Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for an easy, hands-off dinner that delivers big on flavor, you’re going to adore this Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe. It’s sweet, tangy, comforting, and totally fuss-free — perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want dinner ready when you get home. I love how effortlessly the slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into tender, juicy chicken with a luscious sauce that’s just right every single time.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together in a way that’s simple but packs a punch. The dual mustard mix is my little secret to richer flavor, and the honey keeps everything smooth and luscious. Plus, using both chicken breasts and thighs gives you juicy, tender meat without drying out.

• Skinless, boneless chicken breasts: I like a combo of breasts and thighs—breasts keep it lean, thighs add richness.
• Chicken thighs: They stay juicy no matter how long they cook and soak up the sauce beautifully.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a smooth, slightly spicy tang that balances the sweetness.
• Stone ground mustard: Gives a nice texture and extra mustard punch without being too harsh.
• Honey: Sweetens and mellows out mustard’s bite for a perfectly balanced sauce.
• Minced garlic: Simple flavor booster that pairs so well with the mustard-honey combo.
• Salt and ground pepper: Essential to season and enhance all those flavors without overdoing it.
• Potato starch (optional): Use to thicken the sauce quickly and beautifully at the end — I always keep some on hand for this recipe!

Variations

One of the best parts of this Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your tastes or dietary needs. I often play around with the amount of mustard depending on my mood, and it always turns out great.

• More mustard, more tang: If you love that mustard kick, I bump up the combined mustard from ½ cup to ¾ cup—it gives the sauce sharper depth without getting too intense.
• All thighs or all breasts: For juicier results, use all thighs; for leaner, all breasts. I’ve done both and they’re equally delicious.
• Gluten-free option: Just swap potato starch for cornstarch if you prefer, and make sure your mustard is gluten-free.
• Add some heat: Mix in a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce if you want to spice things up a bit—I did this once on a whim, and my family went crazy for the little extra kick.

How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker and Mix the Sauce

Before anything else, I always give my slow cooker a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray or a little oil to help with cleanup later—trust me, it makes a difference. Then, add the Dijon mustard, stone ground mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper directly to the pot. Stir it up well so all those flavors marry beautifully before the chicken even hits the slow cooker.

Step 2: Add the Chicken and Toss to Coat

Pop the skinless, boneless chicken breasts and thighs right into the sauce. Then toss gently with tongs or a spatula to make sure every piece is fully coated in that gorgeous honey mustard goodness. I love that this step is not only quick but also means the chicken soaks up all the flavors as it cooks.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow or Quick and Tasty

Set your slow cooker to low and let the magic happen for 4 to 6 hours. If you’re short on time, crank it up to high and cook for 2.5 to 3 hours instead. Your chicken should be perfectly tender and juicy when it’s done, so check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F if you’re unsure.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional but Recommended)

For that restaurant-quality finish, I like to thicken the sauce right before serving. Mix 2 tablespoons of potato starch with 4 tablespoons of cold water until smooth, then stir it into the slow cooker. It thickens up in a flash—no lumps, just a silky sauce that clings to the chicken perfectly.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of freshly chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top—it adds that bright color and a fresh herbal note that balances the rich sauce. Sometimes, I throw on a few lemon zest shavings just for a zesty twist that wakes up the whole dish.

Side Dishes

For me, creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice are the go-tos because they soak up every bit of that honey mustard sauce. I also love serving it alongside roasted green beans or steamed broccoli to keep everything light but satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I shredded the chicken after cooking and tossed it with the sauce for sandwiches—my family thought it was restaurant-quality! Also, layering the chicken over a bed of buttered egg noodles or quinoa makes a beautiful plate if you’re hosting guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep well for about 3-4 days. The chicken stays juicy, and the sauce even thickens up a little more, which I find tasty. Just be sure to cool it before sealing airtight to keep it fresh.

Freezing

This Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe freezes beautifully. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it holds up well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm leftovers in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally so the sauce doesn’t separate. If it seems too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it back up.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe turns out every time—juicy chicken bathed in such a perfectly balanced sauce is hard to beat. It’s one of those recipes I reach for when I want comfort food that feels fancy but is actually no-fuss. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat. So go ahead, give it a whirl, and enjoy stress-free delicious dinners with this easy slow cooker favorite!

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