Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Flavorful Delight

by
To make this dish, you need only a few key items. Here’s what you’ll need: - 4 skinless chicken thighs - 1/4 cup pure honey - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt, to taste - Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth These ingredients work together to create a sweet, tangy, and savory flavor. The honey and Dijon mustard combine to coat the chicken perfectly. The garlic and herbs add depth to the dish. If you want a thicker sauce, you can use this extra item: - 1 tablespoon cornstarch Mix the cornstarch with a tiny bit of cold water to create a slurry. Adding this to the sauce will give it a rich and velvety texture. Garnishing your dish can make it more appealing. Here are some ideas: - Fresh parsley, finely chopped A sprinkle of parsley adds a pop of color. It also provides a fresh taste that balances the richness of the chicken. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, grab a medium mixing bowl. Add 1/4 cup of pure honey. Next, pour in 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard. Then, add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Now, finely mince 3 cloves of garlic and toss them in. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme leaves and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Finally, add a pinch of salt and black pepper. Whisk all the ingredients until they blend well and form a smooth mixture. This honey mustard sauce will give your chicken a sweet and tangy flavor. Now, take 4 skinless chicken thighs. Lay them flat in the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they fit well without overlapping. Pour the honey mustard mixture over the chicken. Use a spoon to ensure every piece is well coated. This step is key for flavor. Next, carefully pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth. Aim for the sides of the chicken. This helps keep the sauce intact. Cover your slow cooker with its lid. If you want a relaxed cooking time, set it to low and let it cook for 6-7 hours. If you need it done faster, set it to high for 3-4 hours. Your chicken is ready when it becomes tender and falls apart easily. If you want a thicker sauce, after cooking, take out the chicken. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a splash of cold water. Stir this slurry into the sauce. Turn the heat to high and let it thicken for about 15 minutes. After that, return the chicken to the slow cooker. Make sure each piece is coated in the sauce. Your meal is now ready to serve! To get the best flavor, mix your honey and mustard well. Use pure honey for sweetness. Dijon mustard adds a nice tang. Add minced garlic for a strong kick. Dried thyme and smoked paprika give depth. Make sure to season with salt and pepper. This blend makes every bite tasty! For tender chicken thighs, use skinless thighs for low fat. Cook on low heat for 6-7 hours. This slow cooking method breaks down the meat. If you use high heat, aim for 3-4 hours. Always check that the chicken falls apart easily when done. This means it’s perfect! Want a thicker sauce? Use cornstarch. Mix it with cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into the sauce after cooking. Turn the heat to high and let it thicken for 15 minutes. Stir it often to avoid lumps. This gives you a rich and creamy sauce! Pro Tips Marinate for More Flavor: For an even richer taste, consider marinating the chicken thighs in the honey mustard mixture for a few hours or overnight before cooking. This will enhance the flavor profile. Use Fresh Herbs: While dried thyme is great, using fresh thyme can elevate the dish even further. Add it closer to the end of cooking for a burst of fresh flavor. Chicken Alternatives: Feel free to substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts or even bone-in chicken pieces. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as breasts may cook faster. Serve with Sides: This dish pairs beautifully with sides like mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, or quinoa. Adding a side salad can also bring a refreshing contrast to the meal. {{image_4}} You can swap chicken thighs for other proteins. Try chicken breasts for a leaner option. Turkey thighs work well too. For a plant-based choice, use firm tofu. Tofu absorbs flavors well and offers a nice texture. Change the honey mustard mix for new tastes. Use maple syrup instead of honey for a sweet twist. Add sriracha for heat or fresh herbs like rosemary for a fragrant touch. You can also try apple cider vinegar for a tangy flavor. Serve the honey mustard chicken with simple sides. Roasted veggies pair nicely and add color. Fluffy rice makes a great base to soak up the sauce. For a fresh option, try a crisp salad with a light vinaigrette. You can also add crusty bread to soak up every drop. To store leftover honey mustard chicken, let it cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Make sure to add any remaining sauce. Seal the container tightly and place it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to four days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. When you're ready to eat the leftovers, you have a few choices. You can reheat the chicken in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a lid or a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts to avoid drying it out. Stir the sauce to keep it moist. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stove. Place it in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it juicy. Stir often until it’s warm. Freezing honey mustard chicken is simple. Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. If you use bags, remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. The chicken can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to use it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy a tasty meal without the fuss! Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They will cook faster than thighs. Breasts may be less juicy. You might want to reduce the cooking time. Adjust for your taste and texture. You can serve honey mustard chicken with many sides. Here are some great options: - Roasted vegetables for a healthy crunch. - Fluffy rice to soak up the sauce. - Mashed potatoes for a creamy base. - A fresh salad for a light touch. These sides balance the rich flavors well. Cooking time varies with the setting. On low, it takes about 6-7 hours. On high, it cooks in about 3-4 hours. Both methods yield tender chicken. Just ensure it reaches a safe temperature. Enjoy the delicious results! In this post, we explored how to make slow cooker honey mustard chicken. We covered essential ingredients, optional thickening tips, and garnishes. You learned the step-by-step process, from mixing the sauce to cooking the chicken perfectly. Plus, we shared helpful tips for flavor and tenderness. We also looked at variations to suit your taste. Finally, we discussed storage and reheating options for leftovers. Enjoy creating your dish and impressing everyone at the table!

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Are you ready to elevate your dinner game? Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken brings bold flavor with minimal effort. This dish combines sweet honey and tangy mustard for a tasty glaze that’s easy to make. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal or a special dinner, this recipe will impress everyone at the table. Let’s dive into the simple ingredients and steps that will make your cooking shine!

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Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Effortless Preparation: This recipe requires only 15 minutes of hands-on time, allowing you to set it and forget it while it cooks to perfection.
  2. Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey and Dijon mustard creates a delightful sweet and tangy sauce that elevates the chicken to new heights.
  3. Versatile Side Pairings: Serve it with a variety of sides like roasted vegetables or fluffy rice, making it a perfect fit for any meal occasion.
  4. Perfectly Tender Chicken: Cooking in a slow cooker ensures the chicken becomes tender and juicy, falling off the bone with every bite.

Ingredients

Essential Ingredients for Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken

To make this dish, you need only a few key items. Here’s what you’ll need:

– 4 skinless chicken thighs

– 1/4 cup pure honey

– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard

– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

– 3 cloves garlic, finely minced

– 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– Salt, to taste

– Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

– 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

These ingredients work together to create a sweet, tangy, and savory flavor. The honey and Dijon mustard combine to coat the chicken perfectly. The garlic and herbs add depth to the dish.

Optional Ingredients for Sauce Thickening

If you want a thicker sauce, you can use this extra item:

– 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Mix the cornstarch with a tiny bit of cold water to create a slurry. Adding this to the sauce will give it a rich and velvety texture.

Suggested Garnishes

Garnishing your dish can make it more appealing. Here are some ideas:

– Fresh parsley, finely chopped

A sprinkle of parsley adds a pop of color. It also provides a fresh taste that balances the richness of the chicken.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of the Honey Mustard Mixture

First, grab a medium mixing bowl. Add 1/4 cup of pure honey. Next, pour in 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard. Then, add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Now, finely mince 3 cloves of garlic and toss them in. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme leaves and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Finally, add a pinch of salt and black pepper. Whisk all the ingredients until they blend well and form a smooth mixture. This honey mustard sauce will give your chicken a sweet and tangy flavor.

Arranging Chicken in the Slow Cooker

Now, take 4 skinless chicken thighs. Lay them flat in the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they fit well without overlapping. Pour the honey mustard mixture over the chicken. Use a spoon to ensure every piece is well coated. This step is key for flavor. Next, carefully pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth. Aim for the sides of the chicken. This helps keep the sauce intact.

Cooking Instructions for Perfect Chicken

Cover your slow cooker with its lid. If you want a relaxed cooking time, set it to low and let it cook for 6-7 hours. If you need it done faster, set it to high for 3-4 hours. Your chicken is ready when it becomes tender and falls apart easily. If you want a thicker sauce, after cooking, take out the chicken. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a splash of cold water. Stir this slurry into the sauce. Turn the heat to high and let it thicken for about 15 minutes. After that, return the chicken to the slow cooker. Make sure each piece is coated in the sauce. Your meal is now ready to serve!

Tips & Tricks

How to Achieve the Best Flavor

To get the best flavor, mix your honey and mustard well. Use pure honey for sweetness. Dijon mustard adds a nice tang. Add minced garlic for a strong kick. Dried thyme and smoked paprika give depth. Make sure to season with salt and pepper. This blend makes every bite tasty!

Tips for Tender Chicken Thighs

For tender chicken thighs, use skinless thighs for low fat. Cook on low heat for 6-7 hours. This slow cooking method breaks down the meat. If you use high heat, aim for 3-4 hours. Always check that the chicken falls apart easily when done. This means it’s perfect!

Sauce Thickening Options

Want a thicker sauce? Use cornstarch. Mix it with cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into the sauce after cooking. Turn the heat to high and let it thicken for 15 minutes. Stir it often to avoid lumps. This gives you a rich and creamy sauce!

Pro Tips

  1. Marinate for More Flavor: For an even richer taste, consider marinating the chicken thighs in the honey mustard mixture for a few hours or overnight before cooking. This will enhance the flavor profile.
  2. Use Fresh Herbs: While dried thyme is great, using fresh thyme can elevate the dish even further. Add it closer to the end of cooking for a burst of fresh flavor.
  3. Chicken Alternatives: Feel free to substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts or even bone-in chicken pieces. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as breasts may cook faster.
  4. Serve with Sides: This dish pairs beautifully with sides like mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, or quinoa. Adding a side salad can also bring a refreshing contrast to the meal.

Variations

Alternative Protein Choices

You can swap chicken thighs for other proteins. Try chicken breasts for a leaner option. Turkey thighs work well too. For a plant-based choice, use firm tofu. Tofu absorbs flavors well and offers a nice texture.

Different Flavor Profiles

Change the honey mustard mix for new tastes. Use maple syrup instead of honey for a sweet twist. Add sriracha for heat or fresh herbs like rosemary for a fragrant touch. You can also try apple cider vinegar for a tangy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the honey mustard chicken with simple sides. Roasted veggies pair nicely and add color. Fluffy rice makes a great base to soak up the sauce. For a fresh option, try a crisp salad with a light vinaigrette. You can also add crusty bread to soak up every drop.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftover Honey Mustard Chicken

To store leftover honey mustard chicken, let it cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Make sure to add any remaining sauce. Seal the container tightly and place it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to four days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option.

Reheating Tips

When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, you have a few choices. You can reheat the chicken in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a lid or a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts to avoid drying it out. Stir the sauce to keep it moist. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stove. Place it in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it juicy. Stir often until it’s warm.

Freezing for Future Meals

Freezing honey mustard chicken is simple. Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. If you use bags, remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. The chicken can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to use it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy a tasty meal without the fuss!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They will cook faster than thighs. Breasts may be less juicy. You might want to reduce the cooking time. Adjust for your taste and texture.

What can I serve with honey mustard chicken?

You can serve honey mustard chicken with many sides. Here are some great options:

– Roasted vegetables for a healthy crunch.

– Fluffy rice to soak up the sauce.

– Mashed potatoes for a creamy base.

– A fresh salad for a light touch.

These sides balance the rich flavors well.

How long does it take to cook on high vs. low?

Cooking time varies with the setting. On low, it takes about 6-7 hours. On high, it cooks in about 3-4 hours. Both methods yield tender chicken. Just ensure it reaches a safe temperature. Enjoy the delicious results!

In this post, we explored how to make slow cooker honey mustard chicken. We covered essential ingredients, optional thickening tips, and garnishes. You learned the step-by-step process, from mixing the sauce to cooking the chicken perfectly. Plus, we shared helpful tips for flavor and tenderness. We also looked at variations to suit your taste. Finally, we discussed storage and reheating options for leftovers. Enjoy creating your dish and impressing everyone at the tabl

To make this dish, you need only a few key items. Here’s what you’ll need: - 4 skinless chicken thighs - 1/4 cup pure honey - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt, to taste - Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth These ingredients work together to create a sweet, tangy, and savory flavor. The honey and Dijon mustard combine to coat the chicken perfectly. The garlic and herbs add depth to the dish. If you want a thicker sauce, you can use this extra item: - 1 tablespoon cornstarch Mix the cornstarch with a tiny bit of cold water to create a slurry. Adding this to the sauce will give it a rich and velvety texture. Garnishing your dish can make it more appealing. Here are some ideas: - Fresh parsley, finely chopped A sprinkle of parsley adds a pop of color. It also provides a fresh taste that balances the richness of the chicken. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, grab a medium mixing bowl. Add 1/4 cup of pure honey. Next, pour in 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard. Then, add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Now, finely mince 3 cloves of garlic and toss them in. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme leaves and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Finally, add a pinch of salt and black pepper. Whisk all the ingredients until they blend well and form a smooth mixture. This honey mustard sauce will give your chicken a sweet and tangy flavor. Now, take 4 skinless chicken thighs. Lay them flat in the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they fit well without overlapping. Pour the honey mustard mixture over the chicken. Use a spoon to ensure every piece is well coated. This step is key for flavor. Next, carefully pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth. Aim for the sides of the chicken. This helps keep the sauce intact. Cover your slow cooker with its lid. If you want a relaxed cooking time, set it to low and let it cook for 6-7 hours. If you need it done faster, set it to high for 3-4 hours. Your chicken is ready when it becomes tender and falls apart easily. If you want a thicker sauce, after cooking, take out the chicken. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a splash of cold water. Stir this slurry into the sauce. Turn the heat to high and let it thicken for about 15 minutes. After that, return the chicken to the slow cooker. Make sure each piece is coated in the sauce. Your meal is now ready to serve! To get the best flavor, mix your honey and mustard well. Use pure honey for sweetness. Dijon mustard adds a nice tang. Add minced garlic for a strong kick. Dried thyme and smoked paprika give depth. Make sure to season with salt and pepper. This blend makes every bite tasty! For tender chicken thighs, use skinless thighs for low fat. Cook on low heat for 6-7 hours. This slow cooking method breaks down the meat. If you use high heat, aim for 3-4 hours. Always check that the chicken falls apart easily when done. This means it’s perfect! Want a thicker sauce? Use cornstarch. Mix it with cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into the sauce after cooking. Turn the heat to high and let it thicken for 15 minutes. Stir it often to avoid lumps. This gives you a rich and creamy sauce! Pro Tips Marinate for More Flavor: For an even richer taste, consider marinating the chicken thighs in the honey mustard mixture for a few hours or overnight before cooking. This will enhance the flavor profile. Use Fresh Herbs: While dried thyme is great, using fresh thyme can elevate the dish even further. Add it closer to the end of cooking for a burst of fresh flavor. Chicken Alternatives: Feel free to substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts or even bone-in chicken pieces. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as breasts may cook faster. Serve with Sides: This dish pairs beautifully with sides like mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, or quinoa. Adding a side salad can also bring a refreshing contrast to the meal. {{image_4}} You can swap chicken thighs for other proteins. Try chicken breasts for a leaner option. Turkey thighs work well too. For a plant-based choice, use firm tofu. Tofu absorbs flavors well and offers a nice texture. Change the honey mustard mix for new tastes. Use maple syrup instead of honey for a sweet twist. Add sriracha for heat or fresh herbs like rosemary for a fragrant touch. You can also try apple cider vinegar for a tangy flavor. Serve the honey mustard chicken with simple sides. Roasted veggies pair nicely and add color. Fluffy rice makes a great base to soak up the sauce. For a fresh option, try a crisp salad with a light vinaigrette. You can also add crusty bread to soak up every drop. To store leftover honey mustard chicken, let it cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Make sure to add any remaining sauce. Seal the container tightly and place it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to four days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. When you're ready to eat the leftovers, you have a few choices. You can reheat the chicken in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a lid or a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts to avoid drying it out. Stir the sauce to keep it moist. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stove. Place it in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it juicy. Stir often until it’s warm. Freezing honey mustard chicken is simple. Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. If you use bags, remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. The chicken can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to use it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy a tasty meal without the fuss! Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They will cook faster than thighs. Breasts may be less juicy. You might want to reduce the cooking time. Adjust for your taste and texture. You can serve honey mustard chicken with many sides. Here are some great options: - Roasted vegetables for a healthy crunch. - Fluffy rice to soak up the sauce. - Mashed potatoes for a creamy base. - A fresh salad for a light touch. These sides balance the rich flavors well. Cooking time varies with the setting. On low, it takes about 6-7 hours. On high, it cooks in about 3-4 hours. Both methods yield tender chicken. Just ensure it reaches a safe temperature. Enjoy the delicious results! In this post, we explored how to make slow cooker honey mustard chicken. We covered essential ingredients, optional thickening tips, and garnishes. You learned the step-by-step process, from mixing the sauce to cooking the chicken perfectly. Plus, we shared helpful tips for flavor and tenderness. We also looked at variations to suit your taste. Finally, we discussed storage and reheating options for leftovers. Enjoy creating your dish and impressing everyone at the table!

Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Delight

A delicious and tender chicken dish cooked in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup pure honey
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
  • to taste Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Ensure all ingredients are well combined and the mixture has a smooth consistency.
  • Arrange the chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker, taking care to lay them flat. Pour the honey mustard mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring every piece is generously coated and flavored.
  • Carefully pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker, aiming for the sides of the chicken thighs rather than directly on top, preserving the integrity of the honey mustard sauce.
  • Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set the temperature to low, cooking for 6-7 hours. Alternatively, for a quicker option, set to high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should become tender and easily fall apart when done.
  • (Optional) For a richer, thicker sauce, after cooking, gently remove the chicken thighs and place them on a serving plate. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with a splash of cold water until smooth to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the remaining sauce in the slow cooker, turn the heat to high, and let it thicken for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, return the chicken to the slow cooker, ensuring each thigh is coated in the luscious sauce.
  • Serve your honey mustard chicken hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

Serve with roasted vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
Keyword chicken, honey mustard, slow cooker

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