If you want chicken that stays tender, juicy, and full of flavor, this Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken is an easy recipe to keep on repeat. The creamy honey mustard sauce adds the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, while the slow cooker does most of the work for you. It is a simple family-friendly dinner that feels comforting, tastes delicious, and can be served in several different ways.
What is the best way to cook chicken? Slow cooking is one of the easiest ways to prepare chicken because it helps the meat stay moist and tender. Cooking chicken gently in the slow cooker allows it to absorb the sauce while keeping the texture soft. For the juiciest results, the low setting is often the best choice, although this recipe also includes a high-setting option when you need dinner ready sooner.
This honey mustard chicken recipe is especially useful for busy weeknights. The ingredients are simple, the prep is quick, and the finished dish works well with classic sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables. It is also a great recipe when you want a flavorful chicken dinner without complicated steps or a long list of ingredients.
Ingredients
What is honey mustard sauce? Honey mustard sauce is a creamy blend of honey, mustard, and mayonnaise. It has a smooth texture, a slightly sweet flavor, and a tangy bite that pairs especially well with chicken. In this slow cooker honey mustard chicken recipe, the sauce is made with mayonnaise, honey, yellow mustard, stone ground mustard, and a little lemon juice for brightness.
The sauce is simple enough to mix in just a few minutes. Because it uses everyday ingredients, it is also easy to prepare without a special trip to the store. The combination of two types of mustard gives the sauce more depth, while the honey balances the tanginess. Mayonnaise makes the sauce creamy and helps it coat the chicken as it cooks.
What else can honey mustard sauce be used for? Honey mustard is a versatile sauce that works with many meals. In this recipe, it becomes a rich coating for slow cooked chicken, but it can also be used as a dip for fresh vegetables, a dressing for a green salad, or a flavorful coating for root vegetables before roasting. Its sweet and tangy flavor makes it an easy way to add interest to simple dishes.
Preparation
Do you have to brown the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker? No, browning the chicken is not required. However, it does improve the appearance of the finished dish. A quick sear in butter gives the chicken a lightly browned surface, which looks better when served. If you are short on time, you can skip this step and still enjoy a flavorful slow cooker chicken dinner.
Can the honey mustard sauce be prepared ahead of time? Yes. You can make the sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Preparing the sauce ahead of time makes this recipe even faster to assemble. When you are ready to cook, simply brown the chicken if desired, place it in the slow cooker, and pour most of the sauce over the top.
For the best texture, avoid overcooking the chicken. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker and the size of the chicken breasts. Cook until the chicken is done and tender, then brush it with the remaining sauce before serving for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
What should you serve with Honey Mustard Chicken? This chicken pairs well with simple, comforting side dishes. Serve it with brown rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal. The creamy honey mustard sauce tastes especially good spooned over potatoes or rice, making the whole plate flavorful without needing an additional gravy or dressing.
For a lighter meal, serve the chicken with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad. For a heartier dinner, add mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. Because the sauce has both sweetness and tang, it works well with mild sides that let the chicken remain the main focus of the meal.
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Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon stone ground mustard
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
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Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
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Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste, then add them to the skillet.
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Brown the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes on each side.
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Transfer the browned chicken to the slow cooker.
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In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, honey, yellow mustard, stone ground mustard, and lemon juice until smooth.
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Pour about three-quarters of the honey mustard sauce over the chicken.
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Cover and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 4 to 6 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.
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Brush the chicken with the remaining sauce before serving.
Notes
- Brown the chicken first if you want a better presentation.
- The honey mustard sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Protein: 37 g
Fat: 31 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Sodium: 553 mg
Sugar: 9 g