Fall-Apart Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs: Gluten-Free Recipe

Tantalizing aromas fill the kitchen when you prepare these succulent honey mustard chicken thighs in a slow cooker.

This (gluten-free) recipe blends sweet and tangy flavors into a mouthwatering meal that takes minimal effort.

The combination of honey and mustard creates a glossy, rich coating that seals in the chicken natural juiciness.

Tender meat falls effortlessly from the bone, promising a delightful dining experience.

Minimal prep work means maximum flavor with this simple yet impressive dish.

Packed with protein and bursting with robust taste, these chicken thighs will become a weeknight favorite that everyone craves.

Savor every bite of this comforting and delicious meal that transforms an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

Why Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Is So Easy

• Toss ingredients in a slow cooker and let the magic happen with minimal hands-on preparation, perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without complex techniques.
• Combines sweet honey and tangy Dijon mustard to create a crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a stress-free experience.
• Designed to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste, this recipe ensures everyone can enjoy a hearty, flavorful chicken meal that doesn't feel like a compromise.
• Works wonderfully as a weeknight dinner, meal prep option, or casual gathering dish, offering flexibility for various dining scenarios and easy adaptation to different serving styles.

Everything in This Flavor-Packed Slow Cooker Recipe

• Chicken Thighs: Bone-in and skin-on thighs create rich flavor and tender meat for this slow cooker dish.

• Dijon Mustard, Honey: A classic sweet and tangy combination that provides depth and balanced flavor to the chicken.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the overall savory profile of the dish.
• Coconut Milk: Creates a creamy texture and provides a subtle richness to the sauce.

• Arrowroot Powder: Helps coat the chicken and provides a light thickening effect for the sauce.
• Smoked Paprika, Salt, Garlic Powder: Spices that contribute complex and complementary flavor notes to the chicken and sauce.

How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs with Ease

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Coating

Grab a plastic bag and toss chicken thighs with arrowroot powder.

Shake the bag vigorously like you’re making a fun musical instrument.

This coating helps the sauce stick perfectly and creates a delightful light crust on the chicken.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Sauce

• Dijon mustard
• Honey
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Chicken broth
• Coconut milk

Mix thoroughly to eliminate any potential clumps and ensure a smooth, delicious sauce.

Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Gently place chicken thighs into the sauce, turning them to ensure complete coverage.

Don’t worry if the pieces stack on top of each other – the slow cooker will distribute heat evenly.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low setting for six hours.

Resist opening the lid frequently to maintain consistent cooking temperature and preserve moisture.

Step 5: Final Touch and Serving

Once cooking is complete, stir the sauce gently to redistribute flavors.

The chicken should be incredibly tender and easily falling apart.

Plate and serve hot, allowing the rich, tangy sauce to complement the juicy meat.

Tips for Juicy Chicken and Bold Flavor

• Whisk ingredients thoroughly to ensure smooth, lump-free honey mustard sauce for better flavor distribution.
• Use a resealable plastic bag to evenly coat chicken thighs with arrowroot powder, creating a light, crispy exterior that helps sauce adhere perfectly.
• Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid frequently during cooking to maintain consistent temperature and prevent moisture loss.
• Stir the sauce right before serving to redistribute flavors and create a more uniform coating on the chicken thighs.
• Double-check all ingredients, especially chicken broth and mustard, to ensure they are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

How to Reheat and Store These Chicken Thighs

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain flavor integrity.
• Transfer chicken and sauce to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Place chicken in microwave-safe dish, add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Preheat oven to 325°F. Place chicken in baking dish, add small amount of broth, cover with foil. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring juicy and safe meat.

Pairing Honey Mustard Chicken With the Right Sides

• Complement with Crisp Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with citrus vinaigrette to balance the rich, sweet-tangy chicken. The peppery greens and bright dressing will cut through the meal's richness.
• Match with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a colorful mix of roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and carrots. The caramelized vegetable edges will echo the smoky paprika notes in the chicken sauce.
• Select Refreshing White Wine: Choose a slightly acidic Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling. These wines will enhance the honey mustard's complexity and provide a crisp counterpoint to the tender chicken.
• Serve with Herbed Quinoa: Cook quinoa with fresh thyme and parsley to create a light, protein-packed side that absorbs the delicious sauce while adding nutritional balance.

Ways to Switch Up the Sauce or Serve Style

• Dairy-Free Version: Replace coconut milk with almond milk or unsweetened oat milk for a lighter, dairy-free alternative that maintains the creamy texture.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the honey mustard mixture for those who enjoy a fiery flavor profile with their chicken.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt, perfect for individuals monitoring their sodium intake while still enjoying a flavorful meal.
• Herb-Infused Adaptation: Incorporate fresh thyme or rosemary into the sauce for an aromatic herb dimension that complements the honey mustard base.

FAQs

• Why use arrowroot powder for coating the chicken?

Arrowroot powder helps create a light, crispy coating that allows the sauce to stick better to the chicken and provides a slight thickening effect to the overall dish.

• Can I substitute the coconut milk in the recipe?

Yes, you can use heavy cream or regular milk as an alternative to coconut milk. Each substitute will slightly change the flavor profile of the dish.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! These chicken thighs can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheat well, making them an excellent option for preparing meals in advance.

• What makes this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe uses arrowroot powder instead of traditional wheat flour for coating, and all other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs (Gluten-Free) Recipe

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4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent honey mustard chicken thighs slow-cook to perfection, infusing tender meat with a tangy-sweet glaze. Rich flavors meld effortlessly, promising a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 8 Chicken thighs

Sauce Components:

• 1/3 cup Bold dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup Honey
• 1/4 cup Chicken broth
• 1/3 cup Full fat coconut milk

Seasonings and Thickeners:

• 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 tablespoons Garlic powder or granules
• 1.5 tablespoons Arrowroot powder

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken by gently dredging thighs in arrowroot powder using a sealed plastic bag, ensuring each piece is lightly and evenly coated for enhanced sauce adhesion and a delicate crispy exterior.
2. Craft the sauce directly in the slow cooker by whisking together Dijon mustard, honey, smoked paprika, salt, garlic powder, chicken broth, and coconut milk until completely smooth and well-integrated.
3. Carefully nestle the arrowroot-dusted chicken thighs into the prepared sauce, gently turning to ensure complete coverage and even distribution throughout the cooking vessel.
4. Set slow cooker to low temperature and allow chicken to simmer for 6 hours, maintaining a consistent, gentle heat that will gradually tenderize the meat and meld the complex flavor profile.
5. Once cooking completes, perform a final gentle stir to redistribute the sauce, then plate the incredibly tender chicken thighs, allowing the rich, glossy sauce to cascade over the meat for maximum flavor presentation.

Notes

• Coating chicken with arrowroot powder creates a light, crispy exterior that helps sauce adhere beautifully while ensuring a glossy, appetizing finish.
• Whisking sauce ingredients thoroughly prevents clumping and guarantees a smooth, consistent flavor profile throughout the dish.
• Stacking chicken thighs won’t impact cooking quality; slow cookers distribute heat evenly, ensuring each piece becomes tender and juicy.
• For dairy-free modifications, substitute coconut milk with almond milk or additional chicken broth to maintain moisture and richness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 345
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 660 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg