Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken

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Amazing Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Bliss

Cozy Slow Cooker Honey Dinner

Hola! I grew up with my heart tethered to Mexico’s bright, soul-warming flavors, pressing tortillas in Orlando next to my mama and learning spice magic from my abuela. Those kitchens taught me that cooking is laughter, stories, and sharing love between bites. Now I bring those warm memories into everyday meals like Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken, a dish that feels like a abrazo in a bowl. This Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken turns pantry staples into comfort, and this Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken is the kind of recipe you’ll make again and again. Share it and pin it.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours (LOW) | Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes | Servings: 4 | Difficulty: Easy | Cuisine: American comfort with a cozy twist | Best Season: Fall and winter
What Makes This Dish Shine

  • Tender, fuss-free chicken every time. The slow cooker gently transforms ordinary chicken breasts or thighs into juicy, shreddable bites that soak up the sweet-and-tangy sauce.
  • A pantry-friendly flavor punch. Honey and Dijon marry into a glossy sauce that feels both bright and homey, perfect for weeknights or lazy weekend dinners.
  • Comforting and versatile for any meal. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted veg and you’ll have a cozy plate good for family dinners or quick meal prep.
  • Kid-friendly but grown-up enough for guests. The sauce hits a comforting sweet-savory note that pleases little palates while staying flavorful for adults.
    Ingredients You’ll Need
  • 1.5 lb chicken breast (about 4 pieces, 6 oz. each) or chicken thighs
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 2 Tbsp butter, melted
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • Optional (for thickening): 2 Tbsp cornstarch + 4 Tbsp cold water
    Ingredient Tips
  • Chicken : Use boneless, skinless breasts for a lighter dish; thighs add extra richness and stay moister if your slow cooker runs hot.
  • Honey : A mild clover or wildflower honey balances Dijon without overpowering; try orange blossom for a floral note.
  • Dijon mustard : Full-flavored Dijon gives that classic tang; for a milder taste, mix half Dijon and half yellow mustard.
  • Garlic : Fresh minced garlic is best for brightness; if using jarred, use about 1 tsp per clove.
  • Heavy cream : Adds silkiness at the end; for a lighter version, swap with a quarter cup plain Greek yogurt stirred in off-heat.
    Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Pat chicken dry with paper towels and place in the slow cooker. Drying helps seasonings stick and promotes even cooking. Season meat evenly with salt, pepper, oregano, onion powder, and paprika.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and melted butter until smooth. Taste and adjust honey or mustard to your preferred sweetness or tang.
  3. Pour the honey-mustard mixture over the chicken, turning pieces so they are evenly coated. Cover the slow cooker and set to LOW for 3 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Check at 2 hours if your slow cooker runs hot.
  4. Once cooked, remove chicken to a cutting board and shred with two forks or cut into chunks. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat with sauce.
  5. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in heavy cream to mellow the sauce and add richness. If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk cornstarch with cold water until smooth and stir into the slow cooker, then cook an additional 30 minutes until thickened.
  6. Serve warm over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables. Spoon extra sauce over the top and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for color.
    Pro Pointers for Success
  • Even cooking heat matters. Place chicken flat in a single layer when possible so the sauce can surround each piece; overlapping can lead to uneven texture.
  • Watch your slow cooker variability. Older or smaller models often cook hotter; checking internal temperature at the 2-hour mark avoids overcooking and drying.
  • Finish with cream off-heat for dairy swaps. If using Greek yogurt, cool the sauce slightly and stir it in off the heat to prevent curdling and keep the sauce silky.
  • Taste and tweak at the end. If the sauce needs a brightness boost, stir in a teaspoon or two of lemon juice just before serving to lift the flavors.
    Ways to Change It Up
  • Vegan version: Swap chicken for firm tofu or seitan, use vegan butter and coconut cream in place of heavy cream, and thicken with cornstarch for a plant-based comfort bowl.
  • Milder family-friendly option: Reduce Dijon to 2 Tbsp and add an extra tablespoon of honey for a sweeter, gentler profile that kids love.
  • Add heat: Stir in 1–2 tsp of sriracha or 1/2 tsp cayenne with the sauce for a warm, spicy kick that balances the honey.
  • Regional twist: Stir in 1 tsp smoked paprika and a splash of mild vinegar for a smoky-sweet version that pairs beautifully with roasted poblano peppers.
    Best Pairings and Sips
  • Sides: Creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or a bed of steamed jasmine rice all soak up the honey-mustard sauce beautifully.
  • Vegetables: Roasted carrots, green beans with toasted almonds, or simple sautéed spinach add color and texture contrast.
  • Drinks and desserts: A sparkling lemonade or citrusy iced tea brightens the plate; finish with flan or cinnamon-sugar churros for a sweet, familiar nod to those Mexican-inspired kitchen memories.
    Prep, Freeze, and Thaw Tips
  • Make-ahead: Assemble the sauce and season the chicken the night before, store covered in the slow cooker insert or a baking dish, and refrigerate. Cook directly from chilled for an easy next-day meal.
  • Freezing: After cooking and cooling, transfer shredded chicken and sauce to freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Leave a little headspace for expansion.
  • Thawing & reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, or use a microwave in 60-second bursts, stirring between intervals.
    Presentation & Serving Ideas
  • Rustic family style: Serve the shredded chicken piled on a large platter with the sauce ladled over and bowls of sides around it so everyone can help themselves.
  • Individual bowls: Place rice or mashed potatoes at the base, add a generous scoop of chicken, spoon extra sauce, and finish with fresh herbs and a lemon wedge for brightness.
  • Cozy plating: Use warm plates, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped toasted almonds for crunch, and add a small green salad to balance the richness.
    Chef’s Little Secrets
  • Low-and-slow is your friend. Gently cooking on LOW keeps chicken tender and allows the sauce to concentrate without burning off sugars from the honey.
  • Melt butter first for even mix. Warm the butter slightly to help it combine smoothly with honey and mustard—no clumps, just glossy sauce.
  • Reserve sauce liquid. If you remove chicken to shred on a cutting board, keep some sauce in the cooker to baste the meat back when you return it—this keeps everything juicy.
  • Fresh herbs last. Add parsley, cilantro, or chives at the very end to preserve their bright color and fresh flavor.
    Keeping It Fresh and Reheating
  • Microwave: Place chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Heat in 60-second intervals, stirring in between, until warm.
  • Stovetop: Reheat on low in a small saucepan, stirring gently and adding a tablespoon or two of broth if sauce tightens. Finish with a small splash of cream for silkiness.
  • Texture preservation: Avoid overheating which can make the chicken stringy; gentle, gradual reheating preserves tenderness and sauce texture.
    Common Questions Answered
  • Can I use frozen chicken? You can start with frozen chicken in some slow cookers, but it increases cooking time and can sit too long in the temperature danger zone. Thaw first for the best, safest result.
  • Can I double the recipe? Yes, but avoid overfilling your slow cooker—fill no more than three-quarters full for proper heat circulation. Use a larger cooker if doubling.
  • How do I make the sauce thicker without cornstarch? After removing the chicken, transfer sauce to a saucepan and simmer on medium until it reduces and thickens; return shredded chicken to the reduced sauce to coat.
  • Is this safe for meal prep? Absolutely. Portion cooled chicken into containers with rice or mashed potatoes for easy lunches. It keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days.
  • Can I use bone-in chicken? Yes, but extend cooking time and check that meat reaches 165°F near the bone. Remove bones before shredding for serving ease.
  • What if my sauce tastes too tangy? Balance it with a touch more honey or a small pinch of salt, tasting as you go to reach the sweetness level you enjoy.
    Nutrition Snapshot
  • Serving Size: about 1 cup shredded chicken with sauce
  • Calories: ~320 kcal
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Carbs: 10 g
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Sugar: 9 g
    Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.
    A Little Note from the Kitchen
    These recipes carry the warmth of home — the simple rituals of pressing tortillas and sharing stories across the table shaped how I cook. Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken is a modern comfort dish that channels that same feeling: easy, generous, and full of flavor that brings people together. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just yourself after a long day, this recipe invites a little pause, a comforting bite, and a memory. Keep it in your slow-cooker rotation and let it become one of those dependable, cozy meals you return to again and again.
    Before You Go
    If you’re craving something both simple and soulful, give this Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken a try. It’s forgiving, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for busy evenings when you want a warm, saucy meal waiting at dinnertime. Pin this recipe, cook it for your people, and don’t forget to share the joy — good food is meant for savoring together.
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slow cooker honey mustard chicken 2026 02 23 222242 1

Amazing Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Bliss


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  • Author: emma
  • Total Time: 190 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Description

A comforting, easy-to-make slow cooker dish featuring juicy chicken in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lb chicken breast (about 4 pieces, 6 oz. each) or chicken thighs
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 2 Tbsp butter, melted
  • 23 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • Optional (for thickening): 2 Tbsp cornstarch + 4 Tbsp cold water

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken dry with paper towels and place in the slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, onion powder, and paprika.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and melted butter until smooth.
  3. Pour the honey-mustard mixture over the chicken, ensuring the pieces are evenly coated.
  4. Cover the slow cooker and set to LOW for 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and return to the slow cooker to coat with sauce.
  6. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in heavy cream. If a thicker sauce is desired, whisk cornstarch with cold water and stir into the slow cooker, cooking an additional 30 minutes until thickened.
  7. Serve warm over mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives.

Notes

For a lighter dish, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Adjust the sweetness of the sauce according to your preference.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 180 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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