When you’re looking for a low-fuss, comforting meal that warms both your home and your heart, a slow cooker is the perfect solution. This Cozy Maple-Dijon Chicken for Two is tender, tangy, and subtly sweet—perfect for date night or a laid-back evening at home.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
Begin by whisking together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This creates a sweet-tangy marinade that will infuse your chicken with irresistible flavor. Next, lightly coat the chicken breasts with olive oil and place them at the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the maple-Dijon mixture over the chicken, making sure they’re well coated.
Add the chicken broth to the slow cooker, which will help keep the chicken moist. Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours, or until the chicken is fork-tender. If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove about 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid, whisk in the cornstarch until smooth, then stir it back into the slow cooker. Cook on high for an additional 15 minutes to let the sauce thicken.
Serve the chicken alongside fluffy rice or roasted vegetables, drizzling the extra maple-Dijon sauce on top. This two-serving recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a special dinner for two.
The beauty of this dish lies in its balance of flavors and simplicity. Maple syrup plays beautifully with the savory mustard, and the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. It’s a wonderful option if you’re keeping an eye on dietary needs or simply want comfort food without fuss.
Feel free to swap out chicken breasts for thighs, adjust the sweetness level, or stir in your favorite herbs to make it your own. Enjoy the aroma, the convenience, and the lovingly slow-cooked taste that brings everyone to the table.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
