If you’re craving a quick dinner with restaurant-quality flavor, this Honey Mustard Chicken is a must-try. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a luscious glaze made from honey, Dijon, and whole grain mustard, then baked until caramelized and juicy. Its perfect balance of sweet and tangy makes it ideal for weeknight meals or weekend entertaining. This easy recipe provides an accessible solution for those looking to spice up their dinner routine while ensuring they enjoy a flavorful and wholesome dish.
Imagine indulging in the delightful aroma of honey and mustard wafting through your kitchen as this dish bakes. Not only does Honey Mustard Chicken taste incredible, but it also offers the convenience of minimal prep time and simple ingredients. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, healthy snack options, or just new food ideas, this recipe fits the bill beautifully. Great for meal prep, gluten-free, and family-approved, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Honey Mustard Chicken
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavors Galore: The harmonious blend of honey and mustard creates a delectable sauce.
- Healthy Option: Use simple, wholesome ingredients without unnecessary additives.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Easily double the recipe for planned leftovers.
- Customizable: Add your favorite sides or modify the recipe to suit dietary needs.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To ensure your Honey Mustard Chicken turns out flawlessly, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen workspace and gather the necessary tools. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to have it ready for baking. Next, clear a counter space for food preparation, and make sure all ingredients are within reach. You will need a large oven-safe skillet for searing and baking, a whisk for combining your sauce, and a cutting board for handling the chicken. Ensure you have measuring spoons for accuracy and a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (75°C).
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps the meat to sear well. Season both sides with salt and black pepper to bring out the flavors. Allow the chicken to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Make the Honey Mustard Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, honey, and minced garlic until blended. The mixture should be smooth with a glossy finish, creating a perfect marinade that will infuse the chicken with flavor during cooking.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Gently place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for about 3–4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. This will create a beautiful crust that keeps the chicken juicy while locking in the flavor.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Once the chicken is beautifully browned, pour the honey mustard sauce over the chicken, ensuring even coverage. Allow the sauce to simmer in the pan for about a minute, stirring gently to combine, which will thicken the sauce slightly and enhance its flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet carefully to the preheated oven. Bake for 12–15 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) internally. This step ensures the chicken is fully cooked and remains tender and juicy.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
After removing the skillet from the oven, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute for a moist bite. Before serving, spoon the extra honey mustard sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Variations
- Protein: Swap the chicken for salmon or tofu for a different protein source.
- Vegetables: Add thinly sliced bell peppers or asparagus to the skillet before baking.
- Spices: Incorporate smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet while searing the chicken to ensure even browning.
- If using frozen chicken breasts, thaw them completely before cooking to ensure proper cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Serve alongside a fresh garden salad to balance the flavors.
Tips
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey mustard mixture for up to 2 hours before cooking.
- Consider preparing a double batch to enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 600mg
FAQs
Can I make Honey Mustard Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the honey mustard sauce and marinate the chicken up to 2 hours in advance for enhanced flavor.
What can I substitute for honey?
You can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a vegan-friendly alternative to honey.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you ensure that your mustard and any other ingredients are gluten-free.
How can I ensure the chicken is juicy?
A meat thermometer is essential for checking that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s cooked but still juicy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Honey Mustard Chicken recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to prepare a meal that bursts with flavor while being quick and easy to make. With its delightful combination of sweet and tangy elements, it is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. So why not give it a try? Share your thoughts below or let us know how you modified the recipe to make it your own. Enjoy cooking, and happy eating!
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Honey Mustard Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
If you’re craving a quick dinner with restaurant-quality flavor, this Honey Mustard Chicken is a must-try.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps the meat to sear well. Season both sides with salt and black pepper to bring out the flavors. Allow the chicken to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, honey, and minced garlic until blended. The mixture should be smooth with a glossy finish, creating a perfect marinade that will infuse the chicken with flavor during cooking.
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Gently place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for about 3–4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. This will create a beautiful crust that keeps the chicken juicy while locking in the flavor.
- Once the chicken is beautifully browned, pour the honey mustard sauce over the chicken, ensuring even coverage. Allow the sauce to simmer in the pan for about a minute, stirring gently to combine, which will thicken the sauce slightly and enhance its flavor.
- Transfer the skillet carefully to the preheated oven. Bake for 12–15 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) internally. This step ensures the chicken is fully cooked and remains tender and juicy.
- After removing the skillet from the oven, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute for a moist bite. Before serving, spoon the extra honey mustard sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Notes
Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet while searing the chicken to ensure even browning. If using frozen chicken breasts, thaw them completely before cooking to ensure proper cooking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Protein: 30 g