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Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken

Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken

iamwinfred
This Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken combines the natural sweetness of pure maple syrup with the sophisticated tang of Dijon mustard to create a restaurant-quality glaze over tender, juicy chicken breasts — all with just 10 minutes of prep. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming simple pantry staples into a deeply flavorful, hands-off dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 285 kcal

Equipment

  • 6-quart slow cooker A programmable model is ideal so it switches to warm automatically
  • Mixing bowl Medium size for whisking the sauce
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons Angled measuring cups recommended for liquids
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife For mincing garlic
  • Small bowl For mixing the cornstarch slurry

Ingredients
  

Maple Dijon Sauce

  • ½ cup pure maple syrup 120ml; use real maple syrup, not pancake syrup; dark amber recommended for richer flavor
  • ¼ cup Dijon mustard 60ml; smooth or whole grain both work
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar 30ml; white wine vinegar or rice vinegar can substitute
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce 30ml; use low-sodium if preferred
  • 4 garlic cloves minced; about 1½ tsp; fresh preferred over garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried thyme can substitute fresh thyme (1 tbsp) or add rosemary and sage for an herb-crusted variation
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp salt

For Thickening

  • 2 tbsp cornstarch for the slurry; do not skip — essential for achieving a glossy glaze consistency
  • 2 tbsp cold water must be cold to prevent cornstarch clumping

For Garnish

Instructions
 

  • Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides lightly with salt and pepper. Arrange in an even layer at the bottom of your slow cooker, slicing larger breasts in half horizontally if needed for even cooking.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, thyme, black pepper, and salt until fully combined and smooth.
  • Pour the maple Dijon sauce evenly over the chicken, using a spoon to coat each piece. Don't worry if some areas aren't fully submerged — the sauce will circulate as it cooks.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Avoid lifting the lid during cooking.
  • Remove chicken and set aside; whisk cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl, then stir the slurry into the slow cooker sauce. Cook uncovered on HIGH for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze.
  • Return chicken to the slow cooker and spoon the thickened glaze over each piece; let rest in the sauce for 5–10 minutes. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Use real pure maple syrup (dark amber preferred) — pancake syrup lacks the depth of flavor needed for a proper glaze.
  • Don't skip the cornstarch slurry step: it's what transforms the thin cooking liquid into a beautiful, glossy restaurant-style glaze.
  • Use chicken breasts of similar size or halve larger ones horizontally to ensure even, consistent cooking throughout.
  • Check internal temperature rather than relying solely on time — chicken is done at 165°F (74°C). Avoid leaving on warm for more than 1 hour after cooking to prevent dryness.
  • Chicken thighs work even better if you prefer juicier meat — cook for the same time (add 30 min on HIGH or 1 hour on LOW for bone-in thighs).
  • For a spicy version, add 1–2 tsp sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce. For a balsamic twist, swap apple cider vinegar for balsamic vinegar.
  • Double the sauce ingredients if you want extra glaze to drizzle over rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables on the side.
  • Store leftovers with the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • To reheat, warm in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes. Add a little water or broth if sauce has thickened too much.
  • No slow cooker? Bake in a covered dish at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, then transfer sauce to a saucepan and simmer with cornstarch slurry to thicken.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 35gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 485mgPotassium: 480mgSugar: 18gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 8mg
Keyword crockpot chicken recipe, crockpot maple dijon chicken, easy weeknight dinner, maple dijon glaze, slow cooker chicken
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