Easy Tender Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe for Perfect Dinner
This easy crockpot recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken thighs coated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, perfect for a cozy and effortless dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 lbs / 1.4 kg)
- 1/4 cup honey (85 g)
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard (60 ml)
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard (30 ml)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (30 ml)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (120 ml)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml) for browning (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using. (5 minutes)
- Optional: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. (10 minutes)
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth until smooth. (3 minutes)
- Place the browned or raw chicken thighs in the crockpot in a single layer. Pour the honey mustard sauce evenly over the chicken, coating each piece well. (2 minutes)
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours until chicken is tender and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
- About 15 minutes before serving, remove the lid and baste the chicken with the sauce. If the sauce is thin, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir into the crockpot. Cook uncovered for the last 15 minutes to thicken. (15 minutes)
- Use tongs to transfer chicken to plates and spoon the sauce over the top. (2 minutes)
Notes
Browning the chicken before slow cooking adds extra flavor and texture but can be skipped for convenience. Avoid lifting the crockpot lid frequently to maintain steady heat. Use cornstarch slurry to thicken sauce if needed. For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce. This recipe freezes well and leftovers taste even better after a day or two.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About one chicken th
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 28
Keywords: crockpot chicken, honey mustard chicken, slow cooker recipe, easy dinner, chicken thighs, comfort food, tender chicken