Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

The Perfect Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe for Dinner

Crafting a mouthwatering slow cooker honey mustard chicken promises pure culinary delight for busy home cooks.

Tender meat infused with sweet and tangy flavors transforms an ordinary dinner into something spectacular.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly in your trusty kitchen companion.

Minimal prep means maximum enjoyment without spending hours at the stove.

Comfort meets convenience with this incredibly satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug.

Succulent chicken bathes in a rich, golden sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe as your new weeknight warrior.

Honey Mustard Chicken in the Slow Cooker – Why It’s a Keeper

  • Minimal prep work with simple ingredients and a straightforward slow cooker method makes this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without complex techniques.
  • The combination of honey and two types of mustard creates a tangy-sweet sauce that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal family dinner option.
  • Easily adaptable for meal prep, packed lunches, or quick weeknight dinners, this chicken recipe can be served with rice, vegetables, or salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
  • Slow cooker method allows you to set it and forget it, giving you freedom to handle other tasks while a delicious meal prepares itself with minimal supervision.

What You’ll Need for This Sweet and Tangy Chicken

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein base for the dish.
Sauce Components:
  • Honey: Natural sweetener for balanced flavor.
  • Dijon Mustard: Sharp and tangy sauce element.
  • Whole Grain Mustard: Adds texture and robust mustard flavor.
Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:
  • Chicken Broth, Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides moisture and depth.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika: Aromatic spices for enhanced taste.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced flavor.
Thickening Agent:
  • Cornstarch, Water: Creates smooth sauce consistency.
Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds color and fresh herb note.

Making Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken

Step 1: Whip Up the Magical Sauce

In a mixing bowl, blend honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.

  • Honey
  • Dijon mustard
  • Whole grain mustard
  • Chicken broth
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step 2: Nestle the Chicken

Carefully lay chicken breasts in the slow cooker, spreading them out evenly to ensure uniform cooking.

Step 3: Drench in Flavor

Pour the prepared honey mustard sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece gets a generous coating of the delicious mixture.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic.

Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken becomes incredibly tender and fully cooked.

Step 5: Create a Silky Sauce

Prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch and water in a small bowl.

During the final 30 minutes of cooking, stir this mixture into the slow cooker to transform the sauce into a luscious, thick consistency.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the succulent chicken to serving plates.

Spoon the rich, thickened honey mustard sauce over the top.

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor if desired.

Smart Tips for Mustard Chicken Perfection

  • Use chicken breasts of similar size to ensure even cooking and maintain moisture throughout the dish.
  • Toast whole grain mustard seeds briefly before adding to the sauce to release their nutty, intense aromatics.
  • Whisk cornstarch slurry thoroughly to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth, glossy sauce texture.
  • Replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly version or use low-sodium chicken broth for reduced-salt diets.
  • Store chicken in its sauce to keep meat tender and reheat gently to prevent overcooking and maintain juiciness.

How to Save and Reheat This Chicken Dish

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool chicken completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Transfer chicken and sauce to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Prevent freezer burn by removing excess air.
  • Place chicken in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in baking dish with small amount of sauce. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Pairing Ideas for Honey Mustard Chicken

  • Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the tangy honey mustard sauce, cutting through the richness while enhancing the chicken's delicate flavors.
  • Sidekick Side Dish Recommendation: Prepare roasted asparagus or garlic-herb quinoa to balance the sweet and savory notes of the honey mustard chicken, creating a harmonious plate with contrasting textures.
  • Herb Garnish Enhancement: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the dish to add a bright, fresh layer that lifts the heavy sauce and provides a clean, zesty finish to each bite.
  • Texture Contrast Addition: Include a crunchy element like toasted almonds or crispy breadcrumbs as a topping to provide a satisfying crackle against the tender slow-cooked chicken.

Honey Mustard Chicken – Variations to Explore

  • Gluten-Free Makeover: Replace whole grain mustard with gluten-free mustard and use cornstarch as a thickener to keep the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Spicy Kick Version: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce to the honey mustard mixture for those who enjoy extra heat and want to elevate the flavor profile.
  • Low-Sodium Alternative: Swap chicken broth with low-sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt to create a heart-friendly version of the recipe while maintaining great taste.
  • Herb-Infused Option: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the sauce for an aromatic and more complex flavor that transforms the classic honey mustard chicken.

FAQs

  • What ingredients make the honey mustard sauce special?

The combination of honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar creates a tangy and sweet sauce that perfectly balances flavors.

  • Can I use different types of mustard?

Yes, you can substitute Dijon or whole grain mustard with yellow mustard or spicy brown mustard, but this might slightly alter the overall flavor profile of the dish.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! The slow cooker chicken stays moist and can be easily stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it excellent for preparing meals in advance.

  • How can I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Cooking on low heat and ensuring the chicken is completely covered in sauce helps maintain moisture, preventing the meat from becoming tough or dry during the cooking process.

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Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe


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4.9 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sumptuous slow cooker honey mustard chicken brings sweet and tangy flavors to your dinner table. Juicy chicken breasts simmer in a rich, golden sauce that promises comfort and satisfaction for dinner lovers.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Sauces and Sweeteners:

  • 0.5 cup honey
  • 0.5 cup Dijon mustard
  • 0.25 cup whole grain mustard
  • 0.25 cup chicken broth

Seasonings and Thickeners:

  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Pepper (to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley (chopped, optional)

Instructions

  1. Craft a zesty blend by whisking honey, Dijon, whole grain mustard, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a medium mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
  2. Position chicken breasts uniformly inside the slow cooker, creating a single layer for even cooking.
  3. Generously drench chicken pieces with prepared honey mustard sauce, ensuring complete and thorough coating of each piece.
  4. Secure slow cooker lid and cook at low temperature (195°F) for 4-5 hours or high temperature (215°F) for 2-3 hours until chicken reaches perfect tenderness and internal temperature of 165°F.
  5. During final 30 minutes of cooking, create cornstarch slurry by blending cornstarch and water, then gently incorporate into sauce to enhance thickness and texture.
  6. Transfer succulent chicken to serving platter, cascading remaining thickened honey mustard sauce over top.
  7. Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley as elegant garnish to elevate presentation and add subtle herbaceous notes.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for a more succulent and flavorful alternative to chicken breasts, which can dry out easily in slow cookers.
  • Create a gluten-free version by replacing regular Dijon mustard with a certified gluten-free mustard and using cornstarch as a thickener.
  • Enhance the sauce’s depth by adding a splash of white wine or chicken stock for extra complexity and richness.
  • Prevent dry chicken by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer, ensuring it reaches 165°F without overcooking.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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