Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken

This Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken recipe is a delightful and easy dinner option that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a sweet and tangy dish that everyone will love. It’s versatile enough to be served in sandwiches, over rice, or even paired with your favorite vegetables. Enjoy the rich flavors and the convenience of making it all in one pot!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Prep this meal in just 5 minutes, allowing you to spend more time with family and friends.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of honey and Dijon mustard creates a deliciously sweet and tangy taste that enhances the chicken.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve this dish as a sandwich, on a salad, or alongside grains for a complete meal.
• Healthy Ingredients: Made with wholesome chicken thighs and fresh vegetables, it’s a nutritious choice for any dinner table.
• Convenient Cooking: Let your slow cooker do the work while you focus on other tasks, making mealtime stress-free.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather the following essential tools before getting started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Mixing Bowl
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Knife
• Cutting Board

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: This is the heart of your recipe, allowing for hands-off cooking that results in tender chicken infused with flavor.
• Mixing Bowl: A key tool for combining sauces and seasonings before adding them to your chicken.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Ensure accuracy in your ingredients to achieve the best flavor balance.

Ingredients

For this delicious Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken recipe, you’ll need:

For the Chicken

• 3 lbs Chicken Thighs (boneless, skinless)
• 1/4 Cup Honey
• 3 Tablespoons Whole Grain Dijon Mustard
• 1/4 Cup Water

For the Sauce

• 2 Tablespoons Water (additional)
• 2 teaspoons Cornstarch

For the Slaw

• 2 Cups Red Cabbage (chopped or shredded)
• 1/4 Cup Olive Oil
• 3 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
• Pinch of Salt/Pepper

For Serving

• 1 teaspoon Whole Grain Dijon Mustard
• 2 teaspoons Honey
• 2 teaspoons Sugar

How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by placing the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into your slow cooker.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine honey and whole grain Dijon mustard. Add 1/4 cup of water and stir well until mixed.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Pour the honey mustard mixture over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours or until chicken is tender.

Step 4: Make the Slaw

While your chicken cooks, prepare the slaw by mixing chopped red cabbage with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.

Step 5: Thicken Sauce (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with an additional 2 tablespoons of water in another bowl. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking to thicken it up.

Step 6: Serve

Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks directly in the slow cooker. Serve it on buns topped with slaw or over rice for a delicious meal!

Enjoy your homemade Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken

Serving Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken is a delightful experience that enhances any meal. This sweet and tangy dish pairs well with various sides and toppings, making it versatile for family dinners or gatherings.

Sandwiches

• Use toasted buns to hold the shredded chicken, adding some crunch to your meal.

Salads

• Serve the honey mustard chicken over a bed of fresh greens for a light, nutritious option.

Tacos

• Fill soft tortillas with the pulled chicken and top with avocado and salsa for a fun twist.

Rice Bowls

• Create a hearty rice bowl by adding cooked rice or quinoa, topped with slow cooker chicken and vegetables.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken

Perfecting your Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken can elevate this dish further. Here are some tips to ensure you achieve a delicious outcome every time:

• Use quality ingredients – Opt for fresh chicken thighs and high-quality honey and mustard for the best flavor.

• Adjust sweetness – Taste the sauce before serving; you can add more honey or sugar if you prefer a sweeter flavor.

• Add spices – Experiment with additional spices like garlic powder or paprika to enhance the flavor profile.

• Thicken sauce – If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Coleslaw – A crunchy slaw complements the sweet flavors of the chicken.

2. Roasted Vegetables – Combine seasonal vegetables like carrots and bell peppers for a colorful addition.

3. Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort and soak up the delicious honey mustard sauce.

4. Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad with herbs adds freshness to your plate.

5. Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy sweet potato fries offer a delightful contrast to the tender chicken.

6. Steamed Broccoli – Simple steamed broccoli adds nutrition and balances out the meal’s richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring the chicken’s size: Using chicken thighs that are too large can result in uneven cooking. Cut larger pieces into smaller chunks to ensure even heat distribution.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Skipping precise measurements can alter the flavor balance. Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
• Skipping the searing process: While optional, searing the chicken before slow cooking adds depth of flavor. Take a few minutes to brown your chicken in a pan first.
• Overcrowding the slow cooker: Adding too much chicken can prevent proper cooking. Ensure there’s enough space for heat circulation by following the recipe’s recommended amount.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: The flavors may differ based on personal taste. Always taste and adjust seasonings before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken

• Portion the chicken into freezer-safe bags or containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months; label with the date.

Reheating Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of chicken for Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken?
Chicken thighs are ideal due to their tenderness and flavor. They stay juicy during slow cooking.

Can I customize the flavors of my Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken?
Absolutely! Feel free to add herbs like thyme or rosemary, or swap in different mustards for variety.

How do I serve Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken?
This dish is great served on sandwiches, over rice, or with roasted vegetables for a full meal.

How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken?
Typically, it takes about 4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low in the slow cooker.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep as it stores well and reheats beautifully, making it great for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

The Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken is not only simple to prepare but also bursting with flavor. This dish adapts well to various side dishes and can be customized according to your taste preferences. Whether you’re serving it as a sandwich filling or over rice, it’s sure to please everyone at your table. Give it a try today!