Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dinner that’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. It combines the sweet tang of honey and the bold, zesty flavor of mustard with tender, juicy chicken slow-cooked to perfection. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and family-friendly, requiring only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep. Whether served over rice, mashed potatoes, or alongside roasted vegetables, it makes a balanced and satisfying meal with very little effort. The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken becomes fork-tender and soaks up every drop of the rich honey mustard sauce. Ideal for weeknight meals, potlucks, or even meal prepping for the week ahead.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- ½ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup whole grain mustard
- ½ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme or parsley (optional for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Make the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 2: Add Chicken to Crockpot
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot in a single layer. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Pour Sauce Over Chicken
Pour the honey mustard mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure all pieces are well coated.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 5: Shred or Slice
Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks, or slice into thick pieces if preferred.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken, transfer the sauce to a saucepan, and simmer for 5–10 minutes until it reduces. Then return the chicken to the sauce before serving.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with freshly chopped thyme or parsley and serve hot over your favorite sides.
Variations
- Use boneless chicken thighs for extra tenderness
- Add a touch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick
- Substitute maple syrup for honey for a deeper flavor
- Stir in a tablespoon of cream for a creamy honey mustard sauce
- Add sliced onions or baby carrots to cook alongside the chicken
Cooking Notes
- Don’t overcook on high, use LOW setting for best tenderness
- Mustards can be adjusted to taste, use only Dijon for smoother sauce
- Thicken sauce with a cornstarch slurry if not reducing on stovetop
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F
- This dish can be made with frozen chicken, but increase cooking time
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over mashed potatoes or buttery rice
- Pair with roasted green beans, asparagus, or broccoli
- Spoon into sandwich rolls with lettuce for honey mustard sliders
- Serve cold with salad greens for an easy meal prep lunch
- Add a side of garlic bread to soak up extra sauce
Tips
- Spray the crockpot with nonstick spray for easier cleanup
- Double the sauce ingredients if serving over rice or noodles
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Reheat gently in microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of water
- Freeze cooked chicken in sauce for up to 2 months
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6 hours (LOW) or 3 hours (HIGH)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per serving, based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 490mg
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
- Yes, boneless skinless thighs work perfectly and often turn out even more tender.
How do I store leftovers?
- Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat on stovetop or microwave.
Is this dish freezer friendly?
- Yes, freeze the cooked chicken in sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
- Yes, cook on HIGH pressure for 10 minutes with a quick release, then shred or slice the chicken.
What’s the best mustard to use?
- A mix of Dijon and whole grain mustard adds depth, but you can use just one type depending on your preference.
Conclusion
Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken is a no-fuss dinner packed with bold flavor and comforting texture. The sweetness of honey balances the tang of mustard, and the slow cooking process locks in moisture to keep every bite juicy and rich. It’s an ideal dish for families, entertaining, or meal prep, and requires minimal prep with maximum flavor payoff. Whether you serve it over fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or in a sandwich bun, this recipe is a reliable go-to for any home cook looking to simplify their dinner routine. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep this one in rotation all year long.