Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken

Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken is the ultimate comfort food that combines sweet honey with tangy mustard to create tender, juicy chicken that practically falls apart. This recipe has saved my dinner routine countless times when I needed something delicious but didn’t have time to stand over the stove.

The first time I made this dish was on a Tuesday evening when I forgot to thaw anything for dinner. I threw chicken breasts in the slow cooker that morning with ingredients I already had in my pantry, and when I walked through the door that evening, the aroma of honey and garlic had filled every corner of my kitchen. When I finally shredded it into that creamy sauce, I knew I’d found a keeper. This slow cooker honey mustard chicken recipe is perfect for busy families who crave homemade meals without the fuss. The best part? You can prep everything in under 10 minutes, then let your crockpot do all the work while you tackle your day.

What You’ll Need for This Honey Mustard Chicken

I always use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe because they stay incredibly tender after slow cooking. If your chicken breasts are thick, slice them in half horizontally for more even cooking and better sauce absorption.

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup honey (maple syrup works beautifully as a substitute)
• 1/4 cup yellow mustard (Dijon adds a sophisticated twist)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (swap with soy sauce for umami depth)
• 1/4 cup salted butter, melted (olive oil creates a lighter version)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (1/2 teaspoon garlic powder in a pinch)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (Italian seasoning is my go-to alternative)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (whole milk or coconut cream for dairy-free)

Personal recommendation: I prefer using real butter and fresh garlic for the richest flavor, but the substitutes work wonderfully when you’re in a bind.

How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken

I recommend taking just a few minutes to whisk your sauce properly before adding it to the slow cooker. This ensures every bite of chicken is coated in that perfect sweet and tangy glaze.

Step 1: Place your 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of a 4-6 quart slow cooker. Make sure they’re not overlapping too much for even cooking.

Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the honey, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, melted butter, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously for about 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. The sauce should look glossy and well-blended.

Step 3: Pour the honey mustard sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, using a spoon to ensure each piece gets coated. Don’t worry if some sauce pools at the bottom; it will redistribute during cooking.

Step 4: Cover your slow cooker with the lid and set it to LOW. Cook for 6 hours without lifting the lid (this keeps the heat consistent). Your chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, appears opaque throughout, and shreds easily with a fork. The sauce will have thickened slightly but should still be pourable.

Step 5: Once cooking is complete, stir the heavy cream into the slow cooker. This creates that luxurious, creamy texture that makes this dish irresistible. Mix gently to incorporate the cream throughout the sauce.

Step 6: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it thoroughly with the creamy sauce. The chicken should be so tender it practically falls apart.

Step 7: Let the shredded chicken sit in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb all those wonderful flavors, then serve warm.

Perfect Pairings for Honey Mustard Chicken

This slow cooker honey mustard chicken pairs beautifully with sides that balance its sweet and tangy profile.

Fluffy White Rice: The creamy sauce soaks into rice perfectly, creating a complete meal that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts add a healthy crunch and earthy flavor that complements the sweet chicken.

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes create the ultimate comfort food combination, especially when you drizzle extra sauce on top.

Fresh Green Salad: A crisp salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing contrast.

Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible honey mustard sauce.

These are some of the best sides for slow cooker honey mustard chicken that families request most often.

More Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes

This honey mustard chicken pairs wonderfully with other easy slow cooker meals that bring comfort and flavor to the dinner table. For more creamy chicken options, try the rich and satisfying Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken which offers a similar sweet and savory profile, or the indulgent Creamy Jack Cheese Chicken for cheese lovers.

When planning complete meals, serve this honey mustard chicken alongside comforting sides like Honey Roasted Butternut Squash for a sweet pairing, or balance it with the warm spices in Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup for those who enjoy bold flavors. These recipes complement each other perfectly for weekly meal planning.

Storing Your Leftover Chicken

Store your slow cooker honey mustard chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.

For reheating, the microwave works well in 30-second intervals, stirring between each session until warmed through. You can also reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

This chicken freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Having this ready-made meal waiting in the freezer is perfect for extra busy weeks.

Your Honey Mustard Chicken Questions Answered

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