Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

This Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken is the ideal solution for busy weeknights. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can create a delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy. The combination of honey and mustard creates a sweet and tangy sauce that pairs wonderfully with tender chicken. Whether served over rice, in a wrap, or alongside your favorite vegetables, this dish is sure to impress on any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time, this recipe fits perfectly into your busy schedule.
• Flavorful Sauce: The honey and Dijon mustard blend together to create a sweet and tangy flavor profile that elevates simple chicken.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve this dish over rice, in sandwiches, or with a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
• Family-Friendly: The combination of flavors appeals to both kids and adults, making it a great choice for family dinners.
• Easy Cleanup: Cooking in a crockpot means fewer dishes to wash after dinner!

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather these essential tools before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This tool allows for hands-off cooking, so you can prepare other tasks while your meal cooks.
• Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl is essential for combining ingredients smoothly without spills.
• Whisk: Using a whisk ensures that your sauce ingredients blend evenly for the best flavor.

Ingredients

To prepare your Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken, gather the following ingredients:

• 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
• ¼ c honey
• ¼ c dijon mustard
• 2 Tbsp butter (melted)
• 2-3 garlic cloves (minced)
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• optional: 2 Tbsp corn starch and 4 T cold water

How to Make Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat your chicken dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle the salt, pepper, oregano, onion powder, and paprika over the top, ensuring an even coating.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, dijon mustard, minced garlic, and melted butter until smooth. Pour this mixture over the seasoned chicken.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Cover your slow cooker and cook on LOW heat for about 3 hours or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Check around the 2-hour mark if possible to ensure it’s cooking properly.

Step 4: Shred or Chunk the Chicken

Once cooked, you can pull apart the chicken into large chunks or shred it completely. About 30 minutes before serving, add the heavy cream to the sauce and stir well.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the sauce and let it heat on warm or low for about 30 minutes until thickened.

Step 6: Serve Your Dish

Once you’ve achieved your desired sauce thickness, serve your Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken hot! Enjoy it over rice or with vegetables for an easy dinner.

How to Serve Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs perfectly with various sides and garnishes. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

With Rice

• Steamed White Rice: Fluffy white rice absorbs the honey mustard sauce beautifully, making it a classic pairing.
• Brown Rice: For a healthier option, try brown rice, which adds a nutty flavor and more fiber.

On a Salad

• Mixed Greens: Serve over a bed of mixed greens for a light and refreshing meal. Drizzle with extra honey mustard dressing for added flavor.
• Caesar Salad: Add shredded chicken on top of a Caesar salad for a hearty twist on the traditional recipe.

In Wraps

• Tortilla Wraps: Use tortillas to create delicious wraps filled with chicken, lettuce, and your choice of sauce.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, use large lettuce leaves to wrap the chicken along with fresh veggies.

With Vegetables

• Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables for a colorful plate and added nutrients.
• Steamed Broccoli: Steamed broccoli complements the dish well while providing additional vitamins.

How to Perfect Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

To achieve the best results with your Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken, consider these helpful tips for a perfect dish every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices will enhance the flavor profile compared to dried alternatives.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Check on the chicken around the two-hour mark to ensure it doesn’t overcook or dry out.
• Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to cook longer after adding cornstarch until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Shred or Chunk?: Decide if you want to shred the chicken completely or serve it in larger chunks based on personal preference.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other spices like thyme or rosemary for variation in taste.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

Pairing sides with your Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement this dish perfectly.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic pair wonderfully with the sweet and tangy chicken sauce.
2. Quinoa Salad: A cold quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast and adds protein.
3. Sautéed Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans sautéed in olive oil make for an easy, flavorful side.
4. Baked Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes balances the flavors of the chicken nicely.
5. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob offers a fun and hearty addition to your meal.
6. Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness that complements the rich honey mustard flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are some common mistakes that can affect your dish’s outcome.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly can result in bland flavors. Always sprinkle salt, pepper, and spices evenly on the chicken for maximum flavor.
• Not checking the internal temperature: Failing to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F can lead to undercooked meat. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
• Overcrowding the crockpot: Filling the crockpot beyond its capacity can prevent even cooking. Make sure to leave enough space for steam to circulate.
• Neglecting to shred or pull apart chicken: Leaving the chicken whole may not allow enough sauce absorption. Shred or pull it apart after cooking for better flavor integration.
• Ignoring sauce thickness: If you want a thicker sauce, don’t skip the cornstarch step. Mix it well with cold water before adding it to avoid lumps.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

• Place cooled chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat covered for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container and heat in short intervals, stirring between, until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low in a skillet, stirring occasionally until warmed thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken.

How do I make my sauce thicker?

You can thicken your sauce by whisking cornstarch with cold water before stirring it into the crockpot about 30 minutes before serving.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken?

Yes! Feel free to adjust seasonings or use different cuts of chicken like thighs or drumsticks based on your preference.

How long does it take to cook Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken?

Cooking on LOW typically takes about 3 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can season and prepare everything in advance, then refrigerate it before placing it in the crockpot when you’re ready to cook.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken is not only simple but also versatile! With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. You can customize it by adding vegetables or adjusting spices. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious meal that everyone will love!