If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful dinner that almost cooks itself, then this Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe is definitely one you want to try. I absolutely love how this turns out every time: juicy chicken wrapped in a luscious honey mustard sauce that just melts in your mouth. Whether you’re busy on a weeknight or prepping ahead for the week, this recipe is your new go-to comfort meal that even picky eaters will devour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Just toss the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you get on with your day.
- Perfectly Tender Chicken: Slow cooking keeps the chicken incredibly moist and tender without any fuss.
- Flavor-Packed Sauce: The combo of dijon, stone ground mustard, and honey creates a sauce that’s tangy, sweet, and downright addictive.
- Family Favorite: I discovered this recipe when hunting for meals that even my picky kids would love — and they go crazy for it every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe harmonize perfectly: the honey adds just the right amount of sweetness, the two mustards bring complexity, and garlic gives it a subtle kick. A quick tip is to always pick good quality dijon and stone ground mustards for the best flavor.
- Chicken (breasts and thighs): Using a combo gives the best texture and flavor, but you can swap all breasts or all thighs depending on your preference.
- Dijon mustard: Smooth and tangy, it forms the creamy base of your sauce.
- Stone ground mustard: Adds a lovely texture and robust mustard flavor that compliments the dijon perfectly.
- Honey: The secret to a delightful balance of sweetness that mellows the tang of the mustard.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic really makes the sauce pop with flavor.
- Salt and ground pepper: Simple but essential for seasoning the chicken just right.
- Potato starch (optional): I use this sometimes to thicken up the sauce if I like it a little heartier.
Variations
I like to switch things up depending on what’s in my fridge or the vibe I’m going for. This Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe is super flexible, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!
- Using all chicken thighs: If you prefer dark meat, I’ve done this and find it even juicier and more flavorful.
- Adding veggies: Toss in some baby carrots or diced potatoes for a full one-pot meal.
- Spicy kick: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce to give it a little heat without overpowering the honey mustard balance.
- Thickening the sauce: Stir in potato starch at the end of cooking if you want a richer sauce — just mix it with a little cold water before adding.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Mix Your Sauce
Start by giving your slow cooker a good spray with non-stick spray or brush it with a little oil — trust me, it makes cleanup so much easier. Then, add the dijon mustard, stone ground mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper right into the pot. Stir everything together until it’s nicely combined. This sauce is the heart of your dish, so take a moment to enjoy that lovely mustard-honey aroma!
Step 2: Add the Chicken and Marinate (Optional)
Place your chicken breasts and thighs into the slow cooker, then toss them around gently so they’re fully coated in the sauce. Here’s a little trick I discovered: If you have time, you can do this step in a zip-top bag and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight. It deepens the flavor and makes the chicken extra juicy.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours, or if you’re short on time, on high for 2.5-3 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is super tender and pulls apart easily with a fork. Just avoid overcooking, or the chicken can dry out — but honestly, slow cookers are pretty forgiving with this recipe.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
- Marinate Ahead: I found that marinating the chicken in the sauce beforehand really amps up the flavor.
- Chicken Cut Choice: Mixing breasts and thighs balances lean and rich textures perfectly.
- Sauce Thickening Trick: If the sauce seems too thin at the end, stir in some potato starch mixed with cold water and cook on high for 10-15 minutes to thicken.
- Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the cooking time because overcooked chicken can dry out—even in the slow cooker.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

Garnishes
I love sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or chives on top before serving — it adds a pop of color and a fresh brightness that cuts through the richness of the sauce. A little squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end also wakes everything up beautifully.
Side Dishes
Personally, I serve this chicken over fluffy mashed potatoes or creamy rice because the sauce soaks in so well. Roasted green beans or a crisp side salad balance out the meal perfectly. Sometimes I like buttered egg noodles for an extra comforting plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For family gatherings, I’ve layered this honey mustard chicken over a bed of sautéed spinach or kale and topped it with toasted almonds for a bit of crunch. On special occasions, serving it in mini cast iron skillets makes the presentation feel cozy and a little fancy without extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover honey mustard chicken stores really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually keep the sauce and chicken together to keep everything moist and flavorful.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! I portion out chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers and label them. When I’m ready, I thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or microwave. The sauce holds up great after freezing, making it perfect for meal prep.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer warming it on low in a saucepan with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. This way, the chicken stays tender and the sauce stays luscious without drying out.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
You can use frozen chicken, but it will increase the cooking time significantly and may result in uneven cooking. I recommend thawing the chicken first for best results with this Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe.
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Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes! You can cook it covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes to an hour, or simmer it gently on the stove in a covered pan until the chicken is cooked through. Just keep an eye on the sauce to prevent burning.
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How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too watery?
Mix 1-2 tablespoons of potato starch with cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 10-15 minutes on high. This will thicken the sauce without changing the flavor.
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Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! My kids adore this Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe because it’s flavorful without being spicy or overwhelming. The sweet honey flavor makes it especially appealing to little ones.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe is genuinely one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. I’ve shared it countless times with friends and family, and everyone always asks for seconds. It’s a perfect blend of simplicity and deliciousness that you can rely on anytime you want a comforting meal without a lot of fuss. Give it a try—I promise it’ll become one of your favorites too, and it might just simplify your dinner routine in the best way possible.
Print
Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low or 2.5-3 hours on high
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes to 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy a delicious and effortless weeknight dinner with this Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken. Juicy chicken breasts and thighs are slow-cooked to tender perfection in a creamy, golden honey mustard sauce infused with garlic and a blend of mustards, creating a flavorful and comforting meal that’s perfect for meal prep or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (or substitute with all thighs or all breasts)
- 4 chicken thighs
Sauce
- ⅓ cup Dijon mustard
- ⅓ cup stone ground mustard
- ½ cup honey
- 1 tbsp garlic (minced)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground pepper
- 2 tbsp potato starch (optional, for thickening sauce)
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: For easy cleanup, coat your slow cooker with a non-stick cooking spray or a light oil of your choice to prevent the chicken and sauce from sticking.
- Mix the Sauce: In the greased slow cooker, combine ⅓ cup Dijon mustard, ⅓ cup stone ground mustard, ½ cup honey, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon ground pepper. Stir well to create a smooth, flavorful sauce base.
- Add the Chicken: Place 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts and 4 chicken thighs into the slow cooker. Toss the chicken in the sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated on all sides for maximum flavor. For enhanced taste and convenience, you can marinate the chicken and sauce mixture in a zip-top bag in the refrigerator for a few hours to overnight before cooking.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cook the chicken on low heat for 4 to 6 hours or on high heat for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Optional Thickening: If you’d like a thicker sauce, stir in 2 tablespoons of potato starch during the last 15 minutes of cooking and allow the sauce to thicken before serving.
Notes
- This recipe provides a hands-off cooking method, ideal for busy weeknights with a flavorful, comforting result.
- For meal prepping, marinate the chicken in the sauce overnight to deepen the flavors.
- Substitute between breasts and thighs depending on your preference for texture and fat content.
- Adding potato starch helps create a richer, thicker sauce but is optional.
- Serve with rice, steamed vegetables, or over a salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 309 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 525 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 98 mg


