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Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Chicken Recipe

4.8 from 105 reviews

This Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Chicken features tender, juicy chicken thighs simmered in a flavorful blend of Dijon mustard, pure maple syrup, garlic, and apple cider vinegar. Searing the chicken before slow cooking enhances the dish’s depth and texture, resulting in a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Ideal for an easy, comforting meal, it pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or wild rice.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Sauce

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat and Sear Chicken: Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken thighs in the skillet and sear each side for 2–3 minutes until lightly browned to lock in flavor and create a nice crust.
  2. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared chicken thighs to the slow cooker crock. This sets the base for the slow cooking process.
  3. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine Dijon mustard, pure maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth and well incorporated to create a sweet and tangy sauce.
  4. Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Evenly pour the prepared sauce over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker, ensuring they are well coated for maximum flavor infusion.
  5. Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2.5 to 3 hours. Cook until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender, absorbing all the sauce flavors.
  6. Serve: Before serving, spoon some of the delicious sauce over the chicken. This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or wild rice for a well-rounded meal.

Notes

  • Searing the chicken before placing it in the slow cooker adds extra flavor and texture.
  • You can substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs will remain more tender and juicy.
  • Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
  • For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after cooking and simmer the sauce on the stovetop until reduced.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, maple Dijon chicken, slow cooker recipes, easy chicken dinner, comforting chicken meals, maple mustard chicken