Are you ready to transform an ordinary weeknight dinner into a mouthwatering culinary experience? This Slow Cooker Tangy Mustard Chicken is about to become your new favorite go-to recipe that combines minimal effort with maximum flavor. Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs bathed in a perfectly balanced sauce of sweet honey and zesty Dijon mustard, slow-cooked to perfection with practically zero hands-on time. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking for an easy meal, or someone who craves restaurant-quality dishes without the complicated preparation, this recipe is your ultimate kitchen companion!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken thighs by patting them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the sauce adhere better.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder until the ingredients are thoroughly combined and create a smooth, uniform sauce.
- Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides, ensuring even coverage.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs into the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Pour the prepared mustard-honey sauce over the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is well-coated and covered.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low heat for 4 hours. This slow cooking method will help tenderize the chicken and allow the flavors to meld together.
- After 4 hours, check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should read at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's fully cooked.
- Optional: For a more caramelized finish, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes to create a slightly crispy exterior.
- Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful meat.
- Serve hot, spooning any remaining sauce from the slow cooker over the chicken. Recommended side dishes include roasted vegetables or rice.
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to help the sauce stick better and achieve maximum flavor absorption.
- For the most tender results, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, which remain juicier during slow cooking.
- Don't rush the cooking process - the 4-hour low and slow method is crucial for developing rich, deep flavors.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with the sauce before adding to the slow cooker.
- Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For extra caramelization, consider the optional broiling step to create a slightly crispy exterior.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum moisture and tenderness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 193kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg
