Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken
Some dinners instantly make the whole house feel cozy, and this Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken is one of those recipes. As it cooks low and slow, the sweet and savory aroma fills the kitchen, making it nearly impossible not to peek at the slow cooker before dinner time.
I originally made this recipe on a hectic weekday when I needed something easy that still tasted homemade. With just a few pantry staples and a couple minutes of prep, the slow cooker did all the work. By evening, the chicken was incredibly tender and coated in a rich honey mustard sauce that everyone kept spooning over their rice.
The combination of sweet honey, tangy mustard, garlic, and herbs creates a comforting meal that feels simple enough for busy nights but flavorful enough for serving company.
Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 4 | Or use 6 chicken thighs |
| Honey | ½ cup | Sweetens the sauce |
| Dijon mustard | ⅓ cup | Bold tangy flavor |
| Whole grain mustard (optional) | 2 tbsp | Adds texture |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | Helps create a smooth sauce |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves | Adds depth |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp | Brightens the flavor |
| Paprika | ½ tsp | Mild warmth |
| Salt | ½ tsp | Adjust as needed |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp | Freshly ground preferred |
| Dried thyme or Italian seasoning | 1 tsp | Herbal flavor |
| Cornstarch (optional) | 1 tbsp | Thickens sauce |
| Water (optional) | 2 tbsp | For cornstarch slurry |
| Fresh parsley | For garnish | Optional |
Instructions
1. Make the sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
2. Add the chicken
Place the chicken in the slow cooker in an even layer. Pour the sauce over the top, making sure the chicken is evenly coated.
3. Slow cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
4. Optional: thicken the sauce
Mix the cornstarch and water together to form a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker during the final 20 minutes of cooking until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Serve
Spoon the warm honey mustard sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve with rice, potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
