Honey mustard chicken is a quick and easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love. Bonus points: it’s healthy!
The honey mustard sauce is equal parts sweet, tangy, and savory. Seriously, it’ll have you licking your plate clean, it’s that good.
This sauce is more than just delicious. It infuses fat and acid, which helps tenderize the chicken as it cooks.
After it comes out of the pan, it’s fork-tender, juicy, and brimming with bold seasoning.
Pair this honey mustard chicken with pasta or rice, and say hello to your new favorite dinner!
Ingredients for Honey Mustard Chicken
Here’s everything you need for this easy recipe:
- Chicken – Chicken breasts are the simple, healthier option. However, feel free to use whatever cut of chicken you prefer.
- Olive oil – Adding fat to the chicken helps sear in those juices and adds a touch of flavor. Olive oil adds a nutty finish, but you can also opt for vegetable or canola oil in a pinch.
- Honey – The sweetness of honey pairs so well with the bitter notes of mustard.
- Dijon mustard – Dijon mustard has a spicy flavor with a hint of bitterness. Paired with honey, and it’s perfection.
- Whole-grain mustard – Adding a little extra whole-grain mustard gives this sauce a rustic feel.
- White wine vinegar – Vinegar serves two functions. It amps up the acidity for more flavor and helps tenderize the chicken as it cooks.
- Garlic – Don’t bother with the pre-minced cans of garlic! For the best flavor, opt for fresh garlic. It takes a few extra minutes, but it’s worth it.
- Spices – Honey and mustard take center stage in this sauce. For a little extra flair, all you need is salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika.
- Fresh parsley – For the finishing touch, freshly chopped parsley is the cherry on top. Don’t worry, if you don’t have any on hand it tastes just as good without it.
How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken
This recipe tastes like something from a fancy restaurant, but it’s perfect for hectic nights. Check out how quickly this one-pan recipe comes together.
1. Prepare. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.
2. Saute the chicken. Add the olive oil to an oven-proof skillet under medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides. It will take about 3-4 minutes per side. Then, remove them from the heat and set aside.
3. Make the honey mustard sauce. Using the same pan, add the honey, Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, vinegar, garlic, and paprika. Stir well and bring the sauce to a slow simmer.
4. Dress the chicken. Add the chicken to the honey mustard sauce. Then, transfer the skillet to the oven and back for 20-25 minutes.
5. Garnish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley (optional), serve and enjoy!
Recipe Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to take this dish over the edge.
- Strive for searing perfection. Searing the chicken helps lock in its natural juices. You can skip this step to save time, but your chicken won’t be as juicy.
- Grab that meat thermometer. No one wants dry chicken or raw chicken! Since not all chicken breasts are exactly the same size, invest in a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Mix up the mustards. Dijon mustard works great in this recipe because the pungent bitter notes work well with honey. However, you can swap it out with whatever type of mustard you prefer. Keep in mind, however, that it may make your sauce sweet.
- Get creative! While the sauce is flavorful, you can also make this dish your own with toppings. Add bacon crumbles or your favorite cheese in the last 10 minutes in the oven.
- Make it creamy and dreamy. Add 1 cup of heavy cream to the sauce before you add the chicken back into the skillet.
How to Store
Leftover honey mustard chicken makes an excellent sandwich for a next-day lunch! Here’s everything you need to know about storing leftover chicken.
- To Store: Let the chicken cool completely, then transfer to an air-tight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- To Freeze: Place the chicken into a freezer bag. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.
- To Reheat: Let frozen chicken thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat on the stovetop until warmed through.
What to Serve with Honey Mustard Chicken
The great thing about honey mustard chicken is it goes with just about anything. From tasty roasted potatoes to mashed potatoes, it’s bound to be a family favorite.
More Easy Chicken Recipes
You can also pair this chicken dish with lighter options for a healthier meal. I like to serve it with a simple garden salad, or a big portion of roasted Brussels sprouts.
Honey Mustard Chicken (Easy Recipe)
Course: Main CourseCuisine: American4
servings15
minutes30
minutes45
minutesJazz up dinner with this tasty honey mustard chicken! The sauce is tangy, sweet, and delicious, and the chicken is tender and juicy.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°Fahrenheit (190°Celsius).
- Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear them until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, and paprika. Stir well to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, coating each breast in the honey mustard sauce.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°Fahrenheit (74°Celsius).
- Garnish the chicken with chopped fresh parsley. Serve the honey mustard chicken hot, accompanied by your favorite sides. Enjoy!
Notes
- Chicken thighs will take a little longer to bake, especially if they are bone-in.
- Add a 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- If you like a sweeter honey mustard, add more honey to taste.
- If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard instead.
- You can also grill or pan-fry the chicken instead of baking it.
