Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, then this Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken is just what you need! It’s one of those recipes my family always looks forward to. With just 10 minutes of prep time and a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that fills your home with warmth and delightful aromas. This dish is easy to customize, making it a hit for family gatherings or casual dinners alike!

Imagine coming home after a long day to the sweet and savory scents wafting from the Crock Pot. It’s not just food; it’s a hug in a bowl! Plus, everyone loves it – even picky eaters. Let’s dive into why this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Just 10 minutes of hands-on time makes this recipe perfect for busy evenings.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: The sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce appeals to both kids and adults.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, pasta, or alongside veggies for countless meal possibilities.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Simply set it in the morning, and dinner will be ready when you are!
• Easy Cleanup: Cooking in the Crock Pot means fewer dishes to wash afterward.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up this scrumptious Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. These flavors come together beautifully to create an unforgettable dish!

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)
• ¼ cup heavy cream

Optional Thickening

• 2 Tbsp corn starch
• 4 Tbsp cold water

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

• Swap the protein: Use chicken thighs or even turkey breast for a different flavor profile.
• Add some veggies: Toss in carrots, bell peppers, or onions right before cooking for added nutrition.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or sriracha for a kick if your family enjoys heat!
• Creamy alternatives: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

How to Make Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken dry with a paper towel. This helps ensure that the seasonings stick well! Then sprinkle salt, pepper, oregano, onion powder, and paprika over the top of the chicken. Each spice adds its own special flavor that makes this dish sing.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, dijon mustard, minced garlic, and melted butter until smooth. This step is crucial because blending these ingredients creates that luscious sauce that will soak into your chicken as it cooks.

Step 3: Combine Everything in Your Crock Pot

Pour the honey mustard mixture over the seasoned chicken in your slow cooker. Be sure to cover it as much as possible—it’s where all that wonderful flavor comes from! Close the lid and set your cooker on LOW heat.

Step 4: Cook Until Tender

Cook on LOW for about three hours or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If possible, check at two hours to see how it’s doing. The longer it cooks gently, the more tender it will get!

Step 5: Add Cream and Thicken

Once cooked through, shred or pull apart your chicken into large chunks—this adds nice texture to your meal! About 30 minutes before serving time, add in the heavy cream and stir it into the sauce for extra richness.

Step 6: Final Touches

To thicken your sauce if desired, whisk together cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into your sauce and let it warm through on low heat for about another 30 minutes. It thickens beautifully!

Step 7: Serve Up Your Delicious Meal!

Once you’ve reached your desired thickness and everything is heated through nicely, serve this delightful crockpot honey mustard chicken with rice or vegetables. Enjoy every bite with those you love!

Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

Cooking can be a breeze with the right tips in your back pocket! Here are some handy suggestions to ensure your Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken turns out perfectly every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality honey can enhance the flavor immensely. Fresh ingredients make a noticeable difference in taste and aroma, elevating your dish from basic to unforgettable.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Don’t hesitate to tweak the spices according to your family’s preference. Everyone has different tastes, and this flexibility allows you to create a dish that everyone will enjoy!

• Check chicken doneness early: It’s wise to check the internal temperature at about 2 hours. This helps prevent overcooking, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and tender.

• Experiment with vegetables: Adding veggies like carrots or bell peppers during cooking can enhance both nutrition and flavor. Plus, it creates a one-pot meal that’s even easier to serve!

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the chicken to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps retain moisture. It also gives you time to prepare any sides or garnishes you want to serve alongside.

How to Serve Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

This delightful dish is not only easy to make but also versatile in how you present it! You can elevate its appeal with just a few simple touches.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Toasted sesame seeds: These add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor, making each bite even more enjoyable.
• Sliced green onions: These lend a mild onion flavor while adding visual interest, perfect for an inviting presentation.

Side Dishes

• Steamed broccoli: The vibrant green color and slight crunch of steamed broccoli complement the savory flavors of the chicken beautifully, adding both nutrition and texture.

• Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon dressing provides a refreshing contrast while adding wholesome grains that round out your meal.

• Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic pair wonderfully with the honey mustard sauce, soaking up every delicious drop!

• Roasted sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer a delightful sweetness that balances the tangy mustard sauce perfectly; they’re easy to prepare and full of nutrients too.

Enjoy your meal prep, and savor every moment spent enjoying this comforting family favorite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken is fantastic for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, store it, and enjoy it throughout the week, making busy nights a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken to cool down to room temperature.
• Place leftovers in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the chicken cool completely before freezing.
• Portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
• For microwave reheating, place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that may arise about this delicious recipe!

Can I use other types of chicken for this Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken?

Absolutely! While this recipe calls for chicken breasts, you can also use thighs or even bone-in cuts. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the type of chicken you choose.

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

To thicken the sauce effectively, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into your sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It will thicken as it heats!

Can I prepare Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken in advance?

Yes! This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can cook it ahead of time and store leftovers in the fridge or even freeze portions for later.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken as much as I do! It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that brings warmth to any dinner table. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh or as leftovers throughout the week, I’m sure your family will love it just as much. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your experience!