In our bustling lives, finding time for wholesome, home-cooked meals often feels like a luxurious dream. But what if we told you that delicious, tender chicken infused with a sweet and tangy glaze could be on your dinner table with minimal effort? Welcome to the world of slow-cooker magic! This incredible Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken recipe is not just easy; it’s a game-changer for busy weeknights, requiring only three simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker.
Imagine coming home after a long day to the inviting aroma of dinner already prepared, waiting to be enjoyed. That’s the promise of this effortless honey mustard chicken. It’s a dish that delivers on flavor, convenience, and comfort, making it a perfect fit for family dinners, cozy date nights at home, or even a delightful meal prep option for the week ahead. Say goodbye to last-minute dinner stress and hello to more quality time with loved ones, fewer dishes, and a truly satisfying meal.
The Unrivaled Convenience of Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken
The slow cooker, or Crockpot as it’s affectionately known, is more than just a kitchen appliance; it’s a lifestyle enhancer. For those striving to simplify their routines and reclaim precious moments, this device is an absolute savior. With our Honey Mustard Chicken recipe, you’ll harness the full power of slow cooking to transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.
The beauty of a slow cooker lies in its “set it and forget it” functionality. This means you can spend mere minutes on prep in the morning, load your ingredients, and let the appliance work its magic throughout the day. The gentle, consistent heat ensures that your chicken cooks to perfection, becoming incredibly tender and juicy, while the flavors of the honey mustard sauce deeply penetrate every bite. This hands-off approach liberates you from the kitchen, allowing you to focus on work, family, or simply enjoying a moment of peace, knowing that a wholesome dinner is simmering away.
Beyond the sheer convenience, slow cooking offers several other benefits. It often allows you to utilize more affordable cuts of meat, which, thanks to the long cooking process, become wonderfully tender. It also means less active cooking time, reducing the need for constant supervision and stirring. And perhaps best of all, a slow cooker meal typically involves minimal cleanup, often just one pot to wash, a dream come true for anyone tired of a sink full of dishes after dinner.
Why Honey Mustard Chicken is a Weeknight Favorite
The allure of honey mustard lies in its irresistible balance of flavors. The sweetness of honey perfectly complements the tanginess of mustard, creating a sauce that is both comforting and exciting. When paired with tender chicken, it becomes a dish that appeals to almost everyone, from discerning adults to picky eaters, making it a guaranteed hit at any dinner table. Our 3-ingredient Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken takes this beloved flavor profile and simplifies it to its core, proving that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or complex techniques to create something truly delicious.
This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimum fuss. By leveraging a store-bought honey mustard dressing, we cut down on prep time without sacrificing taste. The slow cooker then takes over, ensuring that the chicken absorbs all the wonderful nuances of the sauce, resulting in a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, even though you didn’t.
The Minimalist Ingredient List: Just Three Essentials!
You might be wondering how such a flavorful dish can come from so few ingredients. It’s all about smart choices and letting the slow cooker do the heavy lifting. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: We recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their lean protein content and quick, easy preparation. They absorb the sauce beautifully and become incredibly tender in the slow cooker. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat; they tend to be even more forgiving and moist when slow-cooked.
- Honey Mustard Dressing: This is the star of our show and the ultimate shortcut. Choose your favorite brand of creamy honey mustard dressing. The quality of your dressing will directly impact the final flavor, so opt for one you genuinely enjoy. It provides all the sweet, tangy, and savory notes without the need for individual spices or a complex sauce base.
- Water: A crucial, yet often overlooked, ingredient. Water helps to thin the dressing slightly, creating enough liquid in the slow cooker to prevent burning and ensure the chicken simmers perfectly. It also helps to create a luscious sauce that you can serve over your chicken and accompanying sides.
That’s it! Three simple ingredients are all you need to embark on your journey to a stress-free and delicious dinner.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Success
While the ingredients are minimal, having the right tools makes the process even smoother:
- Slow Cooker: A good quality slow cooker is, of course, indispensable. We highly recommend one with a digital timer that automatically switches to a “warm” setting after the cooking cycle is complete. This feature is a lifesaver for those times when you can’t be home exactly when dinner finishes cooking, preventing your chicken from overcooking while keeping it warm and ready.
- Non-Stick Spray: A quick spray before adding ingredients will make cleanup even easier.
- Cutting Board and Knife: For preparing the chicken.
- Mixing Bowl: To combine the dressing and water.
Crafting Your Perfect Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken
This recipe is incredibly forgiving, making it ideal for novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. Follow these simple steps for a truly delightful meal:
- Prepare Your Slow Cooker: Begin by lightly spraying the inside of your slow cooker pot with a non-stick cooking spray. This crucial step ensures that your chicken and sauce won’t stick, making cleanup significantly easier.
- Prepare the Chicken: Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them into approximately 2-inch pieces. This not only ensures even cooking but also makes the chicken easier to serve and eat. Once cut, add the chicken pieces directly to the bottom of your prepared slow cooker.
- Mix the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the honey mustard dressing and water until well combined. The water helps to thin the dressing slightly, creating the perfect consistency for the slow cooking process and ensuring there’s enough liquid to keep the chicken moist and prevent it from drying out.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the honey mustard mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure all the pieces are coated. Secure the lid and set your slow cooker. You have two primary cooking options:
- High Setting: Cook on high for 3-4 hours. This option is perfect if you’re starting later in the day and need dinner ready in a shorter timeframe.
- Low Setting: Cook on low for 6-7 hours. This is the ideal setting for maximum flavor development and ensures the chicken becomes incredibly tender. It’s perfect for setting up in the morning before you leave for work.
Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer to confirm it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Pro Tips for the Best Honey Mustard Chicken
- Don’t Overcrowd: For best results, avoid overfilling your slow cooker. Allow enough space for the heat to circulate evenly. If making a larger batch, consider using a larger slow cooker or cooking in two batches.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the hot sauce in the slow cooker, then cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, you can remove the chicken pieces and shred them if desired, or simply serve them whole. Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving helps the juices redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
The versatility of Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken makes it incredibly easy to pair with a variety of sides, allowing you to create a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some popular serving suggestions and ideas for customizing your dish:
Perfect Pairings:
- Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice is the classic accompaniment. The rice soaks up the delicious honey mustard sauce, making every bite flavorful.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are another excellent choice, providing a comforting base for the savory chicken and its tangy sauce.
- Pasta: Serve the chicken and sauce over your favorite pasta for a hearty and satisfying meal. Egg noodles or penne work particularly well.
- Roasted Vegetables: Complement the rich flavors with a side of roasted broccoli, green beans, carrots, or asparagus. These add a healthy crunch and vibrant color.
- Steamed Vegetables: For a lighter option, serve with simple steamed vegetables.
- Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the chicken and add freshness.
- Dinner Rolls or Crusty Bread: Don’t forget something to sop up every last drop of that amazing honey mustard sauce!
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives for an added touch of freshness and color.
Exciting Variations & Customizations:
- Add a Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce into the dressing mixture before cooking.
- Herbaceous Notes: Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or a touch of dill can elevate the flavor profile. Add them with the dressing.
- Introduce Vegetables: Make it a true one-pot meal by adding chopped carrots, potatoes, bell peppers, or onions to the slow cooker during the last 1-2 hours of cooking. This allows them to cook through without becoming overly mushy.
- Cheesy Goodness: For an extra decadent twist, stir in some cream cheese or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Homemade Honey Mustard: For those who prefer to make everything from scratch, a simple homemade honey mustard can be whipped up with Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, a touch of mayonnaise (optional for creaminess), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Different Cuts of Chicken: While breasts are great, chicken thighs offer a richer flavor and are even more resistant to drying out. Bone-in, skin-on pieces can also be used, though cooking times may vary slightly, and you might want to remove the skin before serving for a healthier option.
Meal Prep, Storage, and Common Questions
This Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken is not just for dinner tonight; it’s also fantastic for meal prepping. The leftovers are just as delicious and can be easily stored for future meals.
Storage and Reheating:
- Refrigeration: Allow any leftover chicken and sauce to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, this dish freezes beautifully. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Gently reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through. If the sauce seems too thick after refrigeration, you can add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: While it’s generally best to start with thawed chicken for even cooking and food safety, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Increase the cooking time on high by about 1-2 hours, and on low by 2-3 hours. Always ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Q: Is this recipe healthy?
A: This recipe, made with lean chicken breast, can be a part of a healthy diet. The nutritional information provided accounts for the chicken and sauce. Calories and other values can vary depending on the specific honey mustard dressing brand used and what you serve it with (e.g., opting for brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice). We recommend choosing a dressing with lower sugar and fat content if you are monitoring those aspects of your diet.
Q: Can I brown the chicken first?
A: While not necessary for this recipe, browning the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker can add an extra layer of depth and flavor. This step creates a delicious crust and can enhance the overall taste, but it does add a little extra prep time.
Q: What if my sauce is too thin or too thick?
A: If the sauce is too thin, create a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) and stir it into the hot sauce in the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking on high. If it’s too thick, simply add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
We are always thrilled to share our easiest and most delicious recipes with you. This 3-ingredient Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken truly embodies our philosophy of simple, stress-free cooking that doesn’t compromise on flavor. We encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of a wholesome, easy-to-make meal.
If you’re as passionate about easy, flavorful meals as we are, be sure to explore more of our recipes! We regularly share slow cooker inspirations on our Facebook page, and we’d love to hear your suggestions for what we should cook next. Happy cooking!
Here are a few other fantastic crockpot chicken recipes we highly recommend:
- Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Stew
- Crockpot Chicken Ramen
- Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
- Crockpot Chicken Teriyaki
Looking for more culinary adventures? Dive into our extensive collection of copycat recipes, indulge your sweet tooth with our delightful dessert recipes, and uncover even more convenient Crock Pot Recipes.
Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken
It only takes 3 ingredients to make this incredibly easy slow cooker honey mustard chicken recipe! So perfect for a quick family dinner or a cozy date night at home!
10 minutes
3 hours
3 hours 10 minutes
8 servings
410 kcal
Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 8 Chicken Breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 ½ Cup Honey Mustard Dressing
- ½ Cup Water
- Rice, Cooked (for serving)
Instructions
- Spray slow cooker with non-stick spray.
- Cut chicken into 2-inch pieces, add to crock pot.
- Mix dressing and water in a bowl, pour over chicken.
- Cook on high 3-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours.
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker
Notes
Calories provided do not include the cooked rice.
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 261
Recipe originally shared on April 8, 2018. Updated on May 15, 2020.