Transform simple ingredients into a flavorful, tender meal with this effortless slow cooker honey mustard chicken.
Featuring a balanced blend of sweet honey and sharp Dijon mustard, the sauce caramelizes slightly as the chicken simmers, creating a rich glaze.
Once shredded, the meat absorbs the savory-sweet liquids, making it incredibly versatile for sandwiches, rice bowls, or grain salads.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup plus 1 to 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (divided)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season the Chicken
In a small mixing bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, paprika, and onion powder until thoroughly mixed. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then rub the spice blend evenly over all sides of each piece to ensure complete coverage.
2. Mix the Glaze
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the honey, 1/4 cup of the Dijon mustard, and the minced garlic until smooth and well integrated.
3. Assemble in the Slow Cooker
Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the bottom of a 4-quart slow cooker in a single layer. Pour the honey-mustard mixture directly over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated.
4. Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the Low setting for 2 hours and 30 minutes. The chicken is done when it is fork-tender and an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C).
5. Shred and Finish
Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a clean cutting board. Use two forks to pull the meat apart into fine shreds.
Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker, tossing it thoroughly with the remaining sauce. Stir in the remaining 1 to 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard just before serving to add an extra kick of tanginess.
Pro Cooking Tips
Adjusting the Mustard Punch
Dijon mustard provides a sharp, complex flavor profile. If you prefer a milder taste, you can substitute half of the Dijon with standard yellow mustard.
Even Cooking
Ensure your chicken breasts are roughly equal in thickness so they finish cooking at the exact same time.
Thickening the Sauce
If you find the sauce too thin after shredding, leave the slow cooker lid off and let it simmer on High for 10 to 15 minutes to reduce and thicken the liquid.
Serving Suggestions
Pile the shredded chicken high onto toasted brioche buns for a sweet and savory sandwich, spoon it over a bed of steamed jasmine rice, or toss it into a crisp green salad.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
| Calories | 242 | — |
| Total Fat | 5g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Cholesterol | 96mg | 32% |
| Sodium | 601mg | 26% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 13g | 5% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g | 3% |
| Total Sugars | 12g | — |
| Protein | 36g | 72% |
| Calcium | 34mg | 3% |
| Iron | 2mg | 9% |
| Potassium | 335mg | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 0mg | 0% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your individual calorie needs.
