Slow-Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender, juicy chicken thighs slow-cooked in a sweet-tangy honey mustard glaze with carrots and potatoes for a fuss-free family dinner. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 370 minutes pairs chicken thighs, honey, Dijon mustard for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 3.6 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 360 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Place 4 chopped medium carrots and 2 chopped medium potatoes in the bottom of a slow cooker. Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs on top.
  4. Step 4: Pour the honey mustard sauce evenly over the chicken, then cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours until chicken is fork-tender and reaches 165°F internal temperature.
  5. Step 5: Carefully remove chicken to a serving platter, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid. Discard skin and bones.
  6. Step 6: Return the reserved cooking liquid to the slow cooker with the vegetables, stir well, and cook uncovered on HIGH for 15 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Serve chicken with the sauce and vegetables.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 370 minutes (10 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 Slow-Cooker Honey Mustard 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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooker Honey Mustard 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 Slow-Cooker Honey Mustard 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 Slow-Cooker Honey Mustard 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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