Imagine a dish so incredibly tender and flavorful that it transforms an ordinary dinner into a culinary masterpiece. This Slow Cooker Bacon Honey Mustard Chicken is not just a meal—it's a flavor explosion that combines the irresistible sweetness of honey, the tangy kick of Dijon mustard, and the crispy, savory crunch of bacon. With minimal prep time and a set-it-and-forget-it approach, this recipe is perfect for busy home cooks who refuse to compromise on taste.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 6 slices of bacon
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the ingredients. Gather 4 chicken breasts, 6 slices of bacon, 1/2 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a small bowl, combine the honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Take the chicken breasts and season both sides with salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they are crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and let it drain on paper towels to absorb excess grease.
- In the same skillet, you can optionally sauté the chicken breasts for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are lightly browned. This step is not necessary but adds extra flavor.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour the honey mustard mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Break the crispy bacon into pieces and sprinkle it over the chicken and sauce in the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking process will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Once the cooking time is complete, check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it has reached at least 165°F (75°C).
- When ready to serve, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a serving platter. Drizzle some of the sauce from the slow cooker over the chicken for added flavor.
- Serve the Slow Cooker Bacon Honey Mustard Chicken with your choice of sides, such as rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables, and enjoy!
Tips
- For maximum flavor, consider browning the chicken briefly before adding to the slow cooker to develop a deeper, richer taste.
- Use thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness and a more robust flavor profile.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with the honey mustard mixture before cooking.
- Always check the internal temperature of chicken, ensuring it reaches 165°F for food safety.
- Experiment with different mustard varieties like whole grain or spicy brown mustard for unique flavor variations.
- Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Save leftover sauce for drizzling or as a delicious marinade for future meals.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 460kcal
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 56g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 157mg
