Irresistibly Easy Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken: Your Ultimate Weeknight Meal Solution
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Discover the magic of effortless cooking with our Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken recipe. This delightful dish combines tender, juicy chicken with a homemade, sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, all prepared in the convenience of your slow cooker. It’s an ideal meal for busy weeknights, offering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little meal prep, you can create a mouthwatering slow cooker meal that your entire family will absolutely adore. Forget about complicated recipes; this dish is designed to simplify your dinner routine without compromising on taste or quality.
Our easy chicken recipes are a lifesaver when time is short, especially on busy weeknights. This particular recipe ensures perfectly tender chicken bathed in a rich, creamy sauce that’s bursting with flavor. The blend of sweet honey and pungent Dijon mustard creates a harmonious balance that’s universally appealing.
Make this delicious Crock Pot Honey Mustard Chicken a staple on your menu this week. Pair it with one or two simple side dishes for a complete, satisfying meal that boasts wonderfully tangy flavors and a comforting appeal. It’s the kind of home-cooked goodness that brings everyone to the table.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s a culinary triumph for anyone seeking a delicious, no-fuss meal. Here’s why it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen:
- Effortless Preparation: Simply combine a few ingredients, and let your slow cooker do all the hard work.
- Incredible Flavor: The homemade honey mustard sauce delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes that permeate every bite of chicken.
- Tender & Juicy Chicken: Slow cooking ensures the chicken breasts remain incredibly moist and tender, never dry.
- Family-Friendly: A universally loved flavor profile makes this a hit with both kids and adults.
- Versatile Serving: It pairs beautifully with a wide array of side dishes, from rice to mashed potatoes to various vegetables.
- Minimal Cleanup: Cooking everything in one pot drastically reduces the amount of washing up afterwards.
- Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers store wonderfully, making it perfect for packing lunches or planning future dinners.
Key Ingredients for Succulent Honey Mustard Chicken
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its simplicity, relying on just a few everyday ingredients to create a truly spectacular dish. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Protein: You will need boneless skinless chicken breasts. These are ideal for their lean protein and ability to absorb flavors. Alternatively, you can use boneless chicken tenderloins for quicker cooking or boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor profile. Aim for about 1.5 to 2 pounds for a family-sized meal.
- Condiment: I highly recommend using French’s Dijon mustard for the homemade honey mustard sauce. Its smooth texture and robust, tangy flavor are crucial for the classic taste of this dish. While other Dijon brands work, French’s offers a consistent, balanced profile.
- Honey: Any variety of honey you have on hand will work perfectly. The honey provides the essential sweetness that balances the tanginess of the mustard, creating that signature honey mustard flavor. Lighter honeys will result in a milder sweetness, while darker honeys might add a deeper note.
- Seasoning: A simple combination of kosher salt and ground black pepper is all you need. These basic seasonings enhance the natural flavor of the chicken and the sauce without overpowering it. Feel free to adjust quantities to your personal preference.
- Liquid: A bit of chicken broth or water is added to the slow cooker to help keep the chicken moist and prevent it from drying out during the long cooking process. Chicken broth will add an extra layer of savory flavor, but water works just fine if that’s what you have.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken
Preparing this succulent honey mustard chicken is incredibly straightforward, perfect for even the most novice cooks. Follow these simple steps for a delicious meal:
First, arrange the chicken breasts (or tenderloins) evenly at the bottom of your slow cooker. Season generously by sprinkling them with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Then, pour in the chicken broth or water around the chicken. This initial liquid helps to create a moist cooking environment.
Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Cook the chicken on the LOW setting for 5 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours. The goal is to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is thoroughly cooked and safe to eat. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to verify doneness.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker, reserving the cooking juices. You can now shred the chicken using two forks, or chop it into bite-sized pieces, depending on your serving preference. Placing the chicken on a cutting board will make this step easier.
In a separate small bowl, combine the Dijon mustard and honey. Whisk them together thoroughly until you have a smooth, well-blended honey mustard sauce. This is where the magic happens, transforming simple ingredients into a vibrant, flavorful dressing.
Return the shredded or chopped chicken to the slow cooker. Pour the freshly prepared honey mustard sauce over the chicken and stir everything together until the chicken is completely coated in the luscious sauce. The residual heat in the slow cooker will help the sauce meld beautifully with the chicken.
Serve your Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken immediately over your choice of accompaniments, such as fluffy white rice, comforting egg noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, or a lighter option like cauliflower rice. Enjoy this wonderfully easy and flavorful meal!
Storing Leftovers and Meal Prep for Your Honey Mustard Chicken
This Crock Pot Honey Mustard Chicken is fantastic for leftovers, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping throughout the week.
Fridge: To store leftovers, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent any odors from mixing with other food items.
Freezing Instructions:
For longer storage, this honey mustard chicken freezes beautifully. Allow the cooked chicken to cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Meal Prep Ideas:
This recipe is a meal prep dream! Cook a large batch on Sunday, then divide it into individual portions with your favorite sides (like rice or steamed vegetables) for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. This saves significant time during busy weekdays and ensures you have a healthy, delicious meal ready to go.
Expert Tips & Variations for the Best Honey Mustard Chicken
Can I use wholegrain mustard?
While wholegrain mustard has its place in many recipes, for this particular dish, I would advise against using it. The creamy texture of Dijon mustard makes up a significant part of the homemade honey mustard sauce, contributing to its smooth consistency and even distribution over the chicken breasts. Wholegrain mustard would introduce a different texture and a more robust, sometimes bitter, flavor that might not yield the desired sweet and tangy balance this recipe aims for. Stick to a smooth Dijon for the best results.
Choosing the best cut of chicken to use:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to choice for this recipe, especially when buying large family packs to stay within budget. Their lean nature and ability to shred easily make them perfect. However, you have other excellent options:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: If you prefer darker meat, chicken thighs are a fantastic choice. They tend to be more flavorful and even more forgiving in the slow cooker, remaining incredibly moist.
- Chicken Tenderloins: These cook even faster than full chicken breasts due to their smaller size, making them a good option if you’re particularly pressed for time. Adjust cooking duration accordingly.
Regardless of the cut, always ensure it’s boneless and skinless for optimal flavor absorption and ease of eating in this saucy dish.
Flavor Boosters & Customizations:
- Garlic and Onion: For an extra layer of savory flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of garlic powder and/or onion powder along with the salt and pepper at the beginning of cooking.
- A Touch of Spice: If you enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha can be stirred into the honey mustard sauce.
- Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives before serving can add brightness and a touch of gourmet appeal.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten the flavors and add an extra zing.
Thickening the Sauce:
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can easily achieve this after the chicken is cooked. Remove the chicken, then create a cornstarch slurry by whisking 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this mixture into the juices in the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency before adding the honey mustard mixture.
Making it Ahead:
You can prep the chicken and season it the night before, storing it in the slow cooker insert in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply place the insert into the slow cooker base and start cooking. You can also whisk the honey mustard sauce ingredients together ahead of time and store them in the fridge, adding them to the cooked chicken just before serving.
What to Serve with Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken
This versatile honey mustard chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, allowing you to create a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some of our top recommendations:
- On a bun with cheese: For a hearty sandwich, pile the shredded chicken onto toasted buns and top with your favorite cheese.
- White rice: A classic choice, plain white rice soaks up all the delicious honey mustard sauce.
- Brown rice: For a healthier, fiber-rich option, serve with fluffy brown rice.
- Cauliflower rice: A low-carb alternative that still provides a great base for the saucy chicken.
- Green beans: Steamed or roasted green beans add a fresh, crisp texture and vibrant color to your plate.
- Side salad: A light, refreshing green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can cut through the richness of the chicken.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up every last drop of the sweet and tangy sauce.
- Egg Noodles: Toss the chicken and sauce with cooked egg noodles for a comforting, pasta-like meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, or asparagus roasted with a little olive oil and salt make a simple yet flavorful accompaniment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way to ensure your chicken is fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken breast. It should read an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken should also be opaque throughout, with no pink remaining.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
While it’s generally recommended to use thawed chicken for even cooking, you can use frozen chicken breasts in a slow cooker. However, you will need to increase the cooking time by at least 1-2 hours on low, or 30-60 minutes on high. Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) before proceeding with shredding and saucing. Note that using frozen chicken may result in more liquid in the slow cooker.
What if my honey mustard sauce is too thin or too thick?
If your sauce is too thin after combining with the chicken, you can thicken it. Remove the chicken, then whisk 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker juices, turn the setting to high, and cook for 15-30 minutes until thickened. If your sauce is too thick, simply add a tablespoon or two of chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker with the chicken?
Yes, you can! Hearty vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or celery can be added at the beginning of the cooking process with the chicken. Softer vegetables such as peas or corn should be added during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy. This creates a complete one-pot meal!
More Delightful Chicken Recipes You’ll Love:
If you enjoyed this easy slow cooker chicken, be sure to explore more of our fantastic chicken recipes for every occasion:
- Slow Cooker Chicken and Vegetables with Rice: Another incredibly easy and wholesome one-pot meal.
- Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas: A flavorful and comforting Mexican-inspired dish perfect for family dinners.
- Sheet Pan Hawaiian Chicken: Minimal cleanup and vibrant flavors make this a quick and healthy option.
- Chicken Parmesan Soup: All the classic flavors of chicken parmesan in a comforting soup form.
Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken
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Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Small mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, or chicken tenderloins
- 8 oz French’s Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ cup chicken broth or water
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts evenly in the slow cooker. Sprinkle them with salt and pepper, then add the chicken broth or water.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker (you can discard the cooking juices or reserve them if planning to thicken the sauce). Shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard and honey until smooth.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Pour the homemade honey mustard sauce over the chicken and stir well to ensure all the chicken is coated.
- Serve your delicious honey mustard chicken warm over rice, egg noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, or healthy cauliflower rice.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Quick Links for Stress-Free Dinner Solutions:
In addition to this fantastic recipe, here are some resources to help make your dinner planning and cooking even easier:
- Discover more family meal plans: Find organized meal plans to take the guesswork out of dinner.
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- Grab the best cookbook for family dinner recipes: A curated collection of easy and delicious recipes for every home cook.
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- Watch helpful cooking videos: Visual guides and cooking inspiration from Julia Pacheco herself.
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