This Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe is the ultimate weeknight dinner: juicy, tender chicken breasts drenched in a golden, tangy-sweet sauce that’s simply irresistible. The combination of two kinds of mustard, honey, garlic, and a splash of acidity creates layers of flavor that will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds. Best of all, it comes together quickly with ingredients you probably already have, making it the perfect go-to dish for busy evenings or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a meal that tastes gourmet with minimal effort. Each ingredient in this Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe brings something special—whether it’s richness, zing, or a burst of color. Here’s what you’ll need and why each item matters:
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean, quick-cooking, and soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Dijon mustard: Adds sharp, tangy depth that’s essential to the honey mustard flavor profile.
- Honey: Provides the signature sweetness that balances the mustard’s bite.
- Whole grain mustard: Gives a rustic texture and a milder, earthy flavor to complement the Dijon.
- Olive oil: Helps create a luscious, glossy sauce and keeps the chicken moist as it bakes.
- Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice: A splash of acidity brightens up the sauce and enhances all the flavors.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings aromatic warmth and savoriness.
- Salt: Just enough to season the chicken and bring out all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds a hint of heat and complexity.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkled at the end, it adds a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Mix Up the Sauce
Start by grabbing a small bowl and whisking together the Dijon mustard, honey, whole grain mustard, olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. The goal is to create a smooth, golden sauce that’s both tangy and sweet—don’t be shy about giving it a quick taste to make sure the flavors are just right for you!
Step 2: Prep the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease your favorite baking dish. Lay the chicken breasts in a single layer, making sure there’s a bit of space between them so the sauce can work its magic all around each piece.
Step 3: Coat with Sauce
Pour the luscious honey mustard sauce over the chicken breasts, turning each one to ensure they’re evenly coated. This guarantees every bite is packed with flavor, and the sauce will help keep the chicken moist while baking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. For extra flavor, baste the chicken once or twice during cooking by spooning some sauce from the pan back over the top. The chicken is ready when it’s golden, cooked through, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Once your Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe is done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes so the juices can settle. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you’d like, and get ready for rave reviews from the table!
How to Serve Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley works wonders for color and freshness, but you can also add a few lemon wedges or a light dusting of cracked black pepper for an elegant touch. These little extras make your Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe look as amazing as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dish shines alongside roasted potatoes, fluffy rice, or even a vibrant green salad for a complete meal. Try pairing it with buttery mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, or grilled asparagus to soak up every drop of that glorious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, slice the chicken and fan it out on a platter with extra sauce drizzled over the top. Or, serve it whole for a rustic, family-style vibe. Leftover slices also make fantastic sandwiches or wraps for a flavorful lunch the next day!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover chicken and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers just as tempting for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze this Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe for up to 2 months. Let the chicken cool completely, then wrap tightly or store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a covered skillet over low heat, or microwave in short bursts until heated through. Adding a splash of water or chicken broth will help keep the chicken moist and the sauce silky.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and even more flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time as needed—thighs may take a few extra minutes in the oven.
Is it possible to make this Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe on the grill?
Yes, you can grill the chicken instead of baking it. Just brush with the sauce as it cooks and reserve extra sauce for a final glaze once the chicken comes off the grill.
What can I substitute for whole grain mustard?
If you don’t have whole grain mustard, you can use more Dijon or even a bit of spicy brown mustard for a similar effect. The texture will change slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use an instant-read thermometer: the chicken is done when it reaches 165°F in the thickest part. The juices should also run clear and the meat should look opaque.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the chicken and sauce ahead, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. This gives the flavors even more time to mingle for an extra tasty result.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s full of bold, comforting flavors, this Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe is just the ticket. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to share, and I know it’ll become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and enjoy every savory, sweet, and tangy bite!
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Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Honey Mustard Chicken recipe features juicy, tender chicken breasts baked in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, combining rich Dijon and whole grain mustards with the natural sweetness of honey and the zest of garlic and vinegar. Finished with an optional sprinkle of fresh parsley, this dish pairs well with roasted potatoes, rice, or a green salad for a delicious and wholesome American main course that’s both gluten-free and dairy-free.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce
- 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Make Honey Mustard Sauce: In a small bowl, thoroughly whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, whole grain mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Coat Chicken: Place the chicken breasts evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the honey mustard sauce over the chicken, making sure to turn each breast so they are fully coated in the flavorful mixture.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For enhanced flavor, baste the chicken with the sauce once or twice during baking.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes to retain juices. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted potatoes, steamed rice, or a crisp green salad to balance the flavors.
- For a smoky variation, you can grill the chicken instead of baking it. Make sure to reserve some of the sauce to brush over the chicken toward the end of grilling to keep it moist and flavorful.
- If you want extra sauce, consider doubling the sauce ingredients and serving some on the side as a dip or drizzle.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
