Description of this recipe
These Honey Mustard Shredded Chicken Sandwiches are the perfect blend of sweet and savory, all achieved with minimal effort thanks to your trusty slow cooker. Tender, juicy chicken is simmered in a luscious honey mustard sauce, resulting in a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe is incredibly versatile and customizable, making it a family favorite that you can adapt to your preferences. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply looking for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal, these sandwiches are guaranteed to be a hit.
Why you will love this recipe
There’s so much to love about this slow cooker honey mustard shredded chicken recipe:
- Ease of Preparation: This recipe requires minimal hands-on time. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it! The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you free to focus on other tasks.
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar creates a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and slightly acidic flavors that perfectly complement the chicken. The garlic and onion powder add a savory depth that elevates the dish to another level.
- Versatility: These sandwiches are a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. You can customize the toppings to your liking, adding anything from classic pickles and lettuce to more adventurous options like coleslaw or caramelized onions.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe is ideal for meal prepping. The shredded chicken can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for several days, making it easy to whip up a quick and delicious lunch or dinner.
- Crowd-Pleasing: These sandwiches are always a hit at parties and gatherings. They’re easy to serve and enjoy, and the delicious flavor is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup (160g) honey
- 1/3 cup (100g) Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4–6 sandwich buns or rolls
- Optional toppings: sliced pickles, lettuce, tomato, red onion, or coleslaw
Preparation:
Step 1: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated to create a smooth and homogenous sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as desired, adding more honey for sweetness or Dijon mustard for a tangier flavor.
Step 2: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Pour the honey mustard sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring that each piece is thoroughly coated. The sauce should fully cover the chicken to maximize flavor infusion during the slow cooking process.
Step 4: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW heat for 6-7 hours, or on HIGH heat for 3-4 hours. The chicken is ready when it is fork-tender and easily shreds. Cooking on LOW allows the flavors to meld together more deeply, resulting in a richer and more complex flavor profile. If you’re short on time, cooking on HIGH will still yield delicious results, but be sure to monitor the chicken to prevent it from drying out.
Step 5: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat evenly with the remaining honey mustard sauce. This ensures that every piece of chicken is infused with the delicious flavor of the sauce.
Step 6: To assemble the sandwiches, spoon the shredded chicken onto your choice of sandwich buns or rolls. Add your favorite toppings, such as sliced pickles, lettuce, tomato, red onion, or coleslaw. Get creative and customize your sandwiches to your liking!
Step 7: Serve the sandwiches immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of coleslaw or potato salad for a classic picnic feel.
- Pair with crispy french fries or sweet potato fries for a satisfying and comforting meal.
- Offer a variety of toppings to allow guests to customize their sandwiches to their liking.
- Serve with a refreshing beverage, such as iced tea or lemonade.
Tips:
- For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
- If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can substitute with white vinegar or lemon juice.
- To add a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey mustard sauce.
- Store leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
6-7 hours (LOW) or 3-4 hours (HIGH)
Total Time:
6 hours 10 minutes – 7 hours 10 minutes (LOW) or 3 hours 10 minutes – 4 hours 10 minutes (HIGH)
Nutritional Information:
(Per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 40g
- Sodium: 600mg
Conclusion
These Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Shredded Chicken Sandwiches are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce with tender, juicy shredded chicken is simply irresistible. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a truly delicious and satisfying meal.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
A: While it’s best to use thawed chicken breasts for optimal cooking and flavor, you can use frozen chicken breasts in a pinch. However, you’ll need to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours to ensure that the chicken is cooked through.
Q2: Can I make this recipe in the Instant Pot?
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot. Place the chicken breasts and honey mustard sauce in the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Then, release any remaining pressure manually.
Q3: Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! Adding vegetables like sliced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms can enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the dish. Simply add them to the slow cooker along with the chicken and sauce.
Q4: Can I use different types of mustard?
A: While Dijon mustard is recommended for its tangy flavor, you can experiment with other types of mustard, such as yellow mustard, spicy brown mustard, or even whole-grain mustard. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will change depending on the type of mustard you use.
Q5: What can I do with leftover shredded chicken?
A: Leftover shredded chicken can be used in a variety of ways. You can add it to salads, wraps, tacos, or even use it as a topping for pizza or nachos. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into many different dishes.
