Ninja Slow Cooker Burnt Honey BBQ Chicken Recipe

Being the type of person who is always trying to take ordinary comfort food and make it better, I have found that the Ninja Slow Cooker is a great asset in coming up with restaurant style food at home. I have been cooking for years and have finally found what I think is the perfect comfort food mashup: Burnt Honey BBQ Chicken. This is not your everyday slow cooker chicken recipe; it is a purposefully designed sweet, smoky, and slightly bitter taste that results in something really special. Today I’m very pleased to share this recipe which is not only a regular in my household but has also received praise from potlucks and family gatherings.

Key Takeaways

• Using the Ninja Slow Cooker, the honey is baked or caramelized to give a more complex and richer taste than using normal honey.
• The Ninja Slow Cooker has a precise temperature regulation system that guarantees that the chicken is always tender and soft.
• This recipe is easy to make and tastes amazing, which is great for a week’s night dinner.
• You can prepare this in the morning, and by the time you’re ready to eat, it will taste like a meal from a high-end BBQ restaurant.
• This is because the leftovers are incredibly useful and make great additions to other meals throughout the week. Once you master the process of burning honey, you can easily incorporate it into other recipes.

Ninja MC1001 Foodi PossibleCooker PRO 8.5 Quart Multi-Cooker

Ninja MC1001 Foodi PossibleCooker PRO 8.5 Quart Multi-Cooker, with 8-in-1 Slow Cooker, Dutch Oven, Steamer, Glass Lid Integrated Spoon, Nonstick, Oven Safe Pot to 500°F, Sea Salt Gray

• REPLACES 14 COOKING TOOLS and APPLIANCES: This cooker replaces the need for a slow cooker, steam oven, food warmer, nonstick pot, sauté pan, cast iron skillet, saucier, steamer, saucepan, stock pot, Dutch oven, roasting pan, bread maker, and utensil.
• SEAR and SAUTÉ DIRECTLY IN THE POT: Using the bottom heating elements, you are able to sear proteins and sauté vegetables right in the cooking pot—no need to transfer to the stovetop.
• OVEN SAFE TO 500 degree F: Removable cooking pot is oven safe up to 500 degree F, so you can finish your meal in the oven for a crispy top.

$143.98

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The Ninja MC1001 Foodi PossibleCooker PRO 8.5 Quart Multi-Cooker is ideal for burning honey BBQ chicken, which is easy and convenient and can be used for many purposes. This 8-in-1 multi-cooker has slow cook, sear, steam and many more functions all in one appliance.

One of the great things is the possibility to sear the chicken in the pot itself and get that crispy crust without having to transfer it to the stovetop. After searing, the slow cook function of the oven slowly cooks the chicken and dips it in the smoky, sweet BBQ sauce. The A sized oven safe pot can handle high temperatures of up to 500°F, which is great for finishing the dish with a crispy top.

Moreover, the Triple Fusion Heat Technology cooks food 30% faster than conventional ovens, thus saving time. This multi-cooker guarantees that your Burnt Honey BBQ Chicken comes out tender and full of flavor with the least amount of work.

The Secret Behind Burnt Honey Magic

When I first began making this recipe, I found that the burnt honey preparation was the magic. Normal honey-based BBQ sauces are nothing like this, the burning of the honey gives it a more intense, more rounded flavor with some caramel notes and a very slight bitterness that helps to cut the sweetness. Simpler still, this technique turns a fairly ordinary BBQ chicken dish into something rather spectacular.

The chemistry of burning honey is quite interesting. Caramelization is a process that occurs when sugars are heated, and when you apply this to honey, new flavor compounds are formed which give depth and complexity to the final dish. There are toffee, nuts, and, in very small quantities, flavor compounds that give a very slight impression of coffee, none of which are present in normal honey.

It is this transformation that makes our sauce special and memorable. This recipe’s success is due in no small part to the Ninja Slow Cooker. With precise temperature control and even heating, it guarantees that the chicken cooks to perfection and that the flavors have time to combine and develop. The end product is tender and juicy chicken that has been coated with a rich, caramelized BBQ sauce that will have your guests asking what technique you’ve been hiding.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Burnt Honey BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup local honey (local honey often has more complex flavors)
• 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (I prefer one with a smoky base)
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (adds brightness and helps tenderize the meat)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (for umami depth)
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder (adds complexity)
• 1/2 teaspoon celery salt (secret ingredient for depth)

For the Chicken:

• 4 pounds chicken thighs and drumsticks (skin-on for better flavor)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme (optional)
• 1 bay leaf

The Step-by-Step Process

Creating the Burnt Honey Base

The first step is to burn the honey, which is also the most important and most delicate step. Place the honey in a heavy-bottomed saucepan and put it on the fire with medium heat. As it warms, it will become less sticky and begin to boil. Watch it slowly turn dark as it boils. It should cook until it is deeply browned and has a slightly bitter-sweet taste, about 5-7 minutes, and you should stir it occasionally. No need to be worried by some light smoke – this is just what we want! This is where it really gets tricky: you need to be able to tell when it’s done – when it’s just dark enough that it has a complex flavor, but not so dark that it tastes bitter.

Making the BBQ Sauce

Once your honey has turned a dark brown, carefully put the BBQ sauce in the pan (it will sizzle up a lot, so be ready for it), apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce. Well, this is where the real magic starts to happen – the burnt honey with these ingredients is something that produces flavor that cannot be gotten in any other way. Stir in the spices and let it simmer for about 5 minutes or until everything is combined well. It should be a rich, dark, and a bit sticky sauce. Take a moment to taste it – it should taste quite sweet at first, with some smokiness and a very slight bitterness on the finish.

The chicken should be prepared as carefully as the sauce. You should season your chicken pieces well with salt and pepper, trying to put it under the skin where possible. I prefer to use skin-on pieces because they give more flavor and help to retain moisture in the meat during the long cooking time. Put the sliced onions and minced garlic in the bottom of your Ninja Slow Cooker – this ensures that the chicken does not stick and also forms a flavorful base for the chicken. Add the thyme sprigs and bay leaf for more aroma.

The Magic of the Slow Cooking

Place the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the onion bed and pour two-thirds of the burnt honey BBQ sauce over the chicken, so that it covers all the pieces of chicken. Save the rest of the sauce for basting at the end. Put your Ninja Slow Cooker on low and let it work for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken is very tender and fully infused with the flavors of the sauce.

The Finishing Touch

During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the reserved sauce over the chicken. This step is crucial for developing that sticky, glossy exterior that makes BBQ chicken so irresistible. If you want to create a slightly crispy exterior, you can transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and broil it for 2-3 minutes – just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. This extra step adds a wonderful textural contrast to the tender meat.

Tips for Perfect Results

Through my many attempts at perfecting this recipe, I’ve learned several valuable tips that can make the difference between good and extraordinary results:

• Don’t skip the burning honey step – it’s what sets this recipe apart
• Use chicken pieces with bones and skin for the best flavor and moisture retention
• Resist the urge to lift the slow cooker lid during cooking – each peek can add 15-20 minutes to the cooking time
• Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute
• If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a little chicken broth or apple juice
• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in some of the sauce overnight before cooking
• If possible, bring the chicken to room temperature before cooking
• Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure better sauce adhesion

Serving Suggestions

This chicken is great served with traditional BBQ sides that go well with the rich flavors of the chicken. Some of my favorite pairings are:

• Coleslaw with a creamy dressing to help cut through the richness.
• Honey buttered cornbread.
• The classic mac and cheese with a crispy top.
• Grilled corn on the cob.
• Sweet potatoes that have been roasted.
• A green salad with ranch dressing.
• Some pickled vegetables for brightness.
• Buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.

Storage and Leftovers

One of the best things about this recipe is that it tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The meat can be shredded and used in:

• BBQ chicken sandwiches with coleslaw
• Tacos with pickled onions
• Loaded baked potatoes
• Rice bowls with fresh vegetables
• Quesadillas with melted cheese
• Salads for a protein boost
• Pizza topping
• Nachos with melted cheese and jalapeños

You can even freeze portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.

Conclusion

This Burnt Honey BBQ Chicken recipe is not just another slow cooker meal, but rather a flavorful masterpiece which proves that with simple techniques and high quality ingredients even a everyday dish can become extraordinary. The Ninja Slow Cooker prepares most of the work for you, resulting in tender, juicy chicken with little effort, while the burnt honey gives this dish a rich depth of flavor that makes it stand out from traditional BBQ chicken.

The combination of sweet, smoky and slightly bitter taste is just perfect and will have your family and friends praising you for it. Whether you’re in search of a comforting weeknight dinner or a standout dish for gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s quick, full of bold flavors and is ready to become a staple in your meal rotation.

So, get ready to enjoy a dish that is not only easy to make but also one that you are sure to want to make again and again. When you try it, I won’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to recipe for every occasion!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of bone in pieces?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of bone-in pieces for Burnt Honey BBQ Chicken, but I recommend reducing the cooking time by 1-2 hours to prevent them from drying out. Bone-in pieces tend to yield a more flavorful result, but if you prefer using chicken breasts, wrapping them in bacon can help retain moisture while adding extra juiciness and flavor. This way, you’ll still achieve the delicious, smoky-sweet taste that makes Burnt Honey BBQ Chicken so irresistible!

What if my honey burns too much?

If your honey begins to taste acrid or is very dark brown to black, it is probably time to start over. The ideal burnt honey should be a dark golden brown and have a lovely toffee-like scent. If you are nervous about burning the honey, you can place a tablespoon of water in the pan when heating it, this will help with the control of the caramelization process. It should be noted that it is better to burn the product less than to burn it.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Of course! The burnt honey BBQ sauce can be made up to 1 week in advance and kept in the refrigerator. You can also completely fill the slow cooker insert the night before and refrigerate it, and then start cooking in the morning. This makes it perfect for busy weekdays or when entertaining guests.

Why is my sauce too thin/thick?

The consistency of the sauce may be different depending on the BBQ sauce you are using and the degree of the honey boiling. If it is too thin, you can cook it on the stovetop until the liquidity is reduced or boil the slow cooker with a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) in the last hour. If it’s too thick, you can thin it down with a little chicken broth, apple juice, or even beer.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes! You can control the level of heat by adding more cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or even some fresh chopped chilies to the sauce. You should always taste before adding more seasonings; it’s easier to build up the heat than to take it away once it’s already in the dish. Some great additions include chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, red pepper flakes, or hot paprika.

Last update on 2025-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API