If you love meals that bring together sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in a wonderfully simple way, this Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe is going to become one of your favorites. It’s a perfect balance of golden, juicy chicken coated in a luscious honey and mustard glaze that’s bursting with aromatic garlic and fresh thyme. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish delivers satisfying comfort and elegance with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward, accessible ingredients—all of which play a key role in creating layers of flavor and beautiful texture. Each item is carefully chosen to complement the other, resulting in a dish that’s both delicious and nutritionally balanced.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs): Choosing chicken breasts keeps the dish lean, while thighs add extra juiciness and richness.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken.
- 2 teaspoons olive oil: Helps achieve that perfect golden sear and adds a fruity undertone.
- ¼ cup honey: Provides a sweet counterpoint to the tangy mustard, balancing the sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Brings creamy, sharp flavor that acts as the backbone of the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard: Adds texture and a slightly rustic, spicy kick.
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the sauce moist and prevents it from becoming too thick or sticky.
- 1 clove garlic (finely minced or pressed): Infuses the dish with savory aroma and depth.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves: Sprinkles in a touch of earthiness and brightness to finish the sauce beautifully.
How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures a perfectly even cooking environment when it’s time to finish the chicken in the oven.
Step 2: Prepare and season the chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help it sear properly. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper—this simple step locks in flavor and gives the chicken a mouthwatering crust.
Step 3: Sear the chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 2 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step is crucial as it develops rich color and flavor before baking.
Step 4: Whisk the honey mustard sauce
While the chicken is cooking, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, chicken broth, garlic, and thyme in a medium bowl. This combination creates a silky, tangy sauce packed with flavor and aroma.
Step 5: Coat the chicken with sauce
Pour the mustard sauce generously over the seared chicken in the skillet. Use a pastry brush or spoon to spread it evenly, ensuring each piece gets coated with that gorgeous glaze that will caramelize perfectly in the oven.
Step 6: Bake to perfection
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 25 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken pieces. Keep an eye on the smaller breasts—they’ll cook faster and stay tender and juicy. When done, the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling and slightly caramelized.
How to Serve Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley sprinkled on top add a pop of color and a fresh, herby aroma that complements the honey mustard glaze beautifully. A thin lemon wedge on the side brightens every bite with a gentle zest.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. If you want something heartier, buttered egg noodles or fragrant rice make excellent companions, soaking up any extra sauce left on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, slice the chicken into medallions and fan them out on a serving dish, drizzling additional sauce around. Serving it on a bed of sautéed greens or quinoa with a sprinkle of toasted nuts adds an appealing texture and elegance to any dinner table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow leftover Honey Mustard Chicken to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for up to 3 days, making it a convenient, tasty option for next-day meals.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the cooked chicken, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Frozen Honey Mustard Chicken keeps well for up to 2 months, perfect for busy days when you need a quick and flavorful meal.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a low oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit or in a covered skillet over medium-low heat to avoid drying it out. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water before reheating helps maintain moistness and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and richness, making the dish even more flavorful. Just adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is it possible to make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the honey mustard sauce up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before brushing it over the chicken for even coverage and flavor.
What if I don’t have whole grain mustard?
Don’t worry! You can substitute it with all Dijon mustard for a smoother sauce, though the texture and bite will be a bit different. Adding a small pinch of mustard seeds can help replicate the texture.
Can I bake the chicken without searing it first?
Searing adds wonderful caramelization and flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it. Just brush the sauce over raw chicken and bake; the texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part—clear juices and no pink meat are good indicators of doneness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s quick to make, utterly delicious, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, trying this Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe is a must. It delivers a delightful combination of flavors with minimal fuss, making every meal feel special. I promise this recipe will quickly find a happy place on your weeknight dinner rotation!
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Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Mustard Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and baked with a flavorful honey and mustard sauce. Combining sweet honey, tangy Dijon and whole grain mustards, fresh thyme, and a hint of garlic, this dish delivers a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. Easy to prepare and cook in just over 40 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner that feels special yet requires minimal effort.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
Honey Mustard Sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 clove garlic (finely minced or pressed)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken after searing.
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, then season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for flavor.
- Heat Skillet: Place a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, giving it time to warm until shimmering.
- Sear Chicken: Add the chicken to the hot skillet and sear each side until golden brown, about 2-4 minutes per side; this locks in juices and creates a flavorful crust.
- Prepare Sauce: While the chicken sears, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, chicken broth, minced garlic, and fresh thyme in a medium bowl until smooth and combined.
- Apply Sauce: Pour the prepared honey mustard sauce evenly over the seared chicken in the skillet; use a pastry brush to spread the sauce for full coverage on each piece.
- Bake Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken uncovered for 15-25 minutes until cooked through; check smaller breasts earlier to prevent overcooking.
Notes
- Using an oven-safe skillet allows for seamless stovetop to oven cooking without transferring the chicken to another dish.
- If chicken breasts are very thick, consider pounding them to even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Adjust seasoning and honey quantity based on your preferred sweetness and tanginess balance.
- Fresh thyme can be substituted with dried thyme; use about 1/3 teaspoon dried if fresh is unavailable.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or rice to complete the meal.
