Save The smell of honey and mustard hitting the warm ceramic of my slow cooker still takes me back to a rainy Tuesday when I needed dinner to basically cook itself. I had just started a new job and was coming home exhausted, craving something that felt like comfort but didnt require me to stand at the stove for an hour. This recipe became my go-to because it transforms simple ingredients into something that tastes like it simmered all day with way more attention than I actually gave it. My husband actually asked if I had been secretly taking cooking classes.
I made this for my sister when she was recovering from surgery and she literally stopped mid-bite to ask for the recipe. She texted me three days later saying she had already made it twice and her picky toddler had asked for seconds. Something about that sweet-savory combo just hits differently when its been melding together for hours.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: About 1.5 to 2 pounds, pat them dry so the sauce really clings to every inch
- ½ cup Dijon mustard: This creates the sharp tangy base that balances all that honey sweetness
- ⅓ cup honey: Use a good quality honey here since its one of the main flavors youll taste
- 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard: Adds those little pops of texture and extra mustard complexity
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Cuts through the richness and brightens everything up
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: That secret umami bomb that makes people wonder what that special flavor is
- 2 cloves garlic minced: Fresh garlic makes such a difference here, dont skip it
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Rounds out the savory background notes
- ¼ teaspoon paprika: Just a subtle warmth and beautiful color
- ¼ teaspoon salt and black pepper: Basic seasoning but essential for bringing all flavors forward
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth: Thins the sauce slightly and adds another layer of flavor
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: The magic that transforms that cooking liquid into velvety perfection
- 2 tablespoons cold water: Must be cold to properly dissolve the cornstarch without lumps
Instructions
- Prep the chicken:
- Trim any excess fat and pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels so they sear slightly against the hot slow cooker bottom
- Whisk the sauce base:
- In a medium bowl, combine Dijon mustard, honey, whole grain mustard, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce until completely smooth
- Add the aromatics:
- Stir in the minced garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, then whisk in the chicken broth until everything is well incorporated
- Arrange and coat:
- Place chicken in a single layer in the slow cooker and pour that gorgeous honey mustard mixture evenly over every piece
- Let it work its magic:
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 to 2½ hours until the chicken is incredibly tender and cooked through
- Temporarily remove chicken:
- About 15 minutes before serving, carefully lift out the chicken breasts and set them aside on a plate, loosely covered with foil to stay warm
- Create the slurry:
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until absolutely smooth with no lumps visible
- Thicken to perfection:
- Stir the slurry into the sauce remaining in the slow cooker, turn to high, and cook 10 to 15 minutes until it coats the back of a spoon
- Bring it all together:
- Return chicken to the slow cooker, spoon that now-luxurious sauce over the top, and let everything warm through for 2 to 3 minutes
Save This recipe has saved me on countless weeknights when I wanted something that felt special but had zero energy to put into dinner. Theres something so satisfying about lifting that lid and seeing sauce that looks like it came from a restaurant kitchen.
Making It Your Own
Ive discovered that adding fresh thyme or rosemary takes this to another level entirely, especially during colder months when those woodsy herbs just feel right. A teaspoon of finely chopped fresh herbs stirred into the sauce before cooking makes the house smell incredible.
The Chicken Question
Boneless skinless chicken thighs work beautifully here too and actually stay even juicier if you dont mind slightly less lean meat. Just adjust your cooking time to about 3½ to 4 hours on low since dark meat needs a bit more time to become fork tender.
Serving Ideas
This sauce is liquid gold and you want something underneath to catch every drop. Buttery mashed potatoes are the classic choice for a reason, but buttered egg noodles or even roasted sweet potatoes work beautifully.
- Cauliflower rice or steamed broccoli for a lighter version
- Crusty bread for sopping up that sauce even if youre not serving a starch
- A simple green salad with sharp vinaigrette to cut through the richness
Save Trust me when I say this will become one of those recipes you keep coming back to, the one that somehow tastes better every time you make it.
Cooking Guide
- → How long does this dish take to prepare and cook?
This meal requires about 15 minutes of active preparation, followed by 4 hours of slow cooking on low, or 2 to 2½ hours on high, for a total of approximately 4 hours 15 minutes.
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative. If using boneless, skinless thighs, you'll want to cook them for about 3½–4 hours on the low setting in your slow cooker.
- → How can I make the sauce thicker?
The sauce is naturally thickened at the end of the cooking process. You'll remove the chicken, then whisk a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) into the sauce in the slow cooker. Cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
- → What are good serving suggestions for this chicken?
This versatile chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Classic choices include fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. The extra sauce is perfect for drizzling over your chosen accompaniment.
- → Can I add more spice to this dish?
Certainly! If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can stir in about ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes along with the other sauce ingredients. Adjust to your personal preference for spice level.
- → How can I enhance the flavor of the sauce further?
For an extra layer of aromatic depth, consider adding 1 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce mixture before cooking. These herbs complement the honey-mustard profile beautifully.