This Honey Beer Chicken is one of those magical Crock Pot meals that tastes like you did a lot — but really just tossed a few bold ingredients into a slow cooker and let it ride.

It’s sweet, savory, just a little tangy, and packed with flavor thanks to a full pour of beer and a generous drizzle of honey.

Serve it shredded over rice, tucked into sandwiches, or glazed and broiled for crispy edges.

Ingredients

• 2–3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• Salt and pepper
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¾ cup honey
• ½ cup beer (amber ale, pale ale, or wheat beer – avoid IPAs)
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon or whole grain mustard
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

Step 1: Load the Crock Pot

• Place sliced onion and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Season chicken with salt and pepper and lay over the onions.

In a bowl, whisk together honey, beer, soy sauce, mustard, vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Pour over the chicken.

Step 2: Let It Simmer

Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork.

Step 3 (Optional): Thicken the Sauce

• Remove chicken and shred.
• Whisk together cornstarch and water, stir into the sauce, and cook on HIGH for another 10–15 minutes to thicken.
• Return shredded chicken to the sauce and stir to coat.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve It Over:
  • Steamed rice or garlic mashed potatoes
  • Grilled corn or roasted sweet potatoes
  • Toasted brioche buns or slider rolls
• Top With:
  • Scallions or cilantro
  • Sesame seeds or crushed peanuts
  • Extra drizzle of honey or hot sauce

Beer Pairing

• Best beer in the pot:
  • Amber ale (malty and balanced)
  • Hefeweizen or wheat beer (light and citrusy)
  • Blonde ale or golden ale (easy and smooth)
• Best beer in your glass:
  • The same beer you cooked with
  • A crisp pilsner or pale ale to contrast the sweetness
  • A honey brown ale to echo the glaze

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Honey Beer Chicken is sweet, sticky, and savory in all the right ways — perfect for low-effort dinners that still impress.

Whether you’re spooning it over rice, loading it into tacos, or piling it high on a sandwich bun, this dish hits all the comfort notes with minimal work and maximum beer-powered flavor.

Cheers to honey, hops, and dinners that cook themselves! 🍯🍺🐓

Explore Our Top Cooking-with-Beer Recipes 🍺 🍺

From crispy beer-battered classics to bold mains, cheesy dips, breads, and even desserts — these roundups bring together the best of beer-infused cooking. Whether you’re hosting a game day, planning a backyard BBQ, or just experimenting in the kitchen, there’s a beer recipe collection for every craving.

• 🍽️ Cooking with Beer (Main Hub) – Your ultimate guide to cooking with beer, from mains to apps and desserts.
• 🥨 Beer-Battered Appetizers and Sides – – Crispy onion rings, fried pickles, mushrooms, zucchini, & more pub-style favorites with a golden beer crunch.
• 🍞 Beer Bread Recipes – From 2-ingredient quick breads to jalapeño cheese loaves.
• 🧀 Beer Cheese & Dips – Beer cheese soup, queso, nachos, ranch dip & more.
• 🍖 Beer Can Chicken & Grilled Mains – Bold, juicy recipes straight from the grill.
• 🌶️ Beer Infused Chili’s – Hearty, bold, and slow-simmered beer-infused chili.
• 🍻 Beer Mac & Cheese – Creamy, quick& easy, made to impress.
• 🍰 Beer-Infused Desserts & Sweets – Sweet treats made better with beer.
• 🎉 Oktoberfest & Seasonal Ideas – Perfect pairings for parties, fall feasts, and festive gatherings.