Treat your family to a delectable slow-cooker dish that combines tender chicken thighs with a luscious honey mustard sauce. This comfort food is a breeze to prepare and is sure to become a favorite among both children and adults.
tablespoons
Chicken Thighs, skin-on
each
Spring Onions, trimmed and cut into lengths
0 oz
0.25 fluid ounces
tablespoons
tablespoons
tablespoons
0 oz
1. Prep Your Slow Cooker
Begin by preheating your slow cooker to the appropriate setting, as per your model's instructions.
2. Brown the Chicken
In a frying pan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs, then brown them on all sides until the skin is golden and crisp. Once browned, transfer the thighs to the slow cooker.
3. Sauté the Spring Onions
In the same pan, lightly brown the spring onions, then add them to the slow cooker with the chicken thighs.
4. Create the Sauce
Pour the chicken stock into the slow cooker. Add the Dijon mustard and honey, stirring to combine. Set the slow cooker to low and let it cook for 4 hours.
5. Finish with Creaminess and Peas
After 4 hours, stir in the double cream or crème fraîche along with the frozen peas. Remove the lid and continue cooking for an additional 15 minutes.
6. Optional Crisping
If you prefer a crispier skin, transfer the cooked chicken thighs to a grill or oven and broil for a few minutes until the skin is re-crisped to your liking.
For a leaner option, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs, adjusting cooking times as necessary. Substitute the chicken with boneless pork chops for a richer flavor. A more decadent choice, beef short ribs will become incredibly tender when slow-cooked in the creamy sauce. For a plant-based alternative, use firm tofu or tempeh, adding them towards the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming too soft.
Replace honey mustard with a blend of Dijon mustard and a splash of white wine for a more sophisticated, tangy sauce. For a Southwest twist, mix in chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and a squeeze of lime juice. Use teriyaki sauce in place of honey mustard for an Asian-inspired variation. Combine maple syrup with Sriracha or another hot sauce for a sweet and spicy kick.
Add root vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or parsnips to the slow cooker for a one-pot meal. Incorporate cannellini or kidney beans for added protein and fiber, complementing the creaminess of the sauce. Tailor the dish to different cuisines by using herbs like rosemary for Italian flair or cilantro and cumin for a Mexican touch. Swap out the cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free option or to lean into a more tropical flavor profile.
To subtly change the flavor, try adding different fresh herbs. While the original might call for thyme, you could use rosemary, oregano, or tarragon for a different background note. A teaspoon of fresh chopped herbs, added towards the end of cooking, should suffice.
For a smoky flavor, cook some bacon until crisp, crumble it, and stir into the sauce or sprinkle on top when serving.
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