Herb-Crusted Slow-Cooked Chicken with Creamy Mustard Sauce
Tender chicken breasts baked with fresh herbs and a velvety mustard cream sauce, perfect for keto dieters seeking a high-protein meal. This american-inspired slow cooker (keto, high protein) ready in about 255 minutes blends finely chopped fresh rosemary, finely chopped fresh thyme, garlic powder into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 (about 6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breast halves
- 2 tsp finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp chopped rosemary, and 1 tbsp chopped thyme.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear chicken for 2 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to a slow cooker.
- Step 3: Whisk together 3 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup chicken broth, and remaining 1 tsp rosemary in a small bowl until smooth. Pour evenly over chicken in slow cooker.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours until chicken reaches 165°F internally and sauce thickens slightly, stirring once halfway through cooking.
- Step 5: Carefully transfer chicken to a plate, tent with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes. Discard any excess fat from the sauce, then spoon the creamy mustard sauce over the chicken before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb-Crusted Slow-Cooked Chicken with Creamy Mustard Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 255 minutes (15 min prep + 240 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Herb-Crusted Slow-Cooked Chicken with Creamy Mustard Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Crusted Slow-Cooked Chicken with Creamy Mustard Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Herb-Crusted Slow-Cooked Chicken with Creamy Mustard Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Herb-Crusted Slow-Cooked Chicken with Creamy Mustard Sauce keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★☆☆☆
Didn't come together the way I expected. Flavors were flat.
- ★★☆☆☆
Followed exactly and it was underwhelming. Maybe my expectations were too high.