When it comes to easy, delicious, and crowd-pleasing meals, this Honey Mustard Chicken is a total game-changer. With juicy chicken breasts coated in a rich, buttery, sweet-tangy sauce, every bite is pure perfection. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this dish will never let you down. Plus, it comes together with simple pantry ingredients in just about 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Mustard Chicken
- Flavor Explosion – A perfect balance of honey’s sweetness, the tang of Dijon mustard, and the richness of butter.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this dish foolproof.
- Versatile – Pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even over a salad!
- Meal Prep Friendly – Make a batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
Now, let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe and get ready to impress your taste buds!
How to Make the Best Honey Mustard Chicken
This honey mustard chicken recipe is all about layering flavors for the most delicious, restaurant-worthy dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1 inch thick.
- Salt & Pepper: To season and enhance flavors.
- Olive Oil: Helps to sear the chicken to a golden brown.
- Dijon Mustard & Yellow Mustard: The combo creates the perfect balance of tang and depth.
- Honey: Brings a natural sweetness to balance the mustard.
- Garlic Powder: Adds an extra depth of savory goodness.
- Salted Butter: Helps create a rich, glossy sauce.
- Chopped Parsley: Optional, but adds a fresh finishing touch.
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Baking Dish
First things first—preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). A hot oven ensures that the chicken bakes evenly and stays juicy.
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Flatten & Season the Chicken
One secret to evenly cooked chicken is making sure each piece is the same thickness. If your chicken breasts are different sizes, use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them out to about ½ to ¾ inch thick.
Once flattened, season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This simple step enhances the flavor of the chicken.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken for Maximum Flavor
Now, let’s build that golden-brown crust!
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, place the chicken in the skillet and let it cook for about 2 minutes per side. You’re not cooking it through yet—just getting a nice golden-brown sear for extra flavor.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
At this point, your kitchen is already smelling amazing, but we’re just getting started!
Step 4: Whisk Up the Honey Mustard Sauce
Here’s where the magic happens. This honey mustard sauce is what makes this dish irresistible!
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons yellow mustard
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
This creamy, tangy, and sweet sauce is going to coat every inch of the chicken, creating an incredible depth of flavor.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Now it’s time to bring everything together!
- Pour half of the honey mustard sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Place the seared chicken breasts on top.
- Drizzle the remaining sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is fully coated.
Pro Tip: For extra richness, place one slice of butter on top of each chicken breast before baking. This helps create a velvety, glossy finish to the sauce.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken.
To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should read 165°F (75°C).
Step 7: Garnish & Serve
Once the chicken is perfectly baked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
For a fresh, vibrant touch, sprinkle chopped parsley on top. This not only adds color but also a subtle hint of freshness.
What to Serve with Honey Mustard Chicken
This honey mustard chicken is incredibly versatile! Here are some delicious pairing ideas:
- Rice: Serve with white or brown rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- Roasted Veggies: Try roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus.
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy potatoes balance out the tangy mustard sauce.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a refreshing side
Now that we’ve covered the basics of making this delicious honey mustard chicken, let’s continue with some pro tips, variations, and serving suggestions. This dish is already packed with flavor, but a few simple tweaks can take it to the next level.
Pro Tips for the Best Honey Mustard Chicken
If you want your honey mustard chicken to turn out perfect every time, here are a few expert tips:
1. Don’t Skip the Searing Step
Searing the chicken before baking helps develop a golden crust, which locks in the juices and adds an extra layer of flavor. If you skip this step, the texture of the chicken may be slightly different, and you won’t get that beautiful caramelization.
2. Use a Meat Thermometer
Nothing ruins a great chicken dish like overcooking. The safest way to ensure your chicken stays juicy is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) before removing it from the oven.
3. Let the Chicken Rest
Once you take the chicken out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping every bite tender and juicy.
4. Adjust the Sweetness
If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the honey slightly and add an extra teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Conversely, if you love a sweeter sauce, add an extra drizzle of honey before serving.
5. Add a Little Spice
For those who like a bit of heat, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the honey mustard mixture gives it a nice kick.
Variations of Honey Mustard Chicken
While this honey mustard chicken recipe is already delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to switch it up!
1. Make it a One-Pan Meal
Instead of baking the chicken separately, toss in some chopped potatoes, carrots, or green beans into the baking dish. The vegetables will soak up the flavorful sauce, making for an easy and complete meal in just one pan.
2. Use Chicken Thighs
Not a fan of chicken breasts? No problem! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and tend to be even more juicy and flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a few extra minutes to reach 165°F.
3. Turn it into a Slow Cooker Meal
For a hands-off version, place the seared chicken and honey mustard sauce into a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The result? Fall-apart tender chicken in a rich, flavorful sauce.
4. Grill It Instead
For a smoky, grilled twist, marinate the chicken in the honey mustard sauce for 30 minutes to an hour, then grill over medium-high heat for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
5. Make it Creamy
Want an extra indulgent version? Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream into the honey mustard sauce before pouring it over the chicken. The result is a richer, creamier sauce that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes.
Best Sides to Serve with Honey Mustard Chicken
This honey mustard chicken is so versatile that it pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some delicious options:
1. Rice or Quinoa
The sauce in this dish is so good that you’ll want something to soak it up. White rice, brown rice, or fluffy quinoa all make excellent choices.
2. Roasted or Steamed Vegetables
For a balanced meal, serve with roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, broccoli, or carrots. The slight bitterness of roasted veggies complements the sweetness of the honey mustard sauce.
3. Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes pair beautifully with this dish. The buttery texture of the potatoes complements the rich sauce perfectly.
4. A Light Salad
For a fresh contrast, serve the chicken with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.
5. Crusty Bread
A warm piece of French bread or garlic bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce.
How to Store and Reheat Honey Mustard Chicken
One of the best things about this dish is that it stores and reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep.
Storing Leftovers
- Store leftover honey mustard chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for up to 3 months.
Reheating Tips
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist.
- Oven: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a bit of water or extra sauce to keep it juicy.
Honey Mustard Chicken – The Ultimate Sweet & Savory Dish
We’ve covered the step-by-step process, pro tips, and delicious variations of this honey mustard chicken. Now, let’s tackle some common questions you might have before making this dish. Whether you’re wondering about substitutions, storage, or side pairings, I’ve got you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They tend to be juicier and more forgiving if overcooked. If using bone-in thighs, increase the baking time to about 30-35 minutes, ensuring they reach 165°F (75°C) internally.
2. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can easily make this dish dairy-free by omitting the butter or replacing it with a dairy-free alternative like ghee or vegan butter. The sauce will still be flavorful and delicious.
3. What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can replace it with spicy brown mustard or even whole grain mustard for a similar tangy kick. However, regular yellow mustard alone won’t provide the same depth of flavor.
4. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the honey mustard sauce and marinate the chicken in it for up to 24 hours in advance. When ready to cook, simply sear and bake as directed.
5. How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
To keep your chicken moist and juicy:
- Avoid overcooking—use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute.
- If reheating, add a little chicken broth or water to keep it from drying out.
6. What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
If you want a thicker sauce, remove the chicken from the baking dish after cooking and transfer the sauce to a small pan. Simmer on low heat for a few minutes until it thickens. You can also whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of water to help it thicken faster.
7. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make slow cooker honey mustard chicken:
- Place seared chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Pour the honey mustard sauce over the top.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Add the butter in the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra richness.
Final Thoughts – Why You Need to Try This Honey Mustard Chicken
This honey mustard chicken is one of those recipes that never fails to impress. The perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors makes it a go-to for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even special occasions.
Why This Recipe Works:
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
✔ Family-Friendly – Loved by both kids and adults.
✔ Versatile – Pairs well with rice, veggies, or salads.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – Perfect for meal prep.
Honey Mustard Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Description
This Honey Mustard Chicken is juicy, flavorful, and coated in a rich, tangy-sweet sauce. The perfect balance of Dijon, honey, and buttery goodness makes this dish a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons yellow mustard
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, sliced into 1-tablespoon pieces
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
2️⃣ Flatten & Season Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (½ to ¾ inch thick) for even cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
3️⃣ Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4️⃣ Make the Honey Mustard Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, honey, and garlic powder until smooth.
5️⃣ Assemble: Pour half of the honey mustard sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place the seared chicken breasts on top, then pour the remaining sauce evenly over the chicken.
6️⃣ Add Butter & Bake: Place one slice of butter on top of each chicken breast. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Cooking time may vary based on chicken size.
7️⃣ Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish (optional). Serve warm with rice, roasted veggies, or mashed potatoes!
Notes
✅ Searing First = Extra Flavor – This step locks in juices and adds a golden crust.
✅ Swap the Mustard – Use whole-grain mustard for added texture or spicy brown mustard for a kick!
✅ Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
✅ Reheating – Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second bursts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
