Slow Cooker Creamy French Mustard Chicken

Slow Cooker Creamy French Mustard Chicken is a luxurious, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy mustard sauce. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly. This dish is elegant enough for special occasions but easy enough for a weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for browning)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup whole-grain mustard (or more Dijon if you prefer)
• ½ cup heavy cream (or crème fraîche)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional for sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional for thickening)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice for brightness
• ½ cup white wine for added depth
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a smoky flavor

For Serving:

• Mashed potatoes
• Rice or noodles
• Steamed vegetables

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Chicken (Optional)

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Brown the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden. This step adds flavor but is optional. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. In the same skillet (if used for browning), sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
2. Stir in the chicken broth, Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, honey (if using), and thyme. Cook for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.

Step 3: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker

1. Pour the mustard sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is coated with the sauce.
2. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender.

Step 4: Add the Cream

1. About 15 minutes before serving, stir the heavy cream into the slow cooker. If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 15 minutes to thicken.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is fully cooked, serve the Creamy French Mustard Chicken over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley for added color and flavor.

Cooking Notes

• Chicken: You can use chicken thighs for a juicier result or bone-in chicken if preferred. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Mustard: For a more intense mustard flavor, you can increase the amount of Dijon mustard.

Variations

1. Lemon Mustard Chicken

Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to the sauce for a bright, tangy flavor that complements the mustard.

2. Herb Mustard Chicken

Add 1 tablespoon of fresh tarragon or rosemary to the sauce for a fragrant herb flavor.

3. White Wine Mustard Chicken

Replace half of the chicken broth with white wine for a deeper, more complex sauce.

4. Spicy Mustard Chicken

Add 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mustard sauce for a spicy kick.

5. Creamy Mustard and Mushroom Chicken

Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the chicken for an earthy addition to the creamy sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Slow Cooker Creamy French Mustard Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can make this dish ahead and reheat it. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools but will loosen when reheated.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

Q: Can I make this without cream?
Yes! If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can omit the cream and use Greek yogurt or coconut milk as a substitute.

Q: Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes! Bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks work well, but you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

This Slow Cooker Creamy French Mustard Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a favorite. The tangy mustard sauce pairs perfectly with the tender chicken, and the slow cooker makes it incredibly easy to prepare. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a comforting and satisfying meal.