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Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli
If there’s one thing busy families can appreciate, it’s a recipe that does all the work for you. Enter the Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli. This dish is the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and savory—all with minimal effort. Simply toss everything into the slow cooker, let it work its magic, and by dinner time, you’ve got tender chicken and perfectly cooked broccoli in a mouthwatering honey mustard sauce. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal that packs a flavor punch!
The star ingredients here are chicken thighs, honey, Dijon mustard, and broccoli. Chicken thighs are ideal for slow cooking because they remain juicy and flavorful after hours in the pot. The honey provides a natural sweetness, while the mustard adds that tangy, zesty kick. Together, these ingredients create a balanced sauce that coats the chicken beautifully, making every bite a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
A great tip for this recipe is to add the broccoli during the last hour of cooking. This prevents the broccoli from becoming too mushy, ensuring it retains its bright color and crunch, which contrasts nicely with the tender chicken. If you love extra sauce, consider doubling the honey mustard mixture so you can drizzle it over your rice or potatoes for an added treat.
One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. You can serve it over a variety of sides—rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or even pasta. It’s also a fantastic meal for meal prep, as the flavors only get better with time. Leftovers make a delicious lunch the next day, and you can easily reheat them without losing any of that juicy tenderness.
The slow cooker truly shines in this recipe, allowing you to come home to a fully cooked meal with very little effort. Plus, the honey mustard sauce is a refreshing twist on the usual slow-cooker fare. It’s sweet and tangy with just enough zip to keep things interesting, making it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
What makes this recipe stand out is its ease and adaptability. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply looking for a no-fuss weeknight dinner, this Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli has you covered. It’s a time-saver that doesn’t skimp on flavor, proving that delicious meals don’t always require hours of hands-on prep.
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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.
Want to grow your own broccoli? Check out our Broccoli Gardening Guide for everything you need to know about planting, nurturing, and harvesting your own fresh broccoli right at home. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this guide will help you grow the best-tasting broccoli for all your favorite dishes.
Ready to cook? Let me know what you think in the comments!
