Honey Mustard Chicken in a Slow Cooker – Budget Dinner Delight

Introduction

Craving something sweet, tangy, and savory without spending too much or standing over a stove? This Honey Mustard Chicken in a slow cooker is exactly what every busy student needs. With only a few affordable ingredients, you get a juicy, flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with rice, pasta, or even a wrap.

This recipe is part of our pillar guide Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Dinner Recipes, and it’s one of the easiest and tastiest dishes you can prep in less than 10 minutes. Whether you’re cooking solo or for roommates, this honey mustard chicken hits the sweet spot between flavor, nutrition, and affordability.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🍯 Only 5 ingredients — no fancy sauces or equipment
• 💤 Set it and forget it — perfect for busy or lazy days
• 💸 Cheap and accessible ingredients
• 🍽️ Great with rice, noodles, or even inside a sandwich
• 🍗 Juicy, tender chicken with no dry bites
• 🧊 Freezer-friendly for meal prepping

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

Ingredient	Quantity	Budget Tips
Chicken breasts	2–3 (around 500g)	Use frozen or buy in bulk
Dijon mustard	2 tbsp	Store-brand works fine
Honey	3 tbsp	Can substitute with maple syrup
Garlic (minced)	1 clove	Use powder if fresh is unavailable
Onion (sliced)	1 medium	Optional, adds flavor
Salt & Pepper	To taste	Basic pantry staples

Instructions

1. Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Mix mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
4. Add sliced onion on top (optional but tasty).
5. Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3 hours.
6. Once cooked, shred the chicken or slice and serve with your favorite base.

✅ Bonus: Drizzle the extra sauce on rice or pasta!

Serving Suggestions

Honey mustard chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:

• Serve over white or brown rice for a filling meal
• Toss into a tortilla for a quick and flavorful wrap
• Mix into cooked pasta with steamed broccoli or peas
• Pair with roasted potatoes, couscous, or quinoa
• Add on top of a green salad with a sprinkle of cheese and seeds
• Use it as a sandwich filling with lettuce and tomato

Variations & Upgrades

Want to switch things up? Try these twists:

1. Spicy Honey Mustard

Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a sweet-spicy kick.

2. Creamy Honey Mustard

Stir in 2 tbsp of Greek yogurt or sour cream near the end of cooking for a creamy texture.

3. Honey Mustard Tofu (Vegan)

Replace chicken with extra-firm tofu, use agave instead of honey, and cook for 3 hours on low.

4. Veggie Add-ins

Add sliced bell peppers, baby carrots, or green beans into the slow cooker for a full one-pot meal.

5. One-Pot Meal

Toss in uncooked couscous, quinoa, or small potatoes during the last 45 minutes.

Make It a Meal Plan Staple

Slow cooker honey mustard chicken is ideal for batch cooking. Here’s how to meal prep like a pro:

• Double the recipe: Freeze half for next week.
• Portion into containers with rice or pasta for grab-and-go lunches.
• Label and date your containers for easy storage.

Weekly Meal Example:

Day	Meal
Monday	Honey Mustard Chicken & Rice Bowl
Tuesday	Chicken Wrap with Lettuce & Tomato
Wednesday	Mac & Cheese + Honey Mustard Chicken
Thursday	Couscous Salad + Chicken
Friday	Leftovers or Shredded Chicken Sandwich

Storage & Reheating

• Store in fridge for up to 4 days in airtight containers
• Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months
• Reheat in microwave with 1 tbsp water or sauce to keep it moist
• Can also reheat in a skillet on low heat for 5 minutes

Cost Breakdown (Per Serving)

Ingredient	Approx. Cost	Cost per Serving (4 portions)
Chicken	$3.50	$0.88
Mustard	$0.30	$0.08
Honey	$0.50	$0.13
Garlic & Onion	$0.40	$0.10
Spices	$0.10	$0.02
Total	$4.80	$1.21 per serving

Health Benefits

This recipe isn’t just easy and cheap, it’s also:

• 🥩 High in protein for staying full longer
• 🍯 Honey provides natural sweetness with antioxidants
• 🧄 Garlic and onions help boost the immune system
• 🥗 Great with added veggies for a balanced meal

🖨️ Tasty & Printable: Your Go-To Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe Card

Print

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Thighs are cheaper and stay super juicy in the slow cooker.

Can I prepare this the night before?

Absolutely. Mix everything and store in the fridge. Start the cooker in the morning.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes! Freeze raw ingredients in a zip bag or cooked chicken in portions.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, make sure your slow cooker is at least 6 quarts.

Can I use honey mustard sauce instead of mixing my own?

You can, but homemade gives you more control over flavor and ingredients.

Can I use this recipe for meal prep?

Definitely. It’s ideal for prepping 3–4 lunches or dinners in advance.

What can I serve with it besides rice?

Try mashed potatoes, couscous, pasta, quinoa, or even garlic bread.

Conclusion

This Honey Mustard Chicken in a slow cooker is a no-stress, low-budget solution for delicious student dinners. It’s sweet, savory, easy to customize, and perfect for leftovers. Add it to your weekly meal rotation and impress your roommates — or just enjoy the satisfaction of a great home-cooked dish without the hassle.

Give it a try and check out our full guide to Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Dinner Recipes for more easy student meals.