Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy dinner option that your whole family will love, look no further than this Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken! This recipe is a family favorite at my house because it combines the sweet and tangy flavors of honey and mustard with tender chicken breasts, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.

The beauty of this dish lies not only in its flavor but also in its flexibility. You can serve it over rice, alongside vegetables, or even in a sandwich. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, I promise this Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken will become a go-to recipe in your meal rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Prep: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it!
• Family-Friendly: The sweet and savory flavor profile makes it appealing to both kids and adults.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over rice, with fresh veggies, or as a sandwich filling.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep; just store leftovers for easy lunches.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of honey and mustard creates a mouthwatering sauce!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to whip up our Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken! Don’t worry; these are items you can easily find in your pantry or local grocery store.

For the Chicken

• 1.5 lb chicken breast (about 4, 6 oz. pieces) (chicken thighs will work)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp pepper
• ½ tsp salt

For the Sauce

• ¼ c honey
• ¼ c dijon mustard
• 2 Tbsp butter (melted)
• 2-3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Optional Thickener

• 2 Tbsp corn starch
• 4 Tbsp cold water

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

• Swap the protein: Use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat; they add extra flavor.
• Add veggies: Toss in some chopped carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a kick!
• Make it lighter: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.

How to Make Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken dry with a paper towel. This step is important because it helps the seasonings stick better. Next, sprinkle salt, pepper, oregano, onion powder, and paprika all over the chicken pieces. This seasoning mix adds wonderful depth to our dish!

Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, dijon mustard, minced garlic, and melted butter until smooth. This sauce is what brings everything together—sweetness from the honey balances perfectly with the tangy mustard. Pour this mixture over the seasoned chicken, ensuring each piece is nicely coated.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Close your crock pot lid and cook on LOW heat for about 3 hours. If you’re around after two hours, give it a check! You’ll want that chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Cooking low and slow ensures maximum tenderness.

Step 4: Shred or Pull Apart the Chicken

Once your chicken is cooked through, feel free to pull it apart into large chunks or shred it completely—whatever suits your style! About 30 minutes before serving time, add in the heavy cream. This step adds richness to our delicious sauce.

Step 5: Thicken Your Sauce

If you’d like a thicker sauce (and who wouldn’t?), whisk together cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into your sauce and allow it to heat on warm or low for about 30 minutes. The sauce will thicken more as it cooks—just keep an eye on it!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once you’ve reached your desired thickness for the sauce, it’s time to serve! Spoon that sticky-sweet goodness over rice or vegetables—and watch everyone come back for seconds!

Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

Cooking in the crockpot is all about ease and flavor, so here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time!

• Prep Ahead: Prepare your chicken and sauce the night before. This not only saves you time but also allows the flavors to meld even more before cooking.

• Use Chicken Thighs for Juiciness: While chicken breasts work well, substituting with thighs can add extra moisture and flavor, making your meal even more satisfying.

• Adjust Sweetness: If you’d like a less sweet sauce, decrease the honey by a tablespoon or two. This makes it adaptable to different taste preferences in your family.

• Don’t Rush the Cooking Time: Allowing the chicken to cook on low for the full duration ensures it becomes tender and flavorful. If you’re pressed for time, don’t hesitate to check at 2 hours but resist cooking on high as it can dry out the chicken.

• Experiment with Mustards: Try different types of mustard such as spicy brown or honey mustard for a unique twist on the classic flavor!

How to Serve Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

Serving this delicious dish is as fun as making it! With a few thoughtful touches, you can make your meal feel special.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: Parsley or cilantro adds a fresh pop of color and brightness to each serving.
• Sliced Green Onions: A sprinkle of these provides a mild onion flavor and a nice crunch that complements the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

• Steamed Green Beans: These crisp-tender beans offer a vibrant color contrast and a healthy crunch that balances the richness of the chicken.

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up all that luscious honey mustard sauce – comfort food at its best!

• Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and lemon dressing pairs beautifully and adds a nutritious element to your plate.

• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini provide sweetness and texture that align wonderfully with the flavors of the chicken.

Enjoy making this dish your own and watch as it becomes a staple in your weekly meal rotation!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch in advance, store it, and enjoy the deliciousness throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing.
• Place leftovers in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Portion out the chicken into freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for the best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen.
• To reheat, place in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Alternatively, use a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring between each.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe!

Can I use chicken thighs for Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They tend to stay juicier and are just as delicious when cooked with the honey mustard sauce.

How long can I store Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken in the fridge?

You can store your Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s kept in an airtight container!

What can I serve with Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken?

This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it on a bed of greens for a fresh salad option!

Can I make this Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken dairy-free?

Yes! Simply omit the heavy cream or substitute it with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative that suits your taste.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken as much as I do! It’s such an easy recipe that brings warmth and flavor to any dinner table. Whether you’re serving it on busy weeknights or special occasions, it’s sure to impress. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your experience with me!