The Best Crockpot Dijon Chicken with Shallots & Thyme Recipe

There’s something special about the way Dijon mustard transforms a simple chicken dinner into something elegant. When it’s paired with tender chicken, sweet shallots, and earthy thyme, it becomes the kind of dish that feels both rustic and refined. This Crockpot Dijon Chicken with Shallots & Thyme is one of my favorite slow cooker recipes because it takes almost no effort yet tastes like something you’d order at a cozy French bistro.

The sauce turns creamy and rich as it cooks, the shallots melt into sweetness, and the thyme brings that subtle herbal note that ties it all together. It’s the kind of recipe that fills the house with incredible aroma while you go about your day, and when it’s time to eat, it feels like a reward.

crockpot dijon chicken with shallots and thyme served on white plate

Why I Love This Recipe

This Crockpot Dijon Chicken with Shallots & Thyme has become one of those recipes I keep coming back to whenever I want something easy but special. It’s simple to throw together, yet every bite tastes like something you’d order at a nice restaurant. I love how the shallots slowly melt into the sauce, turning sweet and buttery while the chicken soaks up that tangy Dijon flavor. The thyme adds just the right amount of earthiness, making the whole dish feel balanced and comforting.

It’s one of those slow cooker meals that feels like you put in a lot of effort, even though your crockpot did all the work. The best part is that the sauce turns out silky and rich without needing any cream. I usually serve it with mashed potatoes or rice to catch all that beautiful sauce. If you enjoy this kind of savory, slow-cooked chicken, you might also love my Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken Thighs (Dump & Go) for another simple, flavor-packed dinner option.

Ingredients for Crockpot Dijon Chicken with Shallots & Thyme

ingredients for crockpot dijon chicken with shallots and thyme on wooden counter

This recipe uses a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create a deep, rich flavor. The Dijon adds tang, the shallots bring sweetness, and the thyme ties it all together with that warm, herbal note.

Ingredient Amount
Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts 2 lbs
Shallots, thinly sliced 3
Garlic, minced 3 cloves
Chicken broth 1 cup
Dijon mustard 1/3 cup
Honey 2 tbsp
Olive oil 1 tbsp
Fresh thyme leaves (or dried thyme) 1 tsp fresh or 1/2 tsp dried
Salt To taste
Cracked black pepper To taste

Every ingredient plays a part in building layers of flavor. The mustard and honey blend into a rich glaze that clings to the chicken, while the shallots soften into the sauce for a subtle sweetness. If you enjoy creamy and savory slow cooker dinners like this, you’ll also love my Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs with Mushroom Sauce, which follows a similar flavor balance of richness and comfort.

Step-by-Step Preparation

crockpot dijon chicken with shallots and thyme step by step preparation

This Crockpot Dijon Chicken with Shallots & Thyme is one of those slow cooker meals that feel elegant but come together with barely any effort. The flavors slowly blend into a silky Dijon sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.

Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot
Lightly grease your crockpot with a touch of olive oil or nonstick spray. Place the chicken thighs or breasts at the bottom in a single layer, seasoning both sides with salt and cracked black pepper

Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, chicken broth, olive oil, minced garlic, and thyme until smooth. This sauce is the star of the recipe, tangy from the mustard, slightly sweet from the honey, and aromatic with thyme and garlic.

Step 3: Add Shallots and Sauce
Pour the Dijon mixture over the chicken, making sure it coats everything evenly. Scatter the sliced shallots on top so they can slowly caramelize and melt into the sauce while cooking.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. The chicken will become tender, juicy, and fully infused with the creamy Dijon flavor.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you’d like a thicker consistency, remove the chicken and stir in a small cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 teaspoon water) into the sauce. Let it cook on HIGH for 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened, then return the chicken.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Crockpot Dijon Chicken over mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables. Spoon the shallots and sauce over the top and finish with a few fresh thyme leaves for color and aroma.

For another Dijon-inspired comfort dish, check out my Crockpot Maple Dijon Beef Chuck Recipe, it has the same tangy-sweet balance that makes this one so irresistible.

Tips and Serving Ideas

This Crockpot Dijon Chicken with Shallots & Thyme is rich, flavorful, and surprisingly versatile. With a few smart tips and serving ideas, you can make this recipe fit any occasion, from a cozy weeknight meal to an elegant dinner for guests.

Tips for the Perfect Dijon Chicken

crockpot dijon chicken with shallots and thyme cooking in slow cooker

Use the right cut of chicken.
Chicken thighs stay juicier in the slow cooker than breasts, but both work beautifully. If you use chicken breasts, keep an eye on the cook time to avoid overcooking.

Balance the flavor.
Dijon mustard brings a sharp tang, so the honey is key to balancing it. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add an extra teaspoon of honey or a splash of cream at the end.

Cook low and slow.
The longer, slower cook (about 5–6 hours on LOW) helps the shallots melt into the sauce and gives the chicken time to absorb all the flavor.

Finish with fresh thyme.
Even if you used dried thyme while cooking, sprinkle a few fresh thyme leaves before serving. It brightens the sauce and adds a touch of freshness.

Make it ahead.
You can prepare the sauce a day before, store it in the fridge, and pour it over the chicken in the morning before cooking. It’s an easy make-ahead meal for busy days.

Serving Ideas and Pairings

crockpot dijon chicken with shallots and thyme served with mashed potatoes

This dish pairs beautifully with sides that soak up that creamy Dijon sauce.

Classic pairings:
Serve it with mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or rice to catch all the delicious sauce.

Lighter options:
Try it with roasted green beans, steamed asparagus, or a simple mixed salad with lemon vinaigrette for a lighter meal.

Rustic presentation:
For a cozy dinner setup, serve it in shallow bowls with shallots and sauce spooned over the top, garnished with thyme sprigs and cracked black pepper.

If you love creamy slow cooker chicken recipes, you’ll definitely enjoy my Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs with Mushroom Sauce, it’s rich, garlicky, and just as simple to make.

Storing and Reheating Crockpot Dijon Chicken with Shallots & Thyme

storing leftover crockpot dijon chicken with shallots and thyme in glass containers

This dish reheats beautifully and actually tastes even better the next day. The sauce thickens slightly as it cools, and the flavors deepen, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers that feel freshly made.

How to Store It Properly

Let the chicken and sauce cool completely before transferring to storage containers.

  • Refrigerator: Store in airtight glass containers for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Place cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe bags or containers and store for up to 3 months.
  • Meal prep tip: Portion into single servings before storing for easy reheating later in the week.

If you plan to freeze, it’s best to skip fresh thyme until you’re ready to reheat. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs right before serving for the best aroma and flavor.

Reheating Without Drying Out the Chicken

The key to reheating Dijon chicken is to keep the sauce silky while warming the chicken gently.

  • On the stovetop: Reheat over low heat in a covered skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water. Stir occasionally until warmed through.
  • In the microwave: Warm individual portions for 1 minute at a time, stirring between intervals to maintain a creamy texture.
  • In the oven: Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 325°F for 15–20 minutes.

Avoid boiling the sauce or heating on high, as it can cause the mustard to separate.

Bonus Tip:
When reheating, stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of cream to revive the sauce and make it taste freshly made.

FAQs About Crockpot Dijon Chicken with Shallots & Thyme

Can I use whole grain mustard instead of Dijon?

Yes. Whole grain mustard adds a slightly different texture and a milder flavor. It gives the sauce a rustic touch and looks beautiful when served.

Can I make this with chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely. Chicken breasts work perfectly but may cook a little faster. If you’re using them, check after 4½ hours on LOW to keep them juicy and tender.

How can I make the sauce creamier?

You can stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of sour cream right before serving. It gives the Dijon sauce a richer, velvety finish without changing the flavor balance.

What should I serve with this dish?

This chicken pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or rice. For lighter options, serve it with steamed green beans or roasted vegetables.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. This recipe scales easily, just make sure the chicken is layered evenly in the crockpot and that there’s enough liquid to keep it moist.

For a cozy and complete meal, serve this Crockpot Dijon Chicken with a creamy side like this Gratin de Courgettes et Riz from Aide Recette. It’s a perfect pairing that adds a delicate, cheesy texture to balance the tangy Dijon sauce.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Dijon Chicken with Shallots & Thyme is the kind of dish that brings simple ingredients together in the most delicious way. The chicken becomes fork-tender, the shallots turn sweet and soft, and the Dijon-honey sauce wraps everything in creamy, tangy richness.

It’s one of those meals that feels fancy without any extra effort, perfect for weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. The best part is how forgiving and flexible it is, you can adjust the sweetness, add a touch of cream, or serve it with whatever sides you love most.

If you’re a fan of mustard-based sauces, don’t miss my Crockpot Maple Dijon Beef Chuck Recipe. It carries that same beautiful balance of tangy and sweet, but with a deeper, heartier flavor that’s perfect for colder days.

Print
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crockpot dijon chicken with shallots and thyme final dish

Crockpot Dijon Chicken with Shallots & Thyme


  • Author: Jake Miller
  • Total Time: 5 hrs 40 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Crockpot Dijon Chicken with Shallots & Thyme is a tender, flavorful slow cooker chicken dish cooked in a creamy Dijon mustard sauce with sweet shallots and fresh thyme. It’s elegant, easy, and perfect for both weeknights and cozy dinners.


Ingredients

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts

3 shallots, thinly sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup chicken broth

1/3 cup Dijon mustard

2 tbsp honey

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried)

Salt & cracked black pepper to taste


Instructions

1. Lightly grease your crockpot and place the chicken in a single layer. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.

2. In a bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, chicken broth, olive oil, minced garlic, and thyme.

3. Pour the Dijon mixture over the chicken, coating it evenly. Scatter the sliced shallots on top.

4. Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until the chicken is tender.

5. If desired, thicken the sauce by stirring in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tsp water) and cooking for an additional 10–15 minutes on HIGH.

6. Serve warm, spooning the shallots and sauce over the chicken. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.

Notes

To store: Let the chicken and sauce cool completely, then refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth, or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.

For a creamy variation: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream before serving for extra richness.

Serving ideas: Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 5 hrs 30 mins
  • Category: Dinner, Chicken
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: French-Inspired, American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 730mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: crockpot dijon chicken, slow cooker dijon chicken, dijon chicken with shallots, crockpot chicken with thyme, honey dijon chicken slow cooker

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