Honey-Mustard Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs slow-cooked in a sweet-tangy honey-mustard glaze with carrots and onions, perfect for effortless weeknight dinners. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 375 minutes pairs Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

★ 3.9 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs) in the slow cooker, skin-side up, then sprinkle with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup chicken broth until smooth; pour evenly over the chicken.
  3. Step 3: Arrange 1 medium onion, thinly sliced, and 2 cups baby carrots around the chicken, then pour the remaining 3/4 cup chicken broth over the vegetables.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is fork-tender and sauce has thickened slightly (about 5 minutes of simmering after turning off).
  5. Step 5: Carefully remove chicken, set aside, and skim excess fat from the sauce; return chicken to the pot and serve with vegetables.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey-Mustard Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs take to make?

Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Honey-Mustard Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep dijon mustard from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Mustard Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs?

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 Honey-Mustard Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs 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.

What goes well with Honey-Mustard Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs?

American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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