If you’re looking for a meal that feels like a warm hug on a busy day, then the Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Shredded Chicken Sandwich Recipe is about to become your new best friend. This dish takes simple ingredients and transforms them into tender, flavorful shredded chicken drenched in a tangy, sweet honey mustard sauce. It’s the kind of recipe that’s effortlessly satisfying, perfect for weeknights, game days, or any occasion where comfort food is calling your name. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, giving you juicy, melt-in-your-mouth chicken ready to pile high on your favorite sandwich buns.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for the Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Shredded Chicken Sandwich Recipe is delightfully straightforward. Each component plays a special role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures, from the zing of the mustards to the sweetness of honey and the subtle warmth from the spices.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The tender, lean protein base that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- ½ cup Dijon mustard: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor that’s essential for a rich honey mustard taste.
- ¼ cup yellow mustard: Brings a milder, slightly sweeter mustard flavor to balance the bite of Dijon.
- ½ cup honey: Sweetens the sauce naturally, creating that irresistible honey mustard blend.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Introduces a bright acidity that cuts through the richness and lifts the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps meld the ingredients together and keeps the chicken moist during cooking.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Subtly enhances the complexity of the sauce’s flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Brings out all the other delicious tastes in the chicken and sauce.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle kick to balance sweetness and tang.
- Sandwich buns: Soft and sturdy enough to hold all that juicy, shredded chicken.
- Coleslaw (optional, for topping): Adds refreshing crunch and creaminess if you like a little extra texture.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Shredded Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce
Start by whisking together the Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This mixture will be the star of the show, coating your chicken with layers of vibrant, tangy, and sweet flavor.
Step 2: Add Chicken to the Slow Cooker
Place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. It’s important that they lay flat and are not overcrowded so they cook evenly and become perfectly tender.
Step 3: Pour the Sauce Over Chicken
Pour your homemade honey mustard sauce right on top of the chicken, then gently turn the breasts in the sauce to coat them thoroughly. This ensures every bite will be packed with flavor once shredded.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 6 to 7 hours, or if you’re short on time, use the high setting for 3 to 4 hours. Slow cooking lets the chicken soak in all those flavors while becoming incredibly soft, making shredding a breeze.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Once cooked through and tender, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce so every delicious shred is coated in that honey mustard goodness.
Step 6: Ready to Serve
Serve the juicy, shredded chicken hot on sandwich buns. Toasting the buns beforehand is a fantastic idea to add extra texture and keep the bread from getting soggy.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Shredded Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
A scoop of coleslaw on top of your sandwich adds a refreshing crunch and creamy contrast to the sweet and tangy chicken. If you like a touch of brightness, a few fresh pickle slices or some thinly sliced red onion also complement this sandwich beautifully.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs wonderfully with classic sides like crispy sweet potato fries, a simple green salad, or baked beans. For a lighter option, crunchy veggie sticks with a creamy dip will keep the meal balanced yet satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the shredded chicken in warm tortillas for a quick wrap or pile it on top of a fresh salad for a hearty lunch. Mini slider buns also make these sandwiches perfect for parties or casual gatherings where everyone can grab a tasty bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover shredded chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days, ready to be enjoyed again.
Freezing
This Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Shredded Chicken Sandwich Recipe also freezes beautifully. Transfer the shredded chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can add a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce seems too thick. Heating slowly preserves the tenderness and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will yield a slightly richer and more moist shredded chicken, and they work wonderfully with the honey mustard sauce. Just adjust the cooking time if needed.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The shredded chicken and sauce are naturally gluten-free, but be sure to pick gluten-free buns if you want to keep the entire sandwich gluten-free.
Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the chicken in a covered pot on the stove over low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until tender. The slow cooker just makes it super hands-off and perfect for busy days.
How spicy is the sandwich?
This recipe is mild with a gentle peppery note from black pepper. You can easily add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the sauce if you prefer a little kick.
What can I do with leftover chicken besides sandwiches?
Leftover shredded chicken is versatile! Use it in wraps, salads, quesadillas, or even tuck it into an omelet. It’s a fantastic way to add flavor to many dishes without extra effort.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Shredded Chicken Sandwich Recipe, it will become a staple in your meal rotation. Easy to prepare, irresistibly flavorful, and perfect for just about any occasion, this recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create unforgettable meals. So, fire up your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy juicy, tender chicken sandwiches that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Print
Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Shredded Chicken Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 sandwiches
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Shredded Chicken Sandwich recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken coated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, the chicken is slow-cooked to perfection and shredded for a juicy filling served on sandwich buns, optionally topped with coleslaw for added crunch.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup yellow mustard
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Serving
- Sandwich buns
- Coleslaw (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until fully combined to create the honey mustard sauce.
- Place Chicken in Slow Cooker: Arrange the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker in an even layer.
- Add Sauce to Chicken: Pour the prepared honey mustard sauce over the chicken breasts, gently turning the chicken to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is very tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Shredded Chicken and Sauce: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the remaining sauce to coat thoroughly. Keep warm until ready to serve.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Serve the honey mustard shredded chicken warm on sandwich buns. Add a scoop of coleslaw on top if desired for extra texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra texture and flavor, toast the sandwich buns before assembling.
- This shredded chicken is versatile and can also be used in wraps, salads, or sliders.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
