Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken is a flavorful and easy meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken thighs slow-cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce pair beautifully with a crisp homemade red cabbage slaw. Serve it on a soft roll for a delicious sandwich that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 tablespoons whole grain Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons water (additional)
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 cups red cabbage (chopped or shredded)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• Pinch of salt and pepper
• 1 teaspoon whole grain Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 2 teaspoons sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large slow cooker, mix together 1/4 cup honey, 3 tablespoons whole grain Dijon mustard, and 1/4 cup water.
2. Step 2: Add the chicken thighs to the slow cooker and toss them gently to coat with the honey mustard sauce.
3. Step 3: Cook on low for 4 to 4½ hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of water with 2 teaspoons cornstarch until smooth, then add this to the slow cooker. Shred the chicken with two forks and stir well.
5. Step 5: Continue cooking for another 20 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
6. Step 6: Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Step 7: For the slaw, combine red cabbage, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon whole grain Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons honey, 2 teaspoons sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. Mix well.
8. Step 8: Refrigerate the slaw overnight for the best flavor and texture.
9. Step 9: Serve the honey mustard chicken on a soft roll topped with the chilled cabbage slaw.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option; adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce for a subtle smoky flavor.
• For a spicier twist, include a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes in the slow cooker.
• The slaw is excellent on its own as a side dish or topping for tacos and burgers.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to avoid drying out. The slaw is best served cold and can be refreshed with a little extra vinegar or olive oil before serving if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken thighs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs, but increase the cooking time by about 1 to 1½ hours on low to ensure they cook through properly.

How do I make the sauce thicker without cornstarch?

If you prefer not to use cornstarch, you can thicken the sauce by simmering it uncovered in the slow cooker for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce naturally.

Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 150 reviews

This Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken recipe combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, slow-cooked to perfection. Paired with a crisp red cabbage slaw, it makes for an easy, flavorful meal ideal for a comforting dinner served on soft rolls.

• Author: Tim
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Sauce

• 3 lbs Chicken Thighs (boneless, skinless)
• 1/4 Cup Honey
• 3 Tablespoons Whole Grain Dijon Mustard
• 1/4 Cup Water
• 2 Tablespoons Water (additional)
• 2 teaspoons Cornstarch
• Pinch of Salt and Pepper

Red Cabbage Slaw

• 2 Cups Red Cabbage (chopped or shredded)
• 1/4 Cup Olive Oil
• 3 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Whole Grain Dijon Mustard
• 2 teaspoons Honey
• 2 teaspoons Sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, mix together 1/4 cup honey, 3 tablespoons whole grain Dijon mustard, and 1/4 cup water until well combined. This forms the base of your slow cooker sauce.
2. Add chicken to slow cooker: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into the slow cooker and pour the honey mustard sauce over them. Toss the chicken gently to ensure each piece is coated evenly with the sauce.
3. Slow cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 to 4.5 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
4. Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of water with 2 teaspoons of cornstarch until smooth. Add this mixture to the slow cooker. Shred the chicken with two forks inside the cooker, then continue cooking for an additional 20 minutes or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Season the chicken: Taste the chicken and sauce, then add salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavors.
6. Prepare the slaw: In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups chopped or shredded red cabbage with 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon whole grain Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons honey, and 2 teaspoons sugar. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
7. Chill the slaw: Refrigerate the prepared slaw overnight for best flavor and texture, allowing the cabbage to soften slightly and the flavors to meld.
8. Assemble and serve: Serve the honey mustard shredded chicken on a soft roll and top with a generous helping of the chilled red cabbage slaw for a delicious, hearty meal.

Notes

• For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the honey mustard sauce before slow cooking.
• If you prefer a leaner option, chicken breasts can be used but may require slightly less cooking time.
• The slaw can be customized by adding shredded carrots or thinly sliced onions for extra crunch and flavor.
• Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• Use soft sandwich rolls or buns for serving to complement the tender chicken and tangy slaw perfectly.

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, honey mustard chicken, shredded chicken, easy dinner recipe, red cabbage slaw, slow cooker recipe, comfort food