Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

This Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken is the ultimate weeknight dinner savior that practically makes itself! Tender, fall-apart chicken thighs bathed in a sweet-tangy honey mustard sauce, topped with a crisp, colorful red cabbage slaw. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day, returning to a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen (when you actually only spent minutes!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are the star of this dish – they stay incredibly juicy and tender during slow cooking and shred beautifully.
• Honey: Brings natural sweetness that caramelizes slightly during cooking and balances the tangy mustard.
• Whole Grain Dijon Mustard: Offers texture and complex flavor with its whole mustard seeds. The combination of spice and vinegar tang cuts through the richness.
• Water: Helps create the right consistency for the sauce and prevents burning.
• Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent to transform the cooking liquid into a silky, coat-the-back-of-a-spoon sauce that clings perfectly to the shredded chicken.

For the Slaw:

• Red Cabbage: Provides vibrant color, crunch, and a slightly peppery flavor that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken.
• Olive Oil: Forms the base of the dressing, adding richness and helping the flavors adhere to the cabbage.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds brightness and tang that cuts through the sweetness of the chicken.
• Whole Grain Dijon Mustard: Creates flavor continuity between the chicken and slaw.
• Honey and Sugar: Balance the acidity of the vinegar and bring out the natural sweetness of the cabbage.

Variations

• Spicy Honey Mustard: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a kick.
• Herbed Version: Stir in a tablespoon of fresh thyme or rosemary during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Vegetable Boost: Add sliced onions, bell peppers, or carrots to the slow cooker for a more complete one-pot meal.
• Green Slaw: Substitute broccoli slaw or add shredded Brussels sprouts to the red cabbage for added nutrition and texture.

How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together honey, whole grain Dijon mustard, and 1/4 cup water until smooth. Pour this golden mixture into your slow cooker, creating the flavor base that will transform ordinary chicken into something spectacular.

Step 2: Add the Chicken

Add the chicken thighs to the slow cooker and toss them thoroughly in the sauce, ensuring each piece is coated. This coating process is crucial for developing that perfect honey-mustard flavor throughout the meat.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low for 4-4½ hours. The low, slow heat works magic, breaking down the proteins in the chicken while allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken easily pulls apart with a fork.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Pour this slurry into the slow cooker. This transforms the cooking liquid into a luxurious sauce that will coat each strand of shredded chicken.

Step 5: Shred and Finish

Using two forks, shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Let it cook for an additional 20 minutes with the sauce, allowing the chicken to absorb the thickened honey-mustard goodness. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.

Step 6: Prepare the Slaw

While the chicken finishes, combine all slaw ingredients in a bowl and mix well. The dressing will begin softening the cabbage while maintaining its crunch.

For best results, make the slaw ahead of time and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to fully develop.

How to Serve

The Classic Sandwich

Pile the warm, saucy chicken onto soft brioche or potato rolls, top generously with the cool, crunchy slaw, and prepare for an explosion of complementary flavors and textures.

Beyond the Bun

This chicken shines in multiple settings:

• Serve over fluffy white rice or quinoa with the slaw on the side
• Stuff into baked sweet potatoes for a nutritious twist
• Use as filling for lettuce wraps with the slaw mixed in
• Create a honey mustard chicken bowl with rice, avocado, and the vibrant slaw

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers. The chicken will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, while the slaw stays crisp for about 3 days.

Freezing

The honey mustard chicken freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. The slaw, however, doesn’t freeze well and should be made fresh.

Reheating

Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The combination of tender, saucy chicken and crisp, tangy slaw creates a perfect balance that will have everyone asking for seconds. Give your weeknight dinner routine a delicious upgrade with this recipe that proves exceptional meals don’t have to be complicated!

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