Description
This savory slow-cooked crockpot chicken recipe offers tender, flavorful chicken breasts simmered with onions, garlic, and a deliciously rich sauce made from chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, and Dijon mustard. Perfect for an effortless, hearty meal, this dish is enhanced by a smoky paprika and thyme seasoning, then thickened to perfection for serving.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 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
Thickening Sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to infuse flavor into the meat.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust, which will enhance the flavor without cooking them through.
- Prepare the Crockpot: Arrange the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the crockpot to create a flavorful bed for the chicken.
- Layer the Chicken: Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the onion and garlic layer in the crockpot, ensuring even distribution.
- Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, and dried thyme until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken in the crockpot.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Remove and Keep Warm: Once cooked, carefully take the chicken out of the crockpot and cover it with aluminum foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce: Mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the remaining liquid in the crockpot. Set the crockpot to high heat and cook the sauce for an additional 10-15 minutes until it thickens to a rich consistency.
- Serve: Plate the chicken breasts and generously spoon the thickened sauce over them. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and zest.
Notes
- For best flavor, sear the chicken before slow cooking to develop a caramelized crust.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of honey according to taste.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option and better sodium control.
- Chicken breasts can be substituted with thighs for a juicier result.
- The sauce can be thickened with alternative starches like arrowroot if preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: slow cooker chicken, crockpot chicken, savory chicken breasts, slow-cooked chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner
