If you’re craving a dish that’s a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory, this Honey Mustard Chicken Rice Recipe is an absolute winner. It brings together tender chicken pieces bathed in a luscious honey mustard sauce, paired with fluffy, flavorful rice that soaks up every bit of that deliciousness. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or impressing friends at a casual dinner, this recipe hits all the right notes without requiring a mountain of ingredients or complicated steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple and straightforward, each ingredient plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the juicy chicken to the fragrant herbs and savory seasonings, these essentials make this Honey Mustard Chicken Rice Recipe easy to master while bursting with flavor.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes: The star protein, ensures tenderness and quick cooking time.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps sauté the aromatics.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Provides a savory sweetness that forms the flavor base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a warm, aromatic depth to the dish.
- 1 cup long-grain rice: The perfect fluffy companion to soak up the sauce.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Infuses the rice with rich, savory goodness.
- 1/2 cup honey: Offers natural sweetness and a smooth texture to the sauce.
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy sharpness that balances the honey beautifully.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Deepens umami and enhances overall flavor complexity.
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar: Provides a bright acidity that lifts the sauce.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Earthy and aromatic, perfect for layering flavors.
- 1/2 tsp paprika: Adds mild smoky warmth and gorgeous color.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Gives a subtle kick without overpowering.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional): Freshens and brightens up the final presentation.
- Salt to taste: Essential for balancing all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken Rice Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by tossing the cubed chicken with salt and black pepper. This simple seasoning step ensures that every bite of chicken is flavorful from the inside out. A light seasoning lets the honey mustard sauce shine through without competing with it.
Step 2: Make the Honey Mustard Sauce
Whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, thyme, paprika, and salt. This vibrant mixture is the magic behind the dish, balancing sweet, tangy, and savory notes. Set it aside for when the chicken is ready to take a luxurious coat of sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven, then tenderly cook the onion until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and let its aroma fill your kitchen for about a minute. This step builds a beautiful flavor base that the chicken will soon join.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet and cook them until they’re wonderfully browned all over. Browning not only adds color but also deepens the flavor. Next, pour the honey mustard sauce over the chicken and onions. Stir everything together, bring to a simmer, then cover and let it cook on low until the chicken is juicy and cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 5: Cook the Rice
While the chicken simmers, rinse the rice until the water runs clear. Then cook it in chicken broth instead of plain water for extra flavor. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed, and the rice is delightfully fluffy. Fluff it up with a fork to keep the grains separate and light.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Gently fold the cooked rice into the skillet with the honey mustard chicken until everything is beautifully combined. Taste and adjust any seasonings if needed. This step is where the flavors come together, allowing the rice to soak in the sauce’s deliciousness before serving.
How to Serve Honey Mustard Chicken Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of green color and a refreshing note that perfectly balances the richness of this dish. It also gives a hint of herbal brightness that elevates every forkful.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, which lend a crisp texture and muted flavors that don’t compete with the chicken and rice. A light cucumber salad with lemon dressing can also bring a cool contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the honey mustard chicken rice in hollowed-out bell peppers or atop a bed of mixed greens as a warm salad. You can even plate it in individual bowls, layering the rice first, then topping with the saucy chicken and finishing with garnishes for a restaurant-worthy presentation at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Honey Mustard Chicken Rice Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to meld even more, making your next meal just as tasty and convenient.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by placing the dish in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well for about 2 months. Just make sure to cool the meal completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the rice seems dry. This prevents the rice from drying out and keeps that luscious honey mustard chicken perfectly moist.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic sub because they stay juicy and tender. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What can I substitute for Dijon mustard?
If you don’t have Dijon mustard on hand, whole grain mustard or yellow mustard will work, though the flavor might be slightly different—less sharp but still delicious.
Can I make this recipe in one pot?
Yes, using a large skillet or Dutch oven allows you to cook the chicken and sauce together, then fold in pre-cooked rice, simplifying cleanup and keeping all the flavors together.
How spicy is this dish?
This Honey Mustard Chicken Rice Recipe is mild with a gentle warmth from paprika and black pepper, making it great for those who prefer subtle spice rather than heat.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Honey Mustard Chicken Rice Recipe enough! It’s the kind of meal that feels cozy and special all at once, with a dynamic flavor profile you’ll find yourself craving again and again. Give it a try, and soon it might become one of your all-time favorite comfort foods to share with loved ones.
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Honey Mustard Chicken Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Honey Mustard Chicken Rice is a flavorful and easy one-pot meal featuring tender chicken breast cubes simmered in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, served alongside fluffy long-grain rice. This dish combines savory aromatics, a perfectly balanced sauce, and simple ingredients to create a comforting dinner ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 tsp salt (divided)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (divided)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Aromatics and Rice
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until evenly coated to enhance flavor.
- Make the Honey Mustard Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, dried thyme, paprika, and remaining salt to create a sweet and tangy sauce. Set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally. Add minced garlic and cook an additional minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken cubes to the skillet and brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Pour the prepared honey mustard sauce over the chicken and onions, stirring well to coat. Bring to a simmer, then lower heat, cover, and let cook for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Cook the Rice: While the chicken simmers, rinse the long-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. In a separate saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Fluff with a fork.
- Combine and Serve: Gently fold the cooked rice into the skillet with the honey mustard chicken mixture, combining well. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a fresh, bright touch.
Notes
- For best results, ensure chicken is cut into evenly sized cubes for uniform cooking.
- Rinsing the rice before cooking helps achieve a fluffier texture by removing excess starch.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a milder flavor.
- Adjust honey and mustard quantities according to your preferred sweetness and tanginess.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
