Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Honey Mustard Chicken is a simple, flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of honey and the tang of mustard into a perfect glaze for juicy, tender chicken. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or pan-searing, this recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to make. The honey mustard sauce gives the chicken a beautiful caramelized finish, making it a hit for family dinners, weeknight meals, or even for entertaining.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard (optional, for texture)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard (if using), olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour half of the honey mustard sauce over the chicken, making sure the chicken is well-coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. If you’re short on time, you can skip the marinating step and go straight to cooking.
3. Cook the Chicken:
You have a few options for cooking the chicken:
- Pan-Seared (Stovetop):
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C)).
- In the last minute of cooking, brush the chicken with some of the reserved honey mustard sauce (make sure it’s not the marinade that touched raw chicken).
- Baked:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the marinated chicken breasts on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Optionally, during the last 5 minutes of baking, brush the chicken with more honey mustard sauce for extra flavor and a nice glaze.
- Grilled:
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F (75°C)).
- During the last minute of grilling, brush the chicken with some of the reserved sauce.
4. Serve:
- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for color and serve with the remaining honey mustard sauce on the side or drizzled over the chicken.
Serving Suggestions:
- Vegetables: Serve with roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, carrots, or green beans for a well-rounded meal.
- Rice or Potatoes: Serve over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or alongside mashed potatoes or crispy roasted potatoes to soak up the delicious honey mustard sauce.
- Salad: Pair the chicken with a green salad or a spinach salad for a lighter option.
Tips for Success:
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the honey mustard sauce for a bit of heat and an extra flavor boost.
- Glaze the Chicken: For an extra caramelized glaze, brush the chicken with the honey mustard sauce and let it cook for the last few minutes until it starts to bubble and turn golden.
- Marinating Time: If you’re in a rush, marinating for even just 30 minutes will still provide great flavor, but the longer you marinate the chicken (up to 2 hours), the more flavorful it will be.
- Leftovers: If you have any leftover chicken, it makes a great topping for salads or can be sliced up for wraps or sandwiches.
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and placing it in a freezer-safe bag.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy & Quick: This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights or even meal prep.
- Sweet and Tangy: The combination of honey and mustard creates a balanced, slightly sweet and tangy glaze that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken.
- Versatile: Whether you bake, grill, or pan-sear the chicken, this recipe can be adapted to suit your cooking preferences.
This Honey Mustard Chicken is guaranteed to be a favorite in your dinner rotation—tender, flavorful, and quick to make! Enjoy!
