Slow Cooker Creamy French Mustard Chicken is a rich, savory dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy sauce made from Dijon mustard, heavy cream, and a few aromatic herbs and spices. The slow cooker works its magic, allowing the chicken to become incredibly tender while soaking up the flavors of the sauce. The Dijon mustard adds a sharp, tangy kick that perfectly balances the creamy richness, while garlic and thyme bring a fragrant depth to the dish.
I first made Slow Cooker Creamy French Mustard Chicken when I wanted something easy but packed with flavor. The combination of mustard and cream was both comforting and sophisticated, and the slow cooker made everything effortless. What I love most about this recipe is how it’s so hands-off—you just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. The chicken turns out so tender, and the sauce is perfect to drizzle over rice, mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread. It’s an ideal dish for a busy weeknight or when you’re hosting a dinner party and want to impress with minimal effort!
Perfect for:
- Weeknight dinners
- Meal prepping
- Family gatherings
- Comfort food lovers
- French cuisine enthusiasts
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Slow Cooker Creamy French Mustard Chicken will become your go-to meal:
- Effortless Cooking: Simply add ingredients to the slow cooker, set it, and let it do the work for you.
- Rich and Tangy Flavor: The French mustard brings a perfect balance of sharpness and depth to the sauce.
- Tender Chicken: The slow cooking method ensures the chicken comes out incredibly tender and juicy.
- One-Pot Meal: Fewer dishes to clean, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Comforting and Hearty: The creamy sauce is rich and comforting, perfect for colder weather.
- Customizable to Your Taste: Adjust the mustard or add herbs and spices to make it your own.
- Perfectly Pairs with Sides: Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Minimal Prep Time: With only a few simple ingredients, this recipe comes together in no time.
- Family-Friendly: The mild yet flavorful sauce makes it a hit with both kids and adults.
- Make-Ahead Meal: Great for meal prepping or preparing in advance for easy dinners during the week.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 6 hours
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6 hours on low
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 40g, Carbs: 12g, Fat: 25g
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Ingredient Highlights
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy, sharp flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
- Whole Grain Mustard: Provides texture and a slight kick to the sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Ensures a rich, flavorful base for the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Chicken and Sauce:
- Layer the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add the Sauce Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, onion, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour Over the Chicken: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
Cook the Chicken:
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Shred or Serve Whole: Once cooked, you can either shred the chicken using two forks or leave it whole for serving.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite side dishes like rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
How to Serve
Here are 9 serving suggestions for Slow Cooker Creamy French Mustard Chicken:
- With Steamed Rice: Serve over fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- With Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
- On a Bed of Greens: For a lighter option, serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of sautéed spinach or mixed greens.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts for a wholesome meal.
- In a Sandwich: Use the shredded chicken to make a flavorful sandwich or wrap.
- With Crusty Bread: Serve with warm crusty bread to dip into the creamy sauce.
- With Garlic Bread: Add a side of garlic bread for an extra indulgent treat.
- As a Meal Prep: Divide into individual containers for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
- For a Special Occasion: Serve at a family gathering or dinner party with your favorite sides.
Additional Tips
- Use Bone-In Chicken: For extra flavor and tenderness, try using bone-in chicken thighs or breasts.
- Adjust Mustard to Taste: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of French mustard, or opt for Dijon for a smoother taste.
- Sear Chicken First: For an added depth of flavor, sear the chicken in a hot skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can be added at the beginning of the cook time to infuse the sauce with a fragrant herbal note.
- Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin at the end, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce to thicken it.
- Add Veggies: To make the dish more complete, you can add vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or onions directly into the slow cooker.
- Use Heavy Cream: For an ultra-creamy sauce, use heavy cream instead of half-and-half or milk.
- Deglaze the Pan: After searing the chicken, deglaze the pan with a bit of chicken broth or wine to capture any flavorful bits before adding everything to the slow cooker.
- Cook on Low: For the best results, cook on low for 6-8 hours to ensure the chicken is perfectly tender and the flavors have melded.
- Serve with Sides: This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Mustard Chicken: Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or hot mustard for a spicy twist.
- Honey Mustard Chicken: Mix in a tablespoon of honey for a sweeter mustard sauce.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free chicken broth and check the mustard labels for gluten-free varieties.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Try adding fresh rosemary or sage for an earthy flavor.
- Lemon Mustard Chicken: Add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the sauce for a bright, zesty flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian alternative.
- Add White Wine: Pour in a splash of white wine along with the chicken broth for added depth of flavor.
Special Equipment
- Slow Cooker: Essential for the low-and-slow cooking method that makes this dish so tender.
- Whisk: For combining the sauce ingredients smoothly.
- Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to cook it for an additional hour or until fully cooked. - How long can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze the chicken?
Yes, the cooked chicken and sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. - Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe and will be extra tender. - Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients the night before, refrigerate them, and then cook them in the slow cooker the next day. - What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative for a lighter or dairy-free version. - How do I make the sauce less tangy?
You can reduce the amount of Dijon mustard and add a little more cream to balance out the tanginess. - Can I add more vegetables to the recipe?
Yes, feel free to add carrots, potatoes, or peas to make the meal more hearty. - Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, cook on high for about 3-4 hours, but the chicken might not be as tender as when cooked on low. - Can I use store-bought mustard?
Absolutely! Both Dijon and whole grain mustards are readily available in stores and work great in this recipe.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Creamy French Mustard Chicken is a flavorful, comforting dish that’s both easy to prepare and packed with savory goodness. The chicken is slow-cooked with a rich, creamy sauce made from Dijon mustard, heavy cream, garlic, and a touch of white wine or chicken broth, creating a smooth, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor that complements the tender chicken perfectly.
The mustard adds a unique depth of flavor, while the cream gives the sauce a luxurious texture that coats the chicken beautifully. You can add herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the aroma, and serve the chicken with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables to soak up the creamy sauce. This dish is ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your guests with minimal effort. Simply let the slow cooker do the work, and you’ll have a rich, delicious meal ready to enjoy.
I can’t wait to see how your Slow Cooker Creamy French Mustard Chicken turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!