugar work well as substitutes.

Q4. Why is my sauce thin?
Slow cookers trap moisture, which prevents evaporation. To thicken the sauce, either reduce it uncovered at the end or use the cornstarch slurry method (1 Tbsp cornstarch + 1 Tbsp water) for fast results.

Q5. How do I store leftovers?
Store in the fridge for up to 4 days in a sealed container.


Wrap-Up 

This dump-and-go slow cooker honey lemon chicken is proof that you don’t need complicated steps to create a meal that’s both comforting and vibrant. With its sweet, tangy glaze and tender chicken, it’s a dish that fits perfectly into busy lifestyles without sacrificing flavour.

If you give this recipe a try, share your version in the comments — did you keep it classic or add a spicy twist?

✨ You may also love: Dump & Go Slow Cooker Korean Spicy Chicken (Dakdoritang) — another bold, hands-off favourite from my blog!


Keywords (ν‚€μ›Œλ“œ)

honey lemon chicken, slow cooker honey chicken, dump and go chicken recipe, lemon honey chicken slow cooker, easy slow cooker chicken,
ν—ˆλ‹ˆ 레λͺ¬ μΉ˜ν‚¨, 슬둜우쿠컀 μΉ˜ν‚¨ λ ˆμ‹œν”Ό, μ΄ˆκ°„λ‹¨ μΉ˜ν‚¨ μš”λ¦¬, κΏ€ 레λͺ¬ λ‹­μš”λ¦¬, μ§‘λ°₯ λ‹­μš”λ¦¬


 

Comments