This Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken recipe is incredibly simple, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend meal prep. Follow these easy steps to create a flavorful and tender chicken dish that your whole family will love.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by taking your chicken thighs or breasts out of the refrigerator. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. This step is important because removing excess moisture helps the chicken to brown better if you choose to sear it (which is recommended for added flavor) and also helps seasonings adhere more effectively. Once the chicken is dry, season it generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning, as this is the base flavor for the chicken itself. Ensure you season both sides of each piece of chicken.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken (Optional but Highly Recommended)

While searing is an optional step, it adds a significant depth of flavor and improves the texture of the chicken. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken in the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Searing in batches if necessary is crucial to achieve proper browning. Sear each side of the chicken for about 2-3 minutes, or until it’s nicely browned. You’re not cooking the chicken through at this stage, just developing a flavorful crust. The browning process, known as the Maillard reaction, creates complex flavors that elevate the entire dish. Remove the seared chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Ensure all ingredients are well combined to create a smooth and emulsified sauce. Next, add the minced garlic, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder to the sauce mixture. Whisk again until all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed. You can add a pinch more salt, pepper, or even a touch of red pepper flakes for a little heat if desired. This homemade honey mustard sauce is the heart of the recipe, and getting the balance of flavors right at this stage is key.

Step 4: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

Slice the medium onion into thin slices. Place the sliced onions in the bottom of your slow cooker. The onions act as a bed for the chicken, preventing it from sticking to the bottom and adding flavor as they cook down. Place the seared (or unseared) chicken on top of the bed of sliced onions in the slow cooker. Pour the prepared honey mustard sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring that all pieces are well coated in the sauce.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your slow cooker and the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. The chicken is done when it is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is easily shredded with a fork and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork. For optimal tenderness, slow cooking on low heat for a longer duration is generally recommended.

Step 6: Shred the Chicken (Optional for Breasts, Recommended for Thighs)

If you used chicken thighs, they will become incredibly tender and are perfect for shredding. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. If you used chicken breasts, you can choose to shred them or leave them whole, depending on your preference. Shredding the chicken allows it to soak up even more of the delicious honey mustard sauce.

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker, glaze-like sauce, you can easily thicken it at the end. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a cornstarch slurry. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker sauce and stir it in well. Return the shredded (or whole) chicken back to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high heat for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. The cornstarch activates with heat to thicken the sauce beautifully.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Your Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken is now ready to serve! Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness, if desired. Serve hot over your favorite sides such as rice, mashed potatoes, quinoa, or roasted vegetables. The flavorful sauce is perfect for spooning over your chosen side dish. Enjoy this incredibly easy and delicious meal!