Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

Looking for a delicious and easy dinner recipe that your whole family will love? This Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken is the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, with the convenience of a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it until dinnertime. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a special weekend meal, this recipe is sure to impress.

As an experienced recipe developer and SEO specialist, I have perfected this Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken recipe to ensure it not only tastes amazing but also ranks high in search results. With honey and mustard being popular flavors in the culinary world right now, this dish is both trendy and timeless, making it a perfect addition to your recipe collection.

Ingredients

For this Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup whole grain mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Ingredient Science: Honey acts as a natural sweetener and helps tenderize the chicken. Mustard provides a tangy and savory flavor profile, while garlic and thyme add depth and aroma to the dish.

Substitution Tips: You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result. If you prefer a spicier version, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.

2. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the honey mustard mixture over them, ensuring they are well coated.

3. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

4. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred or slice as desired.

5. Serve the chicken drizzled with the remaining honey mustard sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.

Expert Tips

I recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption. For a thicker sauce, you can whisk in a cornstarch slurry during the last hour of cooking. Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Storage & Substitutions

This Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm the chicken in the microwave or oven until heated through. For a gluten-free version, ensure the mustard brands you use are certified gluten-free.

FAQ

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks for a different texture and flavor.

Can I substitute the honey with maple syrup?

Yes, maple syrup can be used as a substitute for honey if desired, though it will impart a slightly different flavor to the dish.

Is this recipe spicy?

This recipe is not inherently spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or additional mustard to increase the heat level to your preference.

Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of in a slow cooker?

While the slow cooker method yields the best results, you can certainly adapt this recipe for stovetop cooking by simmering the chicken in the sauce on low heat until cooked through.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken is perfect for meal prep as it can be made ahead of time and reheated throughout the week for quick and easy meals.

In conclusion, this Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken recipe is a versatile and flavorful dish that is sure to become a family favorite. With the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, it’s a great option for any occasion. Give it a try and let me know how you like it!