Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

This Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken is a perfect solution for busy weeknights, offering a delightful blend of flavors with minimal effort. With just 10 minutes of prep time, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that can easily be customized to suit your family’s tastes. Whether you’re serving it over rice, with veggies, or in a wrap, the sweet and tangy sauce ensures everyone will come back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy Prep: With only 10 minutes needed to prepare, you can have dinner ready without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavorful and Delicious: The combination of honey and dijon mustard creates a mouthwatering sauce that brings out the best in chicken.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over rice, in a sandwich, or with your favorite sides – the options are endless!
• Family-Friendly Meal: This dish appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners.
• Minimal Cleanup: Cooking everything in one pot means fewer dishes to wash afterward.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this easy recipe, make sure you have the right tools on hand. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is essential for perfectly cooking the chicken low and slow, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Whisk: A whisk helps combine ingredients smoothly when making sauces or dressings.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure the right balance of flavors in your dish.

Ingredients

To make this delicious 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)
• 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, covering the chicken evenly.

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 chicken in the slow cooker.

Step 3: Cook It Low and Slow

Close the lid of the slow cooker and cook on LOW heat for about 3 hours or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. It’s helpful to check at around 2 hours if you can.

Step 4: Shred or Chunk Up Your Chicken

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

Step 5: Thicken Your Sauce (Optional)

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

Step 6: Serve!

Once your sauce reaches your desired thickness, serve your delicious Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken hot! Enjoy with your favorite sides!

How to Serve Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving ideas that will elevate your meal and delight your family.

Over Rice

• Steamed White Rice: The mild flavor of steamed rice complements the honey mustard sauce beautifully.
• Brown Rice: For a healthier option, serve the chicken over nutty brown rice to add texture.

With Vegetables

• Roasted Broccoli: Pairing with roasted broccoli adds a nice crunch and balances the dish.
• Sautéed Spinach: Quick sautéed spinach offers a fresh taste and vibrant color on your plate.

In Wraps or Sandwiches

• Lettuce Wraps: Use crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb wrap filled with chicken and sauce.
• Sandwich Rolls: Stuff the chicken into soft rolls for a delicious sandwich, perfect for lunch.

As Salad Topping

• Mixed Greens Salad: Top a bed of mixed greens with shredded chicken for a refreshing salad dish.
• Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw pairs well with the sweet and tangy flavors of the chicken.

How to Perfect Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

To achieve the best results with your Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and quality honey enhance the flavor significantly.
• Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to modify spices according to your taste preferences for a personalized touch.
• Check Temperature Early: Use a meat thermometer after 2 hours to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F without overcooking.
• Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before shredding, ensuring moisture retention.
• Experiment with Sauces: Try adding different mustard varieties for unique flavors—honey mustard can vary greatly!
• Add Veggies During Cooking: Toss in some veggies like carrots or bell peppers during cooking for added nutrition and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic complement the savory sauce perfectly.
2. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad adds protein and texture, making it a nutritious choice alongside the chicken.
3. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brings out the flavors of honey mustard; grill or boil for an easy side.
4. Baked Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes pairs beautifully while adding vitamins.
5. Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb alternative, serve cauliflower rice seasoned lightly to absorb excess sauce.
6. Green Beans Almondine: Sautéed green beans topped with toasted almonds add elegance and crunch to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken, it’s easy to overlook a few details. Avoid these common pitfalls for the best results.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Ensure you sprinkle salt, pepper, and herbs evenly over the chicken.
• Overcrowding the crockpot: Filling the crockpot too full can prevent even cooking. Stick to the recommended amount of chicken for optimal results.
• Ignoring cooking times: Cooking for too long can dry out the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 165°F.
• Not thickening the sauce: Failing to thicken the sauce may result in a watery dish. Consider using cornstarch as suggested for a creamy consistency.
• Forgetting to taste: Always taste before serving! Adjust seasonings as needed for a well-balanced flavor profile.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the chicken to cool before placing it in the fridge.

Freezing Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely with a lid or wrap. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed thoroughly. Add a splash of water or broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will work perfectly! They may add extra flavor due to their higher fat content.

How do I customize my Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken?

You can add vegetables like carrots or potatoes to cook alongside the chicken for added nutrition and flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish stores well and is perfect for meal prepping for busy weeks ahead.

What can I serve with Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken?

Pair it with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken is not just easy; it’s also incredibly versatile! You can customize it with different herbs or veggies based on your family’s preferences. Try this simple yet delicious recipe and enjoy a hearty meal any night of the week!