Slow Cooker Beer Mustard Chicken Thighs with Onions Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To enhance the flavor, consider deglazing the slow cooker insert with a splash of apple cider vinegar after cooking if the sauce needs a brighter finish.

If a thicker sauce is preferred, whisk in a small amount of cornstarch slurry during the final thirty minutes of cooking, though the natural reduction of the onions and sugar is usually sufficient.

Serving this dish over a bed of steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread is ideal for soaking up the flavorful mustard sauce. The sauce is the highlight of the dish, so ensure there is plenty of it served alongside the chicken thighs. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, although the dish is complete as is.

Variations

• Spicy Mustard Chicken: Incorporate one tablespoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of hot sauce into the beer and mustard mixture to add a subtle heat that complements the tanginess of the mustard.
• Herbed Mustard Chicken: Add a tablespoon of fresh thyme or rosemary leaves over the onions before adding the sauce. The woody herbs provide a fragrant aroma that elevates the overall flavor profile of the braised chicken.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), or use a microwave-safe dish on medium power.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure the chicken and sauce are cooled to room temperature within two hours of cooking before placing them in the fridge. For longer storage, the dish can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to one month.

This recipe is excellent for meal preparation. The components can be assembled in the slow cooker insert, covered, and refrigerated overnight.

Simply remove the insert from the refrigerator thirty minutes before cooking to bring it closer to room temperature, then start the cooking process as directed in the steps.

Serving ideas

Serve the chicken thighs warm, spooning a generous amount of the onions and mustard sauce over each portion.

The tender texture of the chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides that do not compete with the bold, tangy flavor of the sauce. A side of roasted root vegetables or a crisp green salad provides a nice textural contrast.

For a casual presentation, serve the chicken directly from the slow cooker or transfer it to a large, shallow serving platter. Ensure each serving includes a good portion of the braised onions and liquid.

If serving for a larger group, double the ingredients proportionally, ensuring the slow cooker capacity is sufficient to accommodate the extra volume.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Beer Mustard Chicken Thighs with Onions

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 6 pieces boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 2 cups yellow onion, sliced into half-moons
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 cup lager or ale beer
• 1/4 cup grainy mustard

Instructions

1. Place the boneless skinless chicken thighs into the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Ensure they are arranged in an even layer. Top the chicken with the sliced onions, spreading them out to cover the thighs completely.
2. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the layer of onions. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beer and grainy mustard until well combined. Pour this mixture carefully over the onions and chicken, ensuring the liquid coats the ingredients.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), turn off the heat. Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before serving with the sauce.

Contains: gluten, mustard, sulfites

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

16 g

Fiber

1.5 g

Sugar

8 g

Sodium

450 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.