Dinner

Savory Slow-Cooked Crockpot Chicken Recipe

Bylina Carter December 8, 2025December 8, 2025

Introduction

This savory slow-cooked crockpot chicken is perfect for busy days when you want a hearty, flavorful meal without much fuss. Tender chicken breasts slowly braised in a rich sauce of soy, honey, and Dijon mustard create a deliciously comforting dish that’s sure to satisfy your family.

A white shallow bowl holds a layered dish, starting with a bottom layer of creamy, light-colored mashed potatoes with a smooth texture. On top, there are several pieces of browned chicken thighs cooked to a golden color with a slightly crispy skin. Covering the chicken is a generous layer of caramelized onions, golden to dark brown in color, mixed with dark mushrooms that add texture. The dish is drizzled with a glossy, brown gravy that pools slightly at the bottom of the bowl. Sprinkled across the top and around the plate are small, bright green parsley leaves, adding a fresh pop of color. The bowl sits on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 large onion, sliced

4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth

1⁄3 cup soy sauce
1⁄4 cup honey

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme

1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown, but not cooked through.
Step 3: In the crockpot, layer the sliced onions and minced garlic to create a bed for the chicken.

Step 4: Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the onions and garlic in the crockpot.
Step 5: In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, and dried thyme. Pour this sauce evenly over the chicken.
Step 6: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

Step 7: Remove the chicken and cover it with foil to keep warm. Mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry and stir it into the crockpot liquids.
Step 8: Turn the crockpot to high and cook for 10-15 minutes more to thicken the sauce.
Step 9: Serve the chicken topped with the thickened sauce and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce mixture for 1-2 hours before searing.
Serve with steamed rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
Add vegetables like carrots or mushrooms to the crockpot for a complete one-pot meal.

If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat to avoid drying the chicken. The sauce may thicken further when chilled, so add a splash of water or broth when reheating if needed.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a dish with three layers: at the bottom, there is a creamy white mashed base that looks smooth and soft; above it are three golden-brown roasted chicken thighs, cooked with a slightly crispy texture. On top and around the chicken, there is a mix of caramelized onions that are translucent brown and soft, along with dark slices of mushrooms. The dish is sprinkled with small bright green fresh herbs, and a golden-brown sauce surrounds the layers on the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and tend to stay even juicier during slow cooking. Adjust cooking time if thighs are larger or bone-in.

Can I skip searing the chicken?

Searing adds depth of flavor and a nice color, but you can skip this step if pressed for time. The chicken will still be tender and delicious when slow-cooked.