Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

If you’re looking for an easy and delicious dinner idea that your family will rave about, then you’ve come to the right place! This Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken is a favorite in my home because it combines simple ingredients with incredible flavor. Imagine walking in after a long day to the warm aroma of honey and mustard wafting through your kitchen—pure comfort!

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or even family gatherings when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. With just ten minutes of prep time, this dish cooks itself while you go about your day. Trust me, once you try this Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken, it will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With only ten minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it!
• Family Favorite: The sweet and tangy flavors appeal to both kids and adults alike.
• Versatile Options: You can easily serve it over rice, pasta, or veggies for a complete meal.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: It’s perfect for meal prep—just reheat leftovers for lunch or dinner!
• Delicious Sauce: The honey mustard sauce is rich and full of flavor, making every bite delightful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients! They are simple, wholesome, and likely things you already have in your pantry. This makes whipping up this delicious meal a breeze.

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 Thickener

• 2 Tbsp corn starch
• 4 T cold water

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.

• Swap the protein: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
• Add some heat: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Switch up the sweetness: Try maple syrup instead of honey for a different flavor profile.
• Go green: Toss in some chopped vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers during the last hour of cooking for extra nutrition.

How to Make Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken dry with a paper towel. This step helps ensure that the seasoning sticks better. Sprinkle salt, pepper, oregano, onion powder, and paprika over the top. Each spice adds another layer of flavor to our dish!

Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, dijon mustard, minced garlic, and melted butter until smooth. This creates that delectable sauce that will infuse into the chicken as it cooks. Pour this mixture over your seasoned chicken in the crockpot.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Cover your crockpot and cook on LOW heat for about three hours. If possible, check at two hours to ensure everything is cooking nicely. The goal is to reach an internal temperature of 165°F—this ensures juicy and tender chicken that’s fully cooked.

Step 4: Shred or Chunk It Up

Once your chicken is cooked through, it’s time to pull it apart! You can either shred it completely or leave it in larger chunks—whichever you prefer. About thirty minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream to create that rich sauce we all love.

Step 5: Thicken if Desired

If you’d like a thicker sauce, whisk together cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Stir this into your sauce and allow it to heat on warm or low setting for about thirty minutes. The longer it cooks, the thicker it gets!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once everything has reached your desired thickness, it’s ready to serve! Whether over rice or alongside fresh veggies—you’re going to love every bite of this delightful meal. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

Cooking should be fun and stress-free, so here are some pro tips to ensure your Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken turns out perfectly every time!

• Choose the right chicken: Using chicken breast is great for a leaner option, but chicken thighs will yield a juicier result. Opt for what suits your taste best!

• Marinate for extra flavor: If you have a little extra time, consider marinating the chicken in the honey mustard mixture for an hour or overnight. This will intensify the flavors and make the chicken even more delicious.

• Monitor cooking time: Every crockpot cooks differently, so check your chicken around the 2-hour mark. Cooking it just right ensures tenderness and prevents dryness.

• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, feel free to reduce the amount of honey. You can always add more later if needed!

• Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a vibrant flavor compared to pre-minced options. It brightens up the sauce and enhances the overall dish.

How to Serve Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

This delightful dish can be served in various ways, making it versatile enough for any occasion. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, here are some ideas to present your creation beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors of the chicken.
• Lemon wedges: Squeezing a bit of lemon over the dish just before serving can brighten up the flavors and provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Steamed broccoli: A simple side that’s nutritious and easy to prepare. The slight bitterness of broccoli balances well with the sweetness of the honey mustard sauce.
• Brown rice: This nutty-flavored grain is perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce. It’s hearty yet healthy and will satisfy any appetite.
• Roasted sweet potatoes: These offer a sweet contrast to the savory chicken while adding vibrant color to your plate.
• Quinoa salad: Tossed with veggies and herbs, quinoa provides a light, fluffy texture that pairs wonderfully with this dish.

Enjoy your meal! Each bite of this Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken is sure to bring smiles around your dinner table.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it in advance, allowing for quick dinners throughout the week. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat this delicious dish:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Place cooled chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Remove excess air from bags to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
• Alternatively, use a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power until hot.

FAQs

If you have questions about this recipe, you’re in the right place! Here are some common inquiries that might help you.

Can I use chicken thighs for Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and will yield a slightly richer flavor due to their higher fat content. Just adjust the cooking time if needed!

How do I thicken the sauce for my Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken?

To thicken the sauce, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth, then stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will enhance the texture beautifully!

Can I prepare Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken in advance?

Yes! This recipe is great for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store leftovers in your fridge or freezer.

What can I serve with Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken?

This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or rice, making it versatile. Feel free to get creative with sides!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken! It’s a recipe that combines simplicity with incredible flavor, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Enjoy creating delicious memories around your dinner table. Happy cooking!