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Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken

Section: Set It and Forget It

This dish features tender chicken breasts and thighs cooked low and slow in a mild honey mustard sauce. Combining dijon and stone ground mustards with honey and garlic creates a balanced tangy and sweet glaze that infuses the meat. Minimal prep is needed, making it ideal for busy days or easy meal planning. The sauce can be thickened before serving to create a glossy finish that coats the chicken beautifully. Serve hot with your favorite sides for a comforting home-cooked flavor.

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Harper
Contributed by Harper
Last updated on Fri, 16 Jan 2026 10:08:02 GMT
A plate of chicken with honey mustard sauce. Save
A plate of chicken with honey mustard sauce. | flavorrhaven.com

This Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken recipe is designed for busy home cooks who want a fuss-free dinner that still feels special. It combines tender chicken breasts and thighs cooked slowly in a smooth, tangy honey mustard sauce that clings to every bite. The hands-off cooking means you can set it up and trust your slow cooker to do the rest, leaving you time to take care of other things.

I first made this on a busy weeknight when I had almost no time to cook, and now it’s a go-to whenever I want something comforting without the stress

Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts and thighs: using both gives you moist tender pieces with a nice mix of textures
  • Dijon mustard: adds a mild sharpness, look for good quality for best flavor
  • Stone ground mustard: contributes texture and a bit of heat, opt for fresh jars for the most vibrant taste
  • Honey: sweetens naturally raw honey brings extra floral notes
  • Garlic: freshly minced garlic adds boldness and depth
  • Salt and black pepper: essential for seasoning and balancing flavors
  • Potato starch and water: optional for thickening the sauce potato starch is better than regular cornstarch for a glossy finish and is naturally gluten-free

Instructions

Prepare Slow Cooker:
Lightly coat your slow cooker with a non-stick spray or brush with oil to help with cleanup and prevent sticking. This also helps keep the chicken skinless pieces moist as they cook.
Mix Sauce:
Combine dijon mustard, stone ground mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper directly in the slow cooker. Stir thoroughly to ensure the sauce is well blended and evenly seasoned.
Add Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts and thighs into the slow cooker with the sauce. Gently toss or stir to coat all pieces evenly. This step ensures every bite will be flavorful.
Optional Marinating:
For an even deeper flavor, transfer the chicken and sauce mixture to a zip-top bag and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight. This helps the honey mustard penetrate the meat more profoundly.
Cook Chicken:
Set the slow cooker to low and cook the chicken for 4 to 6 hours, or choose high and cook for about 2.5 to 3 hours. You want the chicken to be tender and fully cooked but not falling apart.
Thicken Sauce:
Shortly before serving, mix potato starch with cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this gently into the slow cooker sauce while it is warm. The sauce will thicken quickly, resulting in a shiny glaze that clings beautifully.
Serve:
Spoon the thickened sauce over the chicken pieces and serve hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread.
A bowl of chicken with a honey mustard sauce.
A bowl of chicken with a honey mustard sauce. | flavorrhaven.com

I have always loved the combination of mustards here because it brings a little texture and intensity that plain Dijon alone does not offer. One of my favorite moments was serving this at a casual family get-together where everyone kept reaching for seconds and complimenting the sauce. It’s a dish that brings people back to the table happily.

Storage Tips

Cool any leftovers quickly and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. The thickened honey mustard glaze can be revived with a light stir during warming.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have stone ground mustard you can substitute more Dijon but you will lose some of the sauce’s texture. For a gluten-free version, ensure all ingredients including mustards have no hidden gluten. Maple syrup or agave nectar can substitute honey for a different sweetness profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this chicken over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles to soak up the sauce. A side of roasted green beans or steamed broccoli adds a fresh contrast. Leftover sauce makes a great sandwich spread for the next day.

A close up of a delicious slow cooker honey mustard chicken recipe.
A close up of a delicious slow cooker honey mustard chicken recipe. | flavorrhaven.com

This recipe offers a perfect balance of flavor and convenience for busy nights, making it both comforting and impressive.

FAQs about Recipes

→ What cuts of chicken work best for this dish?

Skinless, boneless chicken breasts and thighs are ideal as they absorb the honey mustard sauce well and cook evenly in a slow cooker.

→ Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, mixing the mustard, honey, and spices beforehand allows flavors to meld. Marinating the chicken in the sauce enhances taste even more.

→ How can I thicken the sauce before serving?

Create a slurry by mixing potato starch with cold water, then stir it into the warm sauce to achieve a glossy, thicker glaze.

→ What temperature settings are recommended for cooking?

Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2.5-3 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.

→ Are there alternative sweeteners to honey?

Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as natural substitutes to maintain sweetness with a slightly different flavor profile.

Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken

Juicy chicken slow-cooked in a mild honey mustard glaze offering sweet and tangy flavors perfect for family dinners.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cooking Time
240 mins
Overall Time
250 mins
Contributed by: Harper

Recipe Category: Slow Cooker

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Recipe Output: 6 Portion Size

Dietary Features: Free from Gluten, Free from Dairy

What You'll Need

→ Poultry

01 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (alternatively, use all breasts or all thighs)
02 4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs

→ Sauce

03 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
04 1/3 cup stone-ground mustard
05 1/2 cup honey
06 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
07 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Optional Thickener

09 2 tablespoons potato starch
10 4 tablespoons cold water

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Lightly coat the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or oil to facilitate easy cleanup.

Step 02

In the slow cooker, thoroughly mix Dijon mustard, stone-ground mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and ground black pepper until well blended.

Step 03

Place the chicken breasts and thighs into the slow cooker, tossing gently to evenly coat all pieces with the honey mustard mixture.

Step 04

For intensified flavor, refrigerate the chicken and sauce mixture in a sealed container or zip-top bag for several hours or overnight before cooking.

Step 05

Set the slow cooker on low heat and cook for 4 to 6 hours or on high heat for 2.5 to 3 hours until the chicken reaches tender doneness.

Step 06

Mix potato starch with cold water to form a slurry and stir into the hot sauce in the slow cooker. The sauce will thicken rapidly, creating a glossy coating.

Step 07

Ladle the honey mustard chicken onto plates and spoon the thickened sauce over each serving while hot.

Additional Notes

  1. Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor absorption and tenderness.

Tools You'll Need

  • Slow cooker
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mixing spoon

Allergen Notices

Inspect every ingredient for potential allergens and seek expert advice if necessary.
  • Contains mustard; check individual tolerance if allergic.