Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy dinner that the whole family will love, then you’ve come to the right place! This Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken is one of my go-to recipes for busy weeknights. It’s a comforting dish that can be prepped in just 10 minutes, giving you more time to relax or help the kids with their homework. The sweet and tangy sauce coats tender chicken pieces perfectly, making each bite a delightful experience. Whether it’s a regular Tuesday night or a family gathering, this recipe is sure to impress!

What I love most about this Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken is its versatility and simplicity. You can easily switch up the sides or even the protein! Not to mention, it fills your home with an irresistible aroma as it cooks slowly throughout the day—who wouldn’t want that?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Prep Time: You only need 10 minutes to get everything ready. Just toss the ingredients in and let your slow cooker do the magic!
• Family-Friendly Flavor: The combination of honey and mustard creates a delightful flavor that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
• Versatile Options: Serve it over rice, noodles, or alongside veggies—there’s no wrong way to enjoy this dish!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prepping! You can make a big batch and store leftovers for easy lunches during the week.
• Comforting Goodness: This dish embodies comfort food at its finest. It’s hearty, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple and wholesome—exactly what you want in a family meal! Let’s gather our essentials for this tasty Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken.

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 Thickening Agent

• 2 Tbsp corn starch
• 4 Tbsp cold water

Variations

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility! You can mix things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations:

• Swap the protein: Use chicken thighs or even turkey breast if you prefer a different flavor profile.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some broccoli or bell peppers in the last hour of cooking for added nutrition and color.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat in your dishes.
• Change up the sweetness: Try maple syrup instead of honey for a different but equally delicious taste!

How to Make Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken

Start by patting your chicken dry with a paper towel. This step helps ensure that your spices stick well! Sprinkle salt, pepper, oregano, onion powder, and paprika over top of the chicken pieces. Cover them completely with these seasonings to enhance their flavor.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together honey, dijon mustard, minced garlic, and melted butter until smooth. This mixture brings all those sweet and tangy flavors together beautifully! Pour it over your seasoned chicken pieces in the crockpot.

Step 3: Slow Cook Your Meal

Close your crockpot lid and set it to LOW heat for about 3 hours or until your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If possible, check in around the 2-hour mark to ensure everything is cooking nicely!

Step 4: Shred and Cream It Up

When your chicken is cooked through, shred it into large chunks or fully pull it apart with forks. About 30 minutes before serving, add in heavy cream and stir it into the sauce for rich creaminess that makes everything taste incredible.

Step 5: Thicken if Desired

If you’d like a thicker sauce, combine cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into your sauce and allow it to heat on warm or low for about 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it—the longer it cooks, the thicker it will become!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once you’ve reached your desired thickness, it’s time to serve! Dish out this scrumptious Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken over rice or with your favorite sides. Enjoy every bite of this delightful meal!

Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

This recipe is not only easy but can also be customized to your liking, making it a hit every time!

• Choose the right chicken cut: While chicken breasts are great, using thighs can add extra juiciness and flavor to the dish. Thighs have more fat, which keeps them moist during cooking.

• Don’t skip the browning: If you have a few extra minutes, consider browning the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the crockpot. This step enhances the flavor through caramelization and adds a delightful texture.

• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey or substitute with maple syrup. It allows you to tailor the dish to your personal taste while still keeping that lovely honey mustard flavor.

• Experiment with herbs: Feel free to mix in other dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional depth of flavor. Each herb brings its unique aroma, making each batch special and exciting!

• Make it a meal prep hero: This dish is perfect for meal prepping! Cook a double batch on the weekend, portion it out, and enjoy it throughout the week. Just reheat and serve!

How to Serve Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

Serving your Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken can be as fun as preparing it! Here are some ideas to present this delightful dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the rich sauce.
• Sliced green onions: These provide a mild onion flavor and vibrant green color that complements the dish perfectly.
• Sesame seeds: A light sprinkling of sesame seeds gives an added crunch and nuttiness that elevates your serving experience.

Side Dishes

• Steamed broccoli: Bright green broccoli not only adds nutrients but also pairs well with the honey mustard’s sweetness, offering a nice contrast.
• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make an excellent base for soaking up the delicious sauce from the chicken, creating a comforting combination.
• Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and lemon dressing offers a refreshing balance to the richness of the chicken.
• Roasted carrots: Sweet roasted carrots enhance the flavors of this dish while providing a delightful texture that complements the tender chicken beautifully.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken will surely impress family and friends alike! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy delicious home-cooked meals throughout the week. Here’s how you can store and reheat leftovers efficiently.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• Portion out the cooked chicken into freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, consume within the first month.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat in a microwave-safe dish, covered, on medium power until warmed through (about 2-3 minutes).
• Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe.

Can I make Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken with chicken thighs?

Yes! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They will remain juicy and flavorful just like chicken breasts.

How do I achieve a thicker sauce for Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken?

To thicken the sauce, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help create a rich texture!

Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can customize this dish by using different herbs or types of mustard based on your preference. Feel free to experiment!

How long does Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken take to cook?

Cooking on LOW takes about 3 hours, but it’s good practice to check around the 2-hour mark for doneness.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! It stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunches.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing this simple yet delightful Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken! It’s a versatile dish that brings warmth and flavor to any table. Enjoy making it, sharing it with loved ones, and savoring every bite. Happy cooking!