Slow Cooker Honey-Lime Pulled Chicken with Sweet Corn

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pulled chicken infused with honey and lime, slowly cooked to tenderness and served with sweet corn kernels for a balanced meal. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 370 minutes pairs honey, lime juice, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 360 min Serves 6 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a slow cooker, place 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds). Mix 3 tablespoons honey, 1/4 cup lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a bowl and pour over the chicken.
  2. Step 2: Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
  3. Step 3: During the last 15 minutes of cooking, stir in 1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels to heat through.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken breasts, shred with two forks, and return to the slow cooker mixing well with the juices and corn.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro over the top before serving warm with rice or tortillas.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Honey-Lime Pulled Chicken with Sweet Corn take to make?

Total time is about 370 minutes (10 min prep + 360 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Honey-Lime Pulled Chicken with Sweet Corn?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep honey from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Honey-Lime Pulled Chicken with Sweet Corn?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow Cooker Honey-Lime Pulled Chicken with Sweet Corn for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow Cooker Honey-Lime Pulled Chicken with Sweet Corn?

American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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