Slow Cooker Honey Mustard BBQ Chicken Tenders Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor, let the raw chicken marinate with the spices in the refrigerator for up to 30 minutes before adding the sauces and starting the slow cooker. This extra step allows the smoked paprika to infuse the meat more thoroughly. If a spicier kick is desired, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce along with the other ingredients before cooking.

When serving, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley or chives, to provide a pop of color and freshness. The sauce that remains in the slow cooker is packed with flavor and can be drizzled over the plated chicken or used as a base for a quick side dish, such as steamed vegetables or grains, to ensure none of the delicious glaze goes to waste.

Variations

• Spicy BBQ Twist: Add two tablespoons of chopped jalapeños or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture before cooking to introduce a pleasant heat that cuts through the sweetness of the honey.
• Garlic Herb Infusion: Incorporate two cloves of minced garlic and a teaspoon of dried thyme into the sauce to add an aromatic, earthy depth that complements the smoky paprika perfectly.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure the chicken has cooled to room temperature, which should take no longer than two hours, before placing it into the fridge.

This practice helps maintain the quality of the meat and ensures food safety. Keep the chicken separated from the sauce if preferred, though storing it in the sauce helps keep the meat moist.

This dish is excellent for meal prep as the flavors often improve after sitting in the refrigerator overnight. You can assemble the chicken and sauce in the ceramic insert, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Simply remove the insert from the fridge and place it directly into the slow cooker base when ready to cook, adding 15 to 30 minutes to the total cooking time if needed.

Serving ideas

Serve these honey mustard BBQ chicken tenders hot, directly from the slow cooker or plated with your favorite sides. They pair exceptionally well with roasted potatoes, steamed green beans, or a crisp garden salad to balance the richness of the barbecue sauce.

The tanginess of the honey mustard makes it a versatile main that works for both casual family dinners and more organized gatherings.

For a complete meal, consider serving the chicken alongside a side of corn on the cob or a piece of crusty bread, which is perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.

The tender texture of the chicken makes it a crowd-pleaser for all ages, and the ease of preparation allows for a stress-free hosting experience. Simply arrange the chicken on a large platter and drizzle with any remaining sauce from the cooker.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Honey Mustard BBQ Chicken Tenders

Prep 5 minCook 3 hRest 5 minTotal 3 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb chicken tenderloins
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 cup honey mustard
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce

Instructions

1. Place the raw chicken tenderloins into the ceramic insert of the slow cooker, arranging them side by side in an even layer to ensure consistent heat distribution during the cooking process.
2. Sprinkle the smoked paprika evenly over the chicken tenderloins. Pour the honey mustard and the barbecue sauce over the seasoned chicken, using a spoon to spread the sauce slightly if necessary to coat the pieces.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 hours. Once finished, verify the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving on a plate.

Contains: mustard

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

280

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

18 g

Fat

8 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

15 g

Sodium

650 mg

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