Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAmidst the hustle of everyday life, there’s something profoundly satisfying about returning to comforting home-cooked meals. This Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken will not only steal your heart but also save your sanity on busy weeknights. Imagine your kitchen filled with the sweet, tangy fragrance of honey and mustard, as this crowd-pleasing dish transforms simple ingredients into a tender, juicy delight. With minimal prep time and a hands-off cooking method, you can effortlessly make this easy recipe while focusing on what truly matters—creating lasting memories around the dinner table. Want to learn how to turn your slow cooker into a magic kitchen companion? Let’s dive in! Why is this Slow Cooker Chicken a Must-Try? Ease of Preparation: Simply season the chicken, whisk the sauce, and let the slow cooker take over—no complicated steps here! Irresistible Aroma: Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the delightful scent of honey and mustard—a true invitation for family gatherings. Versatile Pairing: Serve it over rice, or alongside roasted vegetables, it’s a dish that complements any side beautifully. Family-Friendly: Everyone from kids to adults loves this flavorful dish, making it a guaranteed hit at the dinner table. Meal Prep Magic: Perfect for busy weeknights, you can prepare it in advance and enjoy the simple pleasure of home-cooked comfort without the stress. Moreover, if you enjoy slow cooker recipes, check out my Honey Butter Chicken for another comforting option! Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Ingredients For the Chicken • Chicken Thighs or Breasts (2-2.5 lbs) – Choose thighs for a more tender and flavorful meat experience. For the Sauce • Honey (½ cup) – Adds the perfect sweetness; you can swap it for maple syrup for a delightful twist. • Dijon Mustard (¼ cup) – Brings a sharp, tangy flavor; whole grain mustard can be a great substitute for added texture. • Yellow Mustard (¼ cup) – Provides a mild mustard flavor; spicy mustard will kick things up a notch if desired. • Soy Sauce (¼ cup) – Infuses umami and saltiness; opt for low-sodium to keep it healthier. • Apple Cider Vinegar (2 tbsp) – Balances the flavors beautifully; white vinegar works in a pinch if necessary. • Garlic (3-4 cloves, minced) – Adds aromatic depth; substitute with 1 tsp of garlic powder if you have none fresh. • Onion (1 medium, sliced) – Lays a flavorful base for the chicken; shallots can make a lovely alternative. • Olive Oil (1 tbsp) – Used for searing the chicken; any neutral oil will also do. • Paprika (1 tsp) – Adds a touch of smokiness; smoked paprika enhances the flavor further if you fancy it. • Onion Powder (1 tsp) – Boosts the onion flavor profile; feel free to skip it if you’re using fresh onion. • Garlic Powder (1 tsp) – Intensifies the garlic flavor; it’s optional if you prefer using fresh garlic. • Black Pepper (½ tsp) – Enhances overall seasoning; adjust to suit your taste. • Optional: Cornstarch Slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water) – Use this to thicken the sauce, if you wish, for a more luscious finish. Transform these ingredients into a mouth-watering Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken that your family will adore, creating unforgettable moments at your dinner table! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Start by patting the chicken thighs or breasts dry with paper towels, which helps the seasonings stick. Generously season both sides with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. Once seasoned, set aside and prepare to lock in that juicy goodness. Step 2: Sear the Chicken (Optional) In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in batches for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. This enhances the flavor and texture! Once browned, transfer the chicken to the slow cooker for the next step. Step 3: Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce In a mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup honey, ¼ cup Dijon mustard, ¼ cup yellow mustard, ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and your desired spices. Ensure the sauce is smooth and well blended, as this is the key flavor for the Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken. Step 4: Assemble in the Slow Cooker Layer the sliced onion at the bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavorful base. Place the seared chicken on top of the onions, then pour the honey mustard sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. This allows all the ingredients to meld beautifully as they cook. Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection Cover and cook the chicken in the slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. As the chicken cooks, the aroma of the honey mustard sauce will fill your kitchen, making everyone eager for dinner. Step 6: Shred the Chicken Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and let it cool slightly. Using two forks, shred the chicken, especially if you used thighs, as they will be tender and easy to pull apart. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mixing it into the sauce to absorb all the flavors. Step 7: Thicken the Sauce (Optional) If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce in the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing it to thicken while mixing all those delicious flavors together. Step 8: Serve and Enjoy Your Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken is now ready to shine at the dinner table! Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and serve over fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. Enjoy the comfort of this family-friendly meal! Make Ahead Options These Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken delights are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Simply mix the honey, mustards, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices, and coat the chicken before placing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can slice the onions ahead of time and store them separately. When ready to cook, layer the onions at the bottom of the slow cooker, add the marinated chicken, pour the sauce over, and let it slow cook. This method not only saves precious time on busy weeknights but also results in a dish that is just as delicious when freshly made! Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Variations Feel free to get creative and personalize this dish to suit your tastes and dietary needs! Dairy-Free: Substitute olive oil with avocado oil and omit any dairy garnishes for a creamy, guilt-free experience. Embrace the beautiful flavors without any dairy, while still enjoying the dish’s comforting profile. Extra Vegetables: Toss in carrots and potatoes to the slow cooker for a complete, hearty meal. These veggies will soak up the honey mustard sauce, making every bite a delightful twist on this classic! More Heat: Swap yellow mustard for spicy brown mustard to give it a fiery kick. Turning up the heat can create a wonderfully bold flavor that’s perfect for adventurous palates. Whole Grain Twist: Use whole grain mustard instead of Dijon for an added texture that will enhance the dish. This variation not only evolves the texture but brings richer flavor complexity with each bite. Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the sauce for a touch of aromatic depth. A simple herbal infusion transforms an everyday meal into something unexpectedly sophisticated. Smoky Flavor: Replace paprika with smoked paprika for an intense, warm smokiness that complements the honey. This little switch can transport you straight to the heart of barbecue flavors right at your dinner table. Asian-Inspired: Incorporate a splash of sesame oil or replace soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option. These changes allow for a delightful fusion that adds an Asian flair to your Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken. For an equally delightful time in the kitchen, check out my recipe for Tandoori Chicken Tikka or indulge in some flavorful BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl. Each of these meals brings its unique touch to home-cooked comfort! What to Serve with Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Pairing your beloved dish with thoughtful sides transforms dinner into a memorable experience filled with flavor and warmth. Fluffy Rice: The subtle taste and texture of fluffy rice soak up the honey mustard sauce beautifully, creating a harmonious balance in every bite. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: These rich, buttery mashed potatoes offer a comforting backdrop to the tangy chicken, making for a soul-warming dish on any night. Roasted Vegetables: Colorful, caramelized vegetables add a delightful crunch and earthy sweetness, contrasting perfectly with the tender chicken’s flavor profile. Quinoa Salad: With its nutty taste and fluffy texture, quinoa salad introduces a nutritious twist. Toss it with fresh herbs and lemon for brightness. Garlic Bread: The buttery garlic bread serves as a crispy complement, perfect for sopping up the honey mustard sauce left on your plate. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast, balancing the rich flavors with its tangy and crisp elements. Apple Cider: To drink, the sweetness of apple cider harmonizes with the chicken’s sauce. It’s a comforting choice that enriches the vibrant flavors of your meal. Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Perfectly Tender Chicken: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra tenderness and flavor; they hold moisture better during slow cooking. Searing Optional: While searing the chicken adds depth of flavor, it’s not crucial. If time is tight, you can skip it and still enjoy delicious results. Monitor Cooking Temperature: Always check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach at least 165°F (74°C) for safety and optimal texture. Avoid Frozen Chicken: Always thaw your chicken before adding it to the slow cooker to ensure even cooking and prevent food safety concerns. Customize Your Sauce: Don’t hesitate to tweak the mustard types; experiment with whole grain or spicy mustard for unique flavor variations! Thicken to Taste: If you prefer a richer sauce, consider adding a cornstarch slurry toward the end. It enhances the glossy finish of your Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken. How to Store and Freeze Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. This ensures the flavors stay vibrant and the chicken remains tender. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Make sure it’s well sealed to prevent freezer burn. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain moisture. Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate it, making it super easy to whip up your Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken on busy nights! Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe FAQs How do I select ripe chicken for this recipe? Absolutely! When choosing chicken, look for fresh thighs or breasts that have a pink color and firm texture. Avoid any that have a grayish hue or have an unpleasant smell. Fresh chicken should also have a minimal amount of moisture; if there’s excessive liquid in the packaging, that’s a sign it may not be the freshest. How should I store leftovers from the Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken? Very! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This helps preserve the flavors and keeps the chicken tender. When you’re ready to reheat, you can do so gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if necessary to maintain moisture. Can I freeze Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken? If so, how? Yes, you can! To freeze your Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to store it for up to 3 months for the best quality. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. What should I do if the chicken isn’t shredding easily? If your chicken isn’t shredding as expected, it may not have cooked long enough. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached at least 165°F (74°C). If it’s done, allow it to rest for a few minutes before trying to shred again—this helps to keep it tender. If it’s still tough, you can pop it back into the slow cooker with a bit of liquid for another 30 minutes. Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe? Absolutely! If you have allergies, be cautious with the soy sauce, as it contains gluten. You can swap it for a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. For those considering pets, do not share any of this dish with dogs or cats as the honey and onion can be harmful to them. Always be mindful of your family’s dietary needs when preparing this crowd-pleasing dish. Tender Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken for Ultimate Comfort No ratings yet This Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken is a comforting dish that transforms simple ingredients into a tender, juicy delight. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 8 hours hrsTotal Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken2-2.5 lbs Chicken Thighs or Breasts Choose thighs for more tenderness.For the Sauce0.5 cup Honey Can substitute with maple syrup.0.25 cup Dijon Mustard Whole grain mustard can be substituted.0.25 cup Yellow Mustard Substitute with spicy mustard if desired.0.25 cup Soy Sauce Opt for low-sodium for a healthier option.2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar White vinegar works as an alternative.3-4 cloves Garlic, minced Substitute with 1 tsp garlic powder if fresh is unavailable.1 Onion, sliced Shallots can be used as an alternative.1 tbsp Olive Oil Any neutral oil can also be used.1 tsp Paprika Smoked paprika can enhance the flavor further.1 tsp Onion Powder Optional if using fresh onion.1 tsp Garlic Powder Optional if using fresh garlic.0.5 tsp Black Pepper Adjust to taste.1 tbsp Cornstarch To thicken the sauce; optional.2 tbsp Cold Water To mix with cornstarch for slurry. Equipment slow cookerSkilletMixing Bowlmeat thermometer Method Step-by-Step InstructionsStart by patting the chicken thighs or breasts dry with paper towels and generously season both sides with salt and pepper.Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet, sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown, then transfer to the slow cooker.In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and desired spices until smooth.Layer sliced onion at the bottom of the slow cooker, add seared chicken on top, and pour the honey mustard sauce over, ensuring it's well coated.Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, checking that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).Remove the chicken, let it cool slightly, then shred it using two forks and mix back into the sauce in the slow cooker.For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, stir into the slow cooker, and cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes.Serve garnished with freshly chopped parsley or green onions over rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgSugar: 25gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 8mg NotesUsing thighs instead of breasts ensures extra tenderness. Searing is optional. Always check the chicken's internal temperature for safety. Avoid frozen chicken to ensure even cooking. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
