Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Glazed with a luscious blend of sweet honey and tangy mustard, this Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe is the kind of easy, crowd-pleasing dinner you’ll find yourself craving again and again. The chicken bakes up juicy and tender, infused with bold flavors from a perfectly balanced sauce that caramelizes while it cooks. Ready in under an hour and effortlessly elegant, this dish is just as ideal for a cozy weeknight as it is for impressing guests at your next get-together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe lies in its short list of everyday ingredients—each one playing an essential role in delivering the unbeatable flavor we love. From the golden honey to the zippy mustard and tender chicken, every component makes a difference, so reach for the best you have on hand!
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless and lean, these are the perfect canvas for soaking up the sticky, flavorful sauce.
- Dijon mustard: Brings sharpness and depth that balances beautifully with the honey’s sweetness.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize gorgeously in the oven.
- Whole grain mustard: Provides extra texture and a tangy pop you can see and taste.
- Olive oil: Keeps everything moist and melds the sauce into a creamy consistency.
- Apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice): Just a splash for brightness; it lifts and balances every bite.
- Garlic: Fresh, minced garlic gives the sauce warmth and savory aroma.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and beautiful color to the finished chicken.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning—taste as you go for perfect results!
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkle on for a burst of color and freshness right before serving.
How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
First things first: preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready for your chicken. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or nonstick spray—this ensures the chicken releases easily after baking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Honey Mustard Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, whole grain mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and well blended; this golden sauce is going to blanket your chicken with irresistible flavor!
Step 3: Arrange and Coat the Chicken
Nestle your chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Pour the entire honey mustard sauce evenly over the chicken, then turn each piece so they’re all fully coated—don’t be shy! This ensures the sauce seeps into every nook and makes the chicken ultra-flavorful.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you love a bit of caramelized color on top, switch your oven to broil for the last 2 to 3 minutes—watch closely so the tops get beautifully golden but don’t burn!
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
When the chicken is done, let it rest in the dish for about 5 minutes to keep the juices locked in. Finish it off with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley if you’d like a pop of green!
How to Serve Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley or even a handful of chopped chives takes this Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe to the next level. Not only does the green add vibrant color, but it also brings a fresh, herby contrast to the rich, tangy sauce. Sliced lemons on the side are gorgeous for presentation and a bright, zesty option for guests.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully versatile with sides! Fluffy white rice or buttery mashed potatoes will soak up every drop of that incredible honey mustard sauce. If you’re in the mood for veggies, roasted potatoes, steamed green beans, or crisp-tender broccoli all pair beautifully and balance out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the chicken and fan it over a bed of greens or serve tucked into warm pita bread with extra sauce for dipping. Use the leftovers sliced over a salad for a restaurant-style lunch, or even stuff into wraps for a picnic-ready meal. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container, keeping a little extra sauce to spoon over when reheating. The flavors deepen overnight, making the leftovers just as crave-worthy!
Freezing
To freeze, simply cool your cooked chicken completely, transfer to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the chicken with a bit of sauce to help it stay juicy and flavorful after thawing.
Reheating
Rewarm your Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe gently in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until heated through, or microwave individual servings for a quick lunch. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up before serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe. They’ll be especially juicy and flavorful—just adjust baking time as needed until the meat is fully cooked.
Is it possible to grill the chicken instead of baking?
Yes, you can! Grill the chicken over medium heat, basting with extra sauce as it cooks. Finish with a drizzle of reserved sauce for that signature honey mustard flavor.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or gluten-free?
You’re in luck: the Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free as written. Just be sure your mustards are certified gluten-free if you have a severe sensitivity.
How can I make the sauce less sweet or more tangy?
Easily adjust the balance to your taste! Use a bit less honey for a less sweet sauce or add an extra splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for extra tang.
Can I marinate the chicken ahead of time?
Definitely! Marinating the chicken in the honey mustard sauce for 30 minutes (or up to overnight) in the fridge will make the flavor even richer and the chicken extra juicy.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe brings together the best of sweet and tangy in a dish that always gets rave reviews. If you’re looking for something easy yet absolutely bursting with flavor, give this recipe a try. You—and anyone lucky enough to share your table—are going to love every 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 is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, baked to perfection, and garnished with fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce:
- 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, whole grain mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Coat with sauce: Pour the honey mustard sauce evenly over the chicken, turning each piece to coat well.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Broil for the last 2–3 minutes for extra browning.
- Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For juicier results, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before baking.
- This dish pairs well with rice, roasted potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
