Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

The Best Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe For Weeknight Magic

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet delectable solutions that satisfy hunger and delight taste buds.

This incredible honey mustard chicken recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that dance across your palate.

Succulent chicken breasts marinate in a luscious blend of golden honey and zesty mustard, creating an irresistible main course.

The marinade infuses each tender bite with rich, complex notes that elevate a basic protein into a restaurant-worthy meal.

With just a handful of pantry staples, you can transform ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.

Minimal prep work and quick cooking times make this dish a weeknight champion.

Prepare to be amazed by how effortlessly delicious dinner can be.

Sweet And Tangy Honey Mustard Chicken

  • Boost Flavor Explosion: Marinate the chicken in a zesty blend of spices that infuses every bite with mouthwatering Peruvian-inspired taste.
  • Versatile Cooking Methods: Grill or bake the chicken, giving you flexibility to prepare this dish based on your kitchen setup or preference.
  • Quick and Nutritious Meal: Packed with protein and served with herb-rich green sauce, this recipe delivers a balanced, satisfying dinner that comes together without complicated steps.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: The combination of tender chicken, aromatic rice, and creamy green sauce makes this a family favorite that appeals to both adults and kids.

Ingredients List For Honey Mustard Chicken

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Fresh chicken breasts that will be the star of this flavorful dish.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Dijon Mustard, Yellow Mustard: Tangy mustards that provide a robust and zesty flavor profile to the dish.
  • Honey: Sweet natural sweetener that balances the mustard's sharpness and creates a glossy sauce.
  • Olive Oil: Helps create a smooth and rich sauce while adding depth to the chicken's flavor.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic seasoning that enhances the overall taste.
Seasoning and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the chicken.
  • Salted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a luxurious, moist texture to the chicken.
  • Parsley: Optional fresh herb that provides a bright, fresh garnish to the finished dish.

Cooking Steps For Honey Mustard Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Space

Turn on the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Get the Chicken Ready

Take chicken breasts and gently flatten them so they’re even. Sprinkle some salt and pepper all over the meat.

Step 3: Create a Golden Crust

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drop the chicken breasts into the hot pan and cook until they turn a beautiful golden brown, about 2 minutes on each side.

Move the chicken to a temporary plate.

Step 4: Whip Up the Magic Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together:
  • Olive oil
  • Dijon mustard
  • Yellow mustard
  • Honey
  • Garlic powder

Whisk everything until smooth and glossy.

Step 5: Layer the Flavor

Pour half the sauce into the bottom of the baking dish. Carefully place the chicken on top, then drizzle the remaining sauce over the meat.

Step 6: Add Buttery Goodness

Place a slice of salted butter on top of each chicken breast.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Step 8: Final Touch

Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Tips For Juicy Honey Mustard Chicken

  • Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to flatten chicken breasts evenly, ensuring uniform cooking and tender texture.
  • Brown chicken quickly over high heat to lock in juices and create a delicious golden crust before baking.
  • Whisk honey mustard ingredients thoroughly to blend flavors and create a smooth, well-combined sauce for maximum taste.
  • Use a meat thermometer to verify chicken reaches 165F, preventing undercooking and ensuring food safety without drying out the meat.
  • Adding butter on top helps keep chicken moist and creates a rich, luxurious finish to the honey mustard coating.

Flavorful Variations For Honey Mustard Chicken

  • Spicy Honey Mustard Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the sauce for a kick of heat.
  • Herb-Infused Variation: Mix fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil into the honey mustard sauce for an aromatic flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free Dijon mustard and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace honey with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit to reduce carbohydrate content.

Foods To Enjoy With Honey Mustard Chicken

  • Perfect Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the richness of the honey mustard sauce, delivering bright citrus notes and refreshing acidity that complement the chicken's tangy flavors.
  • Ideal Side Dish Companion: Roast asparagus spears drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt, which provides a light, green vegetable contrast to the sweet and savory chicken.
  • Flavor-Enhancing Herb Topping: Sprinkle fresh chopped chives or thyme over the finished dish to add a subtle herbal brightness that elevates the honey mustard's complex taste profile.
  • Texture-Balancing Grain: Serve with fluffy quinoa or wild rice pilaf, which absorbs the delicious sauce and offers a nutty, hearty counterpoint to the tender chicken breasts.

Storing Honey Mustard Chicken Correctly

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chicken in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing.
  • Wrap individual chicken portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, maintaining best quality and taste.
  • Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to reach 165F for food safety.

FAQs

  • What are the types of mustard used in this recipe?

The recipe uses both Dijon mustard and yellow mustard, which create a balanced and tangy flavor profile for the honey mustard sauce.

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs. Just ensure they are pounded to an even thickness and cooked to the correct internal temperature of 165F (75C).

  • Is it necessary to sear the chicken before baking?

Searing helps develop a golden-brown crust and locks in flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and bake the chicken directly. However, searing adds extra depth to the dish’s taste and texture.

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Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent honey mustard chicken delivers a tangy symphony of flavors that dance across your palate with Mediterranean-inspired elegance. Crisp herbs and golden-brown edges promise a delightful meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 inch thick)

Seasoning and Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Sauce and Liquid Ingredients:

  • 5 tablespoons (75 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) Dijon mustard
  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) yellow mustard
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) honey
  • 4 tablespoons (60 grams) salted butter, sliced into individual one-tablespoon pieces

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) and coat a baking dish with nonstick spray.
  2. Gently flatten chicken breasts to uniform thickness, then season with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and quickly sear chicken until golden brown, approximately 2 minutes per side.
  4. Whisk together remaining olive oil, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, honey, and garlic powder to create a vibrant sauce.
  5. Spread half the honey mustard sauce across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  6. Arrange seared chicken breasts in the dish and generously drizzle remaining sauce over the meat.
  7. Place a slice of salted butter atop each chicken breast.
  8. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, ensuring chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F (75C).
  9. Once cooked, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a bright, herbal finish.

Notes

  • Choose chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a golden-brown sear and enhance sauce adherence.
  • Adjust honey mustard sauce ratio based on personal taste preferences – more honey for sweetness or extra mustard for tanginess.
  • For gluten-free version, use gluten-free Dijon mustard and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Replace salted butter with unsalted butter and reduce added salt during seasoning.
  • Marinate chicken in honey mustard sauce for 30 minutes before cooking for deeper flavor infusion.
  • Leftover chicken stores well in refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be sliced for salads or sandwiches.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 460 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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