Description
This Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken recipe combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with a rich and tangy honey mustard sauce, slow-cooked to perfection. The flavorful chicken is first seared to lock in juices, then simmered in a creamy blend of Dijon mustard, honey, heavy cream, and fresh rosemary, making for an easy and comforting meal ideal for busy days.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Sauce
- ⅓ cup Dijon mustard
- ⅓ cup honey
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 2 teaspoons snipped fresh rosemary
Thickening Slurry
- 3 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: In a large pan over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and allow it to heat until it becomes shiny, about 1-2 minutes, preparing the pan for searing the chicken.
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken thighs generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to infuse flavor into the meat.
- Sear the Chicken: Swirl the heated olive oil to coat the pan evenly. Place the chicken skin side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and releases easily, sealing in the juices and enhancing texture.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the crockpot bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, heavy cream, softened cream cheese, and fresh rosemary until smooth and well combined, forming a rich tangy sauce base.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Nestle the seared chicken into the crockpot over the sauce. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 5-6 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Thicken the Sauce: Remove the chicken to a platter. In a small bowl, whisk water and cornstarch to make a slurry. Drizzle into the crockpot sauce and whisk well. Add the chicken back in, cover, and cook for another 5-10 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Serve: Spoon or brush the thickened honey mustard sauce over the chicken. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and serve immediately for a comforting meal.
Notes
- The calories shown are based on 4 servings, with each serving comprising one-quarter of the chicken and sauce.
- Nutritional values may vary depending on the brands of ingredients used.
- Consult a nutritionist for precise nutrition information if you have dietary restrictions.
- For best flavor, sear the chicken thoroughly before slow cooking to enhance texture and juiciness.
- Fresh rosemary can be substituted with dried rosemary if necessary, but use half the amount.
Keywords: slow cooker chicken, honey mustard chicken, slow cooked chicken thighs, creamy honey mustard sauce, comfort food, easy chicken dinner