Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but reduce the cooking time to 3-3½ hours on low to prevent them from drying out. Chicken breasts contain less fat than thighs, so they don't need as much time to become tender.

How can I make this recipe more meal-prep friendly?

Prepare the chicken as directed and portion it into individual containers with rice or quinoa. Make a double batch of slaw, but keep the dressing separate until the day you plan to eat it. This way, you'll have ready-to-go meals that maintain their texture throughout the week.

The sauce seems too thin even after adding cornstarch. How can I fix it?

If your sauce isn't thickening enough, mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and add it to the slow cooker. Alternatively, remove the lid and switch the slow cooker to the high setting for the last 20-30 minutes to reduce the sauce through evaporation.

Can I make this dish ahead for a party?

Absolutely! This is perfect for entertaining because it can be made a day ahead and reheated. The flavors actually improve overnight, and you can quickly warm it in the slow cooker on the "keep warm" setting before guests arrive. Make the slaw the day before as well for maximum flavor.

Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

Description

Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken combines tender, flavorful chicken thighs with a tangy-sweet honey mustard sauce that’s slow-cooked to perfection. Paired with a crisp, refreshing slaw, it’s the perfect balance of rich, comforting, and zesty flavors in every bite. Ideal for laid-back dinners or gatherings, this dish is easy to make and delivers big on taste!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken

3 lbs Chicken Thighs, boneless, skinless
1/4 cup Honey
3 Tablespoons Whole Grain Dijon Mustard
1/4 cup Water
2 Tablespoons Water, additional
2 teaspoons Cornstarch

Slaw

2 cups Red Cabbage, chopped or shredded
1/4 cup Olive Oil
3 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
Pinch of Salt/Pepper
1 teaspoon Whole Grain Dijon Mustard
2 teaspoons Honey
2 teaspoons Sugar

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Instructions

Prepare the Sauce
Mix honey, mustard, and the 1/4 cup water in a bowl until combined. This mixture will serve as the flavor base for the chicken.
Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken thighs to a large slow cooker and pour the honey-mustard mixture over them. Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce. Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 4½ hours, ensuring the chicken becomes tender and juicy.
Thicken the Sauce
Combine 2 tablespoons of water with cornstarch to form a slurry. Add this to the slow cooker during the last 20 minutes of cooking. Shred the chicken with a fork, stirring it into the sauce until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare the Slaw
In a large bowl, mix the red cabbage, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, dijon mustard, honey, and sugar until well combined. For the best flavor, refrigerate the slaw overnight.
Assemble and Serve
Serve the shredded honey mustard chicken on soft rolls, topped with the crunchy slaw for a deliciously satisfying meal.

Notes

For optimal slow-cooking results, avoid lifting the lid during the cooking process, as this can reduce the temperature and increase cooking time.
The honey mustard sauce can be customized with additional spices such as garlic powder or smoked paprika for added depth of flavor.
The slaw can also include shredded carrots or green cabbage for extra crunch and color.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories: 370kcal
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 540mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 115mg