If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender, juicy chicken breasts bath in a luscious honey mustard sauce that’s zesty, sweet, and packed with flavor. The magic happens in your slow cooker, which lets all those incredible seasonings meld perfectly while you get on with your day. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that delivers effortless comfort with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet perfectly balanced ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from the sweetness of honey to the tang of whole grain mustard, creating a sauce that’s both rich and vibrant. Plus, the spices add depth without overwhelming the delicate chicken breasts.
- 4 boneless (skinless) chicken breasts: The star of the dish—choose fresh for the juiciest result.
- 1/2 cup honey: Adds natural sweetness that perfectly complements the tangy mustard.
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard: Offers smooth, tangy notes that balance the honey’s sweetness.
- 1/4 cup whole grain mustard: Brings a delightful texture and a kick of sharpness.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist and blends everything into a luscious sauce.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Provides a subtle acidity to brighten the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances depth and savory warmth.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds gentle, aromatic notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Imparts a touch of smoky sweetness and color.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance every flavor element.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: For thickening the sauce to a perfect glaze.
- 2 tablespoons water: Mixed with cornstarch to create a smooth slurry.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant finishing touch.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This combination is what gives the dish its beautiful balance of sweet and tangy flavors, while the spices add complexity that’ll keep everyone coming back for more.
Step 2: Arrange the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts evenly in the slow cooker. Spacing them out slightly ensures they cook evenly and absorb the delicious sauce from every angle.
Step 3: Add the Sauce
Pour the honey mustard sauce all over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. This step locks in the flavors and promises a juicy, flavorful result after slow cooking.
Step 4: Cook
Cover the slow cooker and let everything work its magic. Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken will become incredibly tender and infused with the sauce’s rich flavors, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all dream about.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to form a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker. This step transforms the sauce into a glossy, thick glaze that clings to the chicken beautifully.
Step 6: Serve
Dish up the chicken hot, spooning the thickened honey mustard sauce generously over the top. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if you like a pop of color and freshness that brightens every bite.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic topping that brings vibrant green contrast and a clean, herbal note. If you want to get creative, a little lemon zest or thinly sliced green onions can add extra brightness and texture.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides. Creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even buttery noodles soak up the luscious sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, steamed vegetables or a crisp, green salad offer a refreshing balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken sliced over a bed of garlic butter quinoa or alongside roasted root vegetables for a rustic twist. You can also shred the cooked chicken and toss it into wraps or sandwiches with some crisp lettuce and tomatoes for an easy lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply transfer leftover chicken and sauce into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a great option for quick meals during the week.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well. Place chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it back up and preserve that lovely glaze.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe and tend to be even juicier and more flavorful after slow cooking.
What can I use instead of cornstarch to thicken the sauce?
If you don’t have cornstarch on hand, try using arrowroot powder or all-purpose flour mixed with water to create a slurry and thicken the sauce.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze both the cooked chicken and sauce together. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing for the best texture on reheating.
Can I cook this on high if I’m short on time?
Definitely. Cooking on high for 2 to 3 hours will still yield tender, flavorful chicken but keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
How do I make the sauce less sweet?
Reducing the amount of honey slightly or increasing the mustard can help balance the sweetness to your taste without compromising the overall flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe is one of those marvelous dishes that feels homemade without the fuss. It delivers on tenderness, flavor, and ease every single time. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own family favorite—it’s truly comfort food magic made simple.
Print
Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken recipe offers tender, flavorful chicken breasts cooked to perfection in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce. With minimal prep and slow cooking, it’s an effortless and delicious meal perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup whole grain mustard
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Thickening Slurry:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish (optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Arrange the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker, making sure they lay flat for even cooking.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared honey mustard sauce over the chicken breasts, coating each piece thoroughly.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce in the slow cooker to thicken it as it finishes cooking.
- Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, serve the chicken hot, spooning the honey mustard sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For best results, use chicken breasts of similar size to ensure even cooking.
- You can substitute chicken thighs if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- The sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated to deepen the flavors.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
