Easy Broccoli Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli
A few years ago, I found myself in one of those life phases where time felt like it was perpetually slipping through my fingers. Between juggling work, my daughter’s ever-growing list of activities, and the million other things that come with adulting, I was desperate to find a way to put a good meal on the table without having to babysit it. I’d been eyeing my slow cooker for a while, wondering why it sat in the cupboard collecting dust, and that’s when I decided I needed to figure out how to make it work for me.
Enter the slow cooker honey mustard chicken and broccoli recipe. I can’t remember exactly what inspired me that day—maybe it was the forgotten orange on my counter or my endless love affair with Dijon mustard—but the combination of honey, mustard, and a little sweet citrus twist sounded like the perfect answer to a busy weeknight meal that still felt special.
What started as a spur-of-the-moment experiment quickly turned into one of my go-to recipes. There’s something about the way the slow cooker works its magic, melding all those flavors together over a few hours, that just feels like a hug on a plate. And that’s exactly the kind of cooking I’ve come to love.
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What Makes Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli So Special?
There’s a lot to love about this dish, and not just because it’s so easy. Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli perfectly balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. The Dijon mustard gives the sauce a sharp edge, while the maple syrup and brown sugar add a layer of sweetness that’s not overpowering. Fresh orange juice and zest brighten everything up, and the garlic brings a savory depth that ties it all together.
The chicken thighs are juicy and tender after slow cooking, with just enough caramelization from the sugar tucked under the skin. And as for the broccoli? It steams to a perfect crisp-tender texture in the final stretch, soaking up all that delicious sauce. This dish is hearty enough for a cozy family dinner but light enough that it doesn’t leave you feeling overly stuffed.
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Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli
Cooking slow and low makes this chicken dinner flavorful and is an easy way to make a full meal. Brown sugar under the skin of each chicken thigh and fresh squeezed orange juice adds the perfect amount of sweet and tang to this satisfying dish.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Entrées
Ingredients
- 1 orange
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 large bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 4 teaspoons light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon white wine or white wine vinegar
- 8 ounces fresh broccoli florets
Instructions
- Spray the insert of a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Zest half the orange and then squeeze the juice from that half. Place the zest and juice in a small bowl and cut the remaining orange half into wedges to be used for garnish; set aside.
- Add the maple syrup, mustard, garlic, and salt to the bowl with the orange zest and juice stir to mix well. Set aside.
- Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and use your fingers to separate the skin from the meat. Slide 1 teaspoon of the brown sugar under the skin of each thigh and spread it evenly.
- In a large nonstick skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the skillet, skin-side down, and cook for 4 minutes, until golden. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker and arrange the thighs skin-side up.
- Drain off all but 1 teaspoon of the oil from the skillet and return it to medium-high heat. Pour in the wine and stir to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Add the maple syrup mixture and cook, stirring, until the sauce begins to thicken and boil. Pour over the chicken in the slow cooker, cover, and cook on High for 3 hours.
- Separate the broccoli florets and lay them over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on High until the broccoli is steamed to crisp-tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
- Serve, garnished with the reserved orange wedged.
Ingredient Breakdown: Why Each One Counts
Chicken Thighs
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are key here. They hold up well in the slow cooker, staying moist and tender without drying out. Plus, the skin helps lock in flavor, and the brown sugar tucked under the skin caramelizes beautifully, adding a hint of sweetness.
Maple Syrup and Brown Sugar
These two ingredients are the backbone of the sweetness in this dish. The maple syrup provides a deep, rich flavor, while the brown sugar under the chicken skin creates a subtle caramelized crust that adds texture and complexity.
Dijon Mustard
Dijon mustard is what gives this dish its signature tang. It’s sharp without being overpowering, balancing out the sweetness from the syrup and sugar.
Fresh Orange Juice and Zest
A little bit of orange juice and zest goes a long way in this recipe. It adds a bright, citrusy note that cuts through the richness of the chicken and brings everything together.
Broccoli
Added at the end of the cooking process, the broccoli stays crisp-tender, providing a nice contrast to the soft, juicy chicken. It also soaks up the sauce, making every bite flavorful.
If you’re like me, the idea of browning chicken before slow cooking might seem like an extra step you don’t have time for. But trust me—it’s worth it. Browning the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker helps to lock in the flavor and gives the skin that irresistible golden color.
Once the chicken is in the slow cooker, the real magic happens. The sauce—made from Dijon mustard, maple syrup, garlic, and orange juice—thickens as it cooks, coating the chicken in a rich, tangy glaze. And when you add the broccoli toward the end, it steams to perfection, staying vibrant and crisp without turning mushy.
One of the things that surprised me the most when making this dish was how easy it was. It’s one of those recipes where the hardest part is waiting for the slow cooker to do its job while the house fills with the mouthwatering aroma of dinner.
Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli is one of those meals where every bite is an experience. The chicken is melt-in-your-mouth tender, with the sweet glaze balancing out the tang of the mustard and the brightness of the orange. The sauce is rich but not heavy, making it the perfect complement to both the chicken and the broccoli.
Compared to other honey mustard chicken dishes, this one stands out for its complexity. The addition of fresh orange juice and zest elevates the flavors, making the dish feel a little more special without being fussy.
Variations and Substitutions
If you like to experiment in the kitchen, there are plenty of ways to switch up this recipe:
- Swap the chicken thighs for chicken breasts: If you prefer white meat, boneless, skinless chicken breasts will work. Just be sure to reduce the cooking time so they don’t dry out.
- Use different vegetables: If you’re out of broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or even cauliflower are great substitutes.
- Add a little heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce can add a nice kick for those who like a bit of spice.
Tips for Making Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli
- Don’t skip browning the chicken – It adds depth of flavor and texture that you won’t get from slow cooking alone.
- Use fresh orange juice – The freshness really makes a difference in the brightness of the sauce.
- Cook the broccoli last – Add the broccoli in the final 15-20 minutes to keep it from getting too soft.
- Adjust the sweetness to taste – If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the maple syrup or brown sugar.
- Make extra sauce – You’ll want to spoon it over rice or potatoes to soak up every bit of flavor.
- Check for doneness – Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest before serving – This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender.
Allergy-Friendly Substitutions
- Gluten-free: Ensure your Dijon mustard and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Dairy-free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free, making it a great option for those with lactose intolerance.
- Low-sodium: Reduce the salt or swap out the kosher salt for a lower-sodium alternative.
If you’re looking for a simple, delicious meal that feels a little bit fancy without the extra work, give Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli a try. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy Sundays, or whenever you need something satisfying and easy. Plus, the leftovers are just as good—if you have any left, that is.
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I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Let me know in the comments if you try this recipe or if you’ve made any fun variations. Happy cooking!
