This Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken is a winner! It combines juicy chicken with a sweet and tangy honey-mustard sauce that makes every bite so tasty. Plus, it cooks while you relax!
Honestly, using a slow cooker means your kitchen smells amazing all day. I like to serve it with some rice or veggies, because who doesn’t love a colorful plate? Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are perfect since they stay juicy during slow cooking. If you prefer, you can also use chicken breasts, but they may dry out slightly if overcooked.
Dijon Mustard: This ingredient brings a nice tang. If you don’t have Dijon, yellow mustard is an option, though less flavorful. A mix of Dijon and whole grain mustard adds a lovely texture.
Honey: It adds sweetness to balance the mustard’s bite. If you want a lower-glycemic option, consider using maple syrup or agave nectar.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This gives a slight acidity to the sauce. You can swap it for lemon juice which works equally well to brighten up the flavors.
Thyme: Dried thyme works fine and has a great flavor, but fresh thyme can elevate the dish. If you don’t have thyme, oregano is a good substitute.
How Do I Get the Chicken Thighs to Feel Juicy and Tender?
The key to juicy chicken lies in proper cooking, so be careful not to overcook. Start by searing the chicken thighs to develop flavor before adding them to the slow cooker. Here are some steps to ensure success:
- Season generously with salt and pepper before cooking.
- Sear in a hot skillet for 3-4 minutes on each side. This locks in moisture.
- Once in the slow cooker, make sure the sauce covers the chicken well; this keeps it moist as it cooks.
- Use a meat thermometer for accuracy: chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
Following these tips will help you achieve tender, juicy chicken that’s packed with flavor!
Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken takes about 10 minutes to prepare and cooks for 2-6 hours, depending on your slow cooker setting. Perfect for a busy day when you want to come home to a lovely meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken thighs generously on both sides with salt and black pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.
2. Searing for Flavor:
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and sear them until they are golden brown on both sides, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side. This step adds a lot of flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it.
3. Mixing the Sauce:
While the chicken is searing, take a bowl and whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, whole grain mustard (if you’re using it), minced garlic, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Stir until the mixture is smooth and combined.
4. Setting Up the Slow Cooker:
Once the chicken is done searing, place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer. Pour the honey mustard sauce over the chicken, ensuring they’re well coated.
5. Cooking the Chicken:
Now, cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken should be tender and cooked through when done.
6. Finishing Touches:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and set it aside. If you enjoy a thicker sauce, transfer the remaining sauce to a saucepan and simmer for a few minutes until it’s reduced to your liking.
7. Serving Your Dish:
Serve the chicken thighs on a plate, drizzled with the honey mustard sauce. Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for a pop of color and flavor.
8. Pairing Suggestions:
This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables to create a wholesome and satisfying meal. Enjoy every flavorful bite!
Your comforting and delicious Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken is ready to impress, with minimal effort required. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Thighs for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs, but it’s best to thaw them first for even cooking. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for quicker thawing. Make sure to adjust the cooking time by an hour if starting with frozen chicken.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
If you find the sauce too sweet for your taste, you can reduce the honey amount or add a touch more Dijon mustard for extra tang. You can also balance sweetness with a bit more apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the honey mustard sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just add it to the chicken when you’re ready to cook. This makes it a great meal prep option!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist while reheating.