Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with a sweet and tangy sauce, all effortlessly prepared in your trusty slow cooker.
This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a flavorful dinner meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why Use a Slow Cooker?
Using a slow cooker for this recipe ensures that the chicken cooks slowly and evenly, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully without constant monitoring.
Variations of the Recipe
Spicy Honey Mustard Chicken
To make it spicy, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture before cooking.
Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken
For a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or Greek yogurt into the sauce after the chicken is cooked.
Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken
Enhance your meal with these delicious sides and accompaniments:
Rice or Quinoa: Serve over steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.
Mashed Potatoes: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting and hearty meal.
Steamed Vegetables: Serve with a side of steamed vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or carrots.
Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread to mop up the flavorful sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or zucchini.
Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice.
Pasta: Serve over cooked pasta, such as penne or fettuccine, for a delicious twist.
Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
Coleslaw: Serve with a side of coleslaw for a refreshing and crunchy contrast.
Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with the honey mustard chicken for a filling meal.
Polenta: Serve over creamy polenta for a unique and tasty combination.
These serving suggestions will add variety and extra flavor to your Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken, making it a more enjoyable and complete meal. Enjoy!
Expert Tips & Tricks
Here are some helpful cooking tips to ensure your Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken turns out perfectly:
Trim the Chicken:
Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts to keep the dish lean and avoid greasy sauce.
Sear the Chicken (Optional):
For extra flavor, you can sear the chicken breasts in a hot skillet with a little oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This step is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor.
Even Layer:
Arrange the chicken breasts in an even layer in the slow cooker to ensure they cook evenly.
Combine the Sauce Well:
Whisk the honey mustard sauce ingredients well to ensure they are fully combined, providing a balanced flavor throughout the dish.
Monitor Cooking Time:
Check the chicken for doneness after the minimum cooking time. Overcooking can make the chicken dry. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Thickening the Sauce:
If the sauce is too thin, mix an additional tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it in, then let it cook for another 15-20 minutes.
Use Fresh Ingredients:
Use fresh garlic and freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
Customize the Mustard:
Adjust the types and amounts of mustard to your taste. If you prefer a spicier kick, add more Dijon or even a bit of spicy brown mustard.
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to avoid drying out the chicken.
Freezing:
You can freeze the cooked chicken with sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Garnish:
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions just before serving for a burst of color and freshness.
Following these tips will help you create a delicious and perfectly cooked Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken every time. Enjoy your cooking!
Recipe FAQ’s
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used. Adjust the cooking time as they may require slightly longer to cook through.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?
Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as alternatives to honey. Adjust the amount based on your desired sweetness level.
Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup whole grain mustard
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)
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.
- Arrange the Chicken:Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker in an even layer.
- Add the Sauce:Pour the honey mustard sauce over the chicken, ensuring all the pieces are well-coated.
- Cook:Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Thicken the Sauce:In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce.
- Serve:Once the chicken is done, serve it hot with the thickened honey mustard sauce spooned over the top.Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.