Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine with this incredibly simple and delicious Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken. This recipe creates the most tender, juicy chicken bathed in a sweet and tangy sauce that’s simply irresistible. If you’re looking for a “set it and forget it” meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, you’ve found it. It’s a family-friendly dish that requires minimal prep work and delivers maximum flavor, making it a guaranteed winner for any occasion.
The magic happens in the slow cooker, where chicken breasts gently simmer in a luxurious glaze of real maple syrup, sharp Dijon mustard, and savory herbs. The result is fall-apart tender chicken that’s perfect for shredding and serving over rice, mashed potatoes, or alongside your favorite roasted vegetables. This Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken is the ultimate comfort food solution for busy days.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy schedules. Just mix the sauce, pour it over the chicken, and let the slow cooker do all the work.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of sweet maple, tangy Dijon, and savory herbs creates a perfectly balanced sauce that’s packed with flavor.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a proven crowd-pleaser! Its gentle, comforting flavors appeal to both adults and kids, making it a go-to for family dinners. For another family favorite, try this hearty beef and macaroni soup.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it whole, shredded, or sliced. It pairs beautifully with countless side dishes, from simple greens to hearty casseroles.
The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tangy Ingredients
The secret to this recipe’s success lies in its simple yet powerful combination of ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the signature sweet and savory sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chicken
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly here. They soak up the sauce beautifully and become incredibly tender. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat.
For the Maple Dijon Sauce
- Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. It provides a natural, rustic sweetness that is the heart of the sauce.
- Dijon Mustard: This adds a tangy, sharp kick that cuts through the sweetness of the syrup.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: A touch of vinegar brightens all the flavors and adds another layer of tang.
- Chicken Broth: This creates the base of the sauce, adding savory depth and ensuring the chicken stays moist.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides an aromatic, savory foundation.
- Onion Powder & Dried Rosemary: These herbs add a classic, comforting flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Salt & Black Pepper: To taste, enhancing all the other flavors.
- Cornstarch (Optional): To create a thicker, richer glaze at the end.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken
Making this Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken couldn’t be easier. Just follow these simple steps for a foolproof meal.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, minced garlic, onion powder, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Arrange the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of your Crockpot.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the prepared maple dijon sauce evenly over the chicken breasts. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): About 30 minutes before serving, you can thicken the sauce. Remove the chicken from the Crockpot and set it aside. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and whisk it into the sauce. Turn the Crockpot to high and let the sauce cook for 15-20 minutes, or until it has thickened into a beautiful glaze.
- Serve: Return the chicken to the thickened sauce, or shred the chicken and mix it back in. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Expert Tips for the Best Maple Dijon Chicken
- Don’t Overcook: Chicken breasts can become dry if overcooked. Start checking for doneness at the lower end of the cook time range. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Use Pure Maple Syrup: For the richest and most authentic flavor, avoid pancake syrup and opt for 100% pure maple syrup. The difference is significant.
- Sear for More Flavor: For an extra layer of flavor, you can quickly sear the chicken breasts in a hot, oiled skillet for 2-3 minutes per side before adding them to the Crockpot. This isn’t necessary but adds a nice depth. If you enjoy one-pan meals, you’ll love these easy sausage and green beans sheet pan dinner.
What to Serve with Maple Dijon Chicken
This versatile chicken dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a comforting meal, serve it over a bed of the creamiest mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious sauce. It’s also excellent with roasted vegetables like garlic butter green beans or honey-roasted carrots. For a lower-carb option, pair it with quinoa or a simple side salad.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
This Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken makes for fantastic leftovers!
- Storage: Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: You can gently reheat the chicken and sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has become too thick.
- Freezing: This recipe freezes well. Store the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can assemble the ingredients and sauce in the slow cooker insert the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator. The next day, simply place it in the base and turn it on, adding about 30-60 minutes to the cook time.
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They may require slightly less cooking time, so start checking them for doneness around the 3-hour mark on low.
The easiest way to thicken the sauce is to use a cornstarch slurry. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then whisk it into the sauce in the Crockpot during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking on high.
Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free chicken broth and ensure your Dijon mustard is certified gluten-free, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
This dish is very versatile. It pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or quinoa. For vegetable sides, we recommend roasted green beans, broccoli, or honey-glazed carrots.
More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this simple and flavorful dish, be sure to check out our recipe for Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken. It’s another easy weeknight favorite that’s packed with savory flavor.
Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal
This Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken recipe is the perfect combination of ease and elegance. It’s a dish you can rely on for a busy weeknight but is also special enough to serve to guests. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your creations and save the recipe to your favorite board on Pinterest!
Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken Recipe
Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken (The Easiest, Most Flavorful Weeknight Dinner)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, onion powder, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
- Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the sauce evenly over the top. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Remove the cooked chicken and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce in the Crockpot. Cover and cook on HIGH for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Return the chicken to the thickened sauce (whole or shredded) and stir to coat. Serve immediately.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
