If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, look no further than this Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Shredded Chicken Sandwich. Imagine tender chicken, slow-simmered in a sweet and tangy sauce, then piled high on a fluffy bun—every bite is pure comfort. Whether you’re hosting game day, whipping up a hearty family meal, or just want an effortless weeknight dinner, this sandwich has a way of becoming the star of any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Shredded Chicken Sandwich is in its blend of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each ingredient has a purpose, bringing a unique flavor or essential texture to the final result. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each one matters!
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show, these cook up meltingly tender and are perfect for shredding.
- Dijon mustard: Adds sharpness and depth to the sauce, balancing the sweetness of the honey.
- Honey: The natural sweetener here, honey pairs beautifully with mustard and gives the chicken irresistible glaze and flavor.
- Yellow mustard: Brings tang and color, making the sauce brighter and more complex.
- Apple cider vinegar: A splash of acidity to cut through the richness and ensure your sandwich isn’t too sweet.
- Garlic powder: For a background warmth and savory undertone.
- Onion powder: Rounds out the flavor, giving a subtle sweetness and depth.
- Salt: Essential to balance flavors and make every ingredient pop.
- Black pepper: Adds that tiny hint of heat and earthiness, tying the sauce together.
- Olive oil: Brings richness and helps meld the sauce ingredients into a smooth, silky base.
- Sandwich buns: Soft rolls or buns embrace the saucy chicken—feel free to toast for added texture!
- Coleslaw (optional, for topping): A cool, crunchy contrast that’s optional but highly recommended for an epic sandwich experience.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Shredded Chicken Sandwich
Step 1: Make the Sauce
Start by grabbing a small bowl and a whisk—you’re about to build the flavor foundation for this entire dish. Combine the Dijon mustard, honey, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Whisk it all together until you have a smooth, fragrant sauce. It should look creamy and golden, with that signature honey-mustard aroma that makes you want to dip a spoon right in.
Step 2: Prep and Cook the Chicken
Lay the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the bottom of your trusty slow cooker. Pour your fresh honey mustard sauce generously over the chicken, making sure every piece is coated well. Pop the lid on, set the slow cooker to low for 6–7 hours (or high for 3–4 hours if you’re short on time), and let the magic happen. As the hours tick by, the chicken will turn tender, soaking up all that sweet-tangy goodness.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is ultra-tender and nearly falling apart when prodded with a fork, it’s ready to shred. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and use two forks to pull it apart into bite-sized pieces. The aroma at this stage is out of this world! Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, toss it so every piece is slicked with sauce, and allow it to soak up even more of that honey mustard flavor for about 10 more minutes on warm.
Step 4: Build the Sandwiches
Split open your sandwich buns (toasting them is a game-changer) and heap them with a generous portion of the saucy shredded chicken. If you’re a fan of texture and zing, crown each sandwich with a scoop of crisp coleslaw. That’s it! You’re officially ready to dig in and enjoy your homemade Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Shredded Chicken Sandwich.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Shredded Chicken Sandwich
Garnishes
While these sandwiches shine on their own, a few strategic garnishes really kick things up a notch. Try a handful of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of color, or layer on some thinly sliced pickles for tang. If you want to add a little crunch, a sprinkle of fried onions or a pile of slaw is pure genius on your Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Shredded Chicken Sandwich.
Side Dishes
Pair your Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Shredded Chicken Sandwich with classic sides like potato chips, kettle-cooked fries, or a crisp green salad. Baked beans, roasted veggies, or a simple cucumber salad also strike the perfect balance with the sweet and tangy notes of the chicken. The goal is to keep things fresh, simple, and totally craveable.
Creative Ways to Present
This sandwich is anything but ordinary, so why not present it in a special way? Serve the sandwiches slider-style for parties, stack them open-faced for a more elegant look, or pile the shredded chicken high on a platter with toasted mini buns for a DIY sandwich bar. However you serve it, this recipe guarantees happy eaters and empty plates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftovers (lucky you!), store the cooled shredded chicken and its sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 4 days and only gets more flavorful as the sauce has time to mingle.
Freezing
The Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Shredded Chicken Sandwich filling freezes like a champ! Cool the chicken completely, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. It will stay delicious for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a fuss-free meal down the line.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat the shredded chicken in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water as needed to keep things juicy. You can also zap individual portions in the microwave—just cover to retain moisture. Serve on fresh buns straight from the oven or toaster for a just-made taste every time.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a tasty, juicy alternative in this recipe. They shred perfectly and soak up the honey mustard sauce for an extra-rich bite. Just swap them in pound for pound and follow the same cooking instructions.
Is the sauce very sweet?
The beauty of the Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Shredded Chicken Sandwich is its balanced flavor profile. The honey brings sweetness, but the mustards and vinegar add sharpness and tang, so it never gets cloying. Want it less sweet? Reduce the honey a bit to suit your taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The chicken and sauce are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to serve your Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Shredded Chicken Sandwich on gluten-free buns and double-check any optional toppings for sneaky gluten sources.
What toppings go best with this sandwich?
Coleslaw is a classic choice, but you can also try sliced pickles, crispy onions, lettuce, or even a slice of melting Swiss cheese. Feel free to get creative and make your sandwich your own masterpiece!
Can I use this chicken for other meals?
Definitely. Leftover honey mustard shredded chicken is incredible on salads, in wraps, over baked potatoes, or even stuffed inside pita pockets. Meal prep has never been tastier or easier!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about sinking your teeth into a Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Shredded Chicken Sandwich: the saucy chicken, the sweetness and tang, the tender bite of bread. It’s a go-to recipe in my house, and I hope it becomes a new favorite in yours too. Don’t wait—grab your slow cooker and give this sandwich a try. You’ll be looking for excuses to make it again and again!
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 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Shredded Chicken Sandwich is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender, shredded chicken cooked in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, served on buns with optional coleslaw for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Honey Mustard Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Additional:
- 6 sandwich buns
- Coleslaw (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil until well combined.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the honey mustard sauce over them. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat in the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the honey mustard chicken on sandwich buns with coleslaw, if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, toast the sandwich buns before assembling.
- This recipe also works great with chicken thighs.
- Leftovers make a delicious salad topping or wrap filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
