Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

This Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken is the perfect solution for a busy weeknight dinner. With just ten minutes of prep time and a handful of ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that the whole family will love. This dish is versatile and can be served in various ways, making it a standout choice for any occasion. Its sweet and tangy flavors combined with tender chicken make it irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it!
• Flavorful Dish: The combination of honey and mustard creates a delightful glaze that infuses the chicken with flavor.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, pasta, or with fresh vegetables for a complete meal.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this comforting dish.
• Adjustable Ingredients: Easily modify based on what you have at home or personal preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin making your Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Whisk
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is essential for hands-off cooking, allowing flavors to meld beautifully while you focus on other tasks.
• Whisk: Perfect for mixing sauces smoothly without lumps, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
• Measuring cups/spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the right balance in flavors.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken, you’ll need 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)
• 1/4 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 top, ensuring even coverage.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

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

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 at around 2 hours if possible to monitor doneness.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

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

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

If you desire a thicker sauce, whisk together cold water and cornstarch until smooth. Stir this mixture into the sauce in your crock pot and allow it to heat on warm or low setting for about 30 minutes.

Step 6: Serve Your Dish

Once thickened to your liking, serve your delightful Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken with your choice of sides!

How to Serve Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal or a quick option for busy weeknights, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.

Over Rice

• Serve the honey mustard chicken over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

In Tacos

• Shred the chicken and serve it in soft or hard taco shells with your favorite toppings like lettuce, cheese, and salsa.

With Vegetables

• Pair the chicken with steamed or roasted vegetables for a healthy and colorful plate.

On a Salad

• Use the chicken as a protein-rich topping on mixed greens, drizzled with extra honey mustard dressing for added flavor.

As a Sandwich

• Layer the shredded chicken onto crusty bread or rolls for a satisfying sandwich option.

How to Perfect Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

To achieve the best results when making Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality mustard will enhance the flavor significantly.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey to suit your taste.
• Cook low and slow: Cooking on low heat allows the flavors to meld beautifully and keeps the chicken tender.
• Shred before serving: For easier serving, shred the chicken before adding cream to make it more manageable on plates or in tacos.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices for additional flavor dimensions.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

Serving side dishes with Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement this dish wonderfully.

1. Steamed Broccoli
   A simple side that adds nutrients and balances out the sweetness of the chicken.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
   Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make for a comforting pairing.
3. Quinoa Pilaf
   A nutritious alternative to rice that adds texture and flavor with herbs and nuts.
4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
   Their natural sweetness pairs well with the honey mustard sauce while providing vitamins.
5. Cauliflower Rice
   A low-carb option that absorbs flavors well; season it lightly for an ideal side.
6. Coleslaw
   This crunchy salad adds texture and freshness to balance out the rich flavors of the chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for when making Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken.

• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can lead to dry meat. Always check the internal temperature and adjust cooking time as needed.
• Using too much salt: Adding excess salt can overpower the dish. Start with less, and you can always add more later if needed.
• Not layering ingredients properly: When using a crockpot, layer ingredients correctly to ensure even cooking. Place sturdier items like chicken at the bottom and sauces on top.
• Skipping the cream step: The cream adds richness and helps balance flavors. Don’t forget to stir it in before serving for the best taste.
• Ignoring thickening options: If you prefer a thicker sauce, don’t skip the cornstarch step. It enhances the overall texture of your dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

• Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat covered for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container; heat in increments of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Heat over low-medium heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use other meats for this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey or even beef if preferred. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on meat type.

How can I customize my Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken?

Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or potatoes for more nutrition. You can also experiment with different mustards for varied flavor profiles.

What should I serve with Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken?

This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. Choose sides that complement its sweet and tangy flavor.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can replace heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy alternative like almond milk for similar results without dairy.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. With just a few adjustments, you can customize it to suit your family’s tastes. Give this delicious recipe a try—it’s perfect for busy weeknights and sure to please everyone at the table!