Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

If you’re looking for a dinner recipe that’s as easy as pie and packed with flavor, this Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken is just what you need! It’s a beloved dish in our home because it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when time is short but you still want to serve something delicious to the family. The combination of honey and mustard creates a sweet and tangy glaze that makes the chicken so tender and juicy. Plus, it requires only 10 minutes of prep time—can you believe it?

This recipe isn’t just for hectic weekdays; it’s also great for family gatherings or meal prep. You can whip up a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week! Trust me, once you try this dish, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Prep: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it while your crockpot does all the work.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet and savory flavors, making it a hit for everyone at the table.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over rice, pasta, or with fresh veggies—there are so many ways to serve this dish!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep, this recipe tastes even better when reheated.
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of honey and dijon mustard creates a comforting taste that will warm your heart.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients to whip up this delightful meal! They’re easy to find and will bring out the best in your 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)
• ¼ cup heavy cream

Optional Thickening Agent

• 2 Tbsp corn starch
• 4 T cold water

Variations

This recipe is super flexible, so feel free to get creative! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Swap the protein: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for an even more succulent dish.
• Add some spice: Toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
• Mix up the sauce: Try adding some apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for an extra zing!
• Go veggie: Add chopped vegetables like carrots or bell peppers into the crockpot for added nutrition.

How to Make Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat your chicken dry with a paper towel. This step is essential as it helps the spices stick better. Sprinkle salt, pepper, oregano, onion powder, and paprika evenly over top of the chicken. These seasonings will infuse flavor into every bite.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together honey, dijon mustard, minced garlic, and melted butter until smooth. Pour this delicious mixture over your seasoned chicken. This sauce will create a wonderful glaze that keeps your chicken moist while cooking.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Cover your crockpot and cook on LOW heat for about 3 hours or until the internal temperature of your chicken reaches 165°F. If you can sneak a peek at around 2 hours in, go ahead! It helps ensure everything is cooking perfectly.

Step 4: Shred or Chunk

Once cooked through, pull apart your chicken into large chunks or shred it completely with two forks. About half an hour before serving, add in your heavy cream and stir well into the sauce. This addition makes everything creamy and indulgent!

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

If you’d like a thicker sauce, whisk together cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into your sauce in the crockpot and let it heat on warm or low setting for about 30 minutes. The longer it cooks, the thicker it will become—perfectly comforting!

Step 6: Serve It Up!

Once you’ve reached your desired thickness, it’s time to dig in! Serve your Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken over rice or alongside roasted veggies for a complete meal that everyone will love. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

Making this delicious dish is a breeze, but a few tips can take it from great to unforgettable!

• Choose the Right Chicken: Opting for chicken thighs instead of breasts can add extra juiciness and flavor, making your meal even more enjoyable.
• Mix Well: Ensure you whisk the honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, and melted butter together thoroughly. This helps create a smooth sauce that coats the chicken beautifully and enhances its flavor.
• Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This guarantees it’s cooked perfectly and safe to eat.
• Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, don’t hesitate to let it simmer longer after adding the cornstarch mixture. This will develop a richer consistency that clings deliciously to the chicken.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Consider doubling the recipe for easy leftovers or meal prep. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it perfect for lunches throughout the week!

How to Serve Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

Serving your Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken can be just as fun as cooking it! Here are some delightful ideas for presenting this savory dish that will impress your family or guests.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Sliced Green Onions: Adding green onions not only enhances visual appeal but also provides a mild onion flavor that complements the honey mustard sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Steamed Broccoli: Crisp-tender broccoli adds a vibrant color and healthy crunch that balances out the richness of the chicken.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic are a comforting classic that pairs perfectly with the sweet and tangy sauce.
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with fresh veggies offers a refreshing contrast and complements the dish’s flavors without overpowering them.
• Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots bring out natural sugars when caramelized, providing a lovely side that harmonizes with the honey mustard theme.

With these serving suggestions, your Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken will not only taste fantastic but also look stunning on your dining table! Enjoy your meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time to enjoy throughout the week, making dinner planning a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Consider portioning out individual servings for easy reheating.

Freezing

• Allow the chicken to cool before freezing.
• Transfer cooled chicken and sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• To reheat, warm in a saucepan over low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.
• Alternatively, use the microwave on medium power until hot, checking every minute.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken that might help you out!

Can I use chicken thighs for Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken?

Yes! Chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe. They will be juicy and flavorful, just like chicken breasts.

How do I make Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken spicy?

To add some heat, consider including chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper into your honey mustard mixture. Adjust according to your spice preference!

Can I replace dijon mustard in this recipe?

If you’re looking for a substitute for dijon mustard, you can use whole grain mustard or yellow mustard. Each will impart a slightly different flavor but will still be delicious!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken! It’s an incredibly simple yet tasty dish that brings comfort to any busy weeknight. Enjoy creating this meal for yourself and your loved ones, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different sides or variations. Happy cooking!