Perfectly seared chicken breasts coated with a delicious honey mustard sauce, this simple Honey Mustard Chicken is the perfect weeknight dinner. Made in less than 30 minutes, you can prepare this easy chicken recipe in no time!
A classic combination of sweet honey and tangy mustard, this juicy honey mustard chicken is so flavorful and easy to make. Your family will love how tasty this chicken recipe is and you’ll love how it only takes 25 minutes to make!
Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal! This Honey Mustard Chicken recipe promises a burst of sweet and savory flavors in every bite, delivering a dish that’s both incredibly satisfying and unbelievably simple to prepare. Forget complex cooking techniques or lengthy ingredient lists; this recipe relies on pantry staples and a straightforward approach to bring a restaurant-quality meal to your family table in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this quick and easy chicken dish is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort.
The magic truly lies in the sauce – a vibrant blend of golden honey and zesty mustard, elevated by a thoughtful selection of spices. Each succulent chicken breast is perfectly pan-seared to achieve a beautiful golden crust, locking in all its natural juices before being lovingly coated in the rich, tangy-sweet glaze. The result is a tender, flavorful chicken that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it an adaptable choice for any occasion. Prepare to impress your taste buds and simplify your dinner routine with this irresistible Honey Mustard Chicken!
Looking for other tasty chicken recipes to add to your repertoire? You should definitely try my Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese for a comforting classic, my Lemon Pepper Honey Wings for a zesty appetizer or main, or my Spicy Cashew Chicken Recipe for an Asian-inspired delight! They are some of my favorite weeknight meals that can be made in a jiffy and are guaranteed to be crowd-pleasers.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
There are countless reasons why this Honey Mustard Chicken will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s more than just a quick dinner; it’s a culinary experience that combines convenience, incredible flavor, and versatility. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Effortless & Speedy: In today’s fast-paced world, finding a recipe that delivers big on flavor without eating up your precious time is a true win. This dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal on the table fast. From prep to plate, it’s a breeze!
- Pantry Staples: Say goodbye to special grocery trips! This recipe utilizes common ingredients you likely already have stocked in your kitchen. Simple chicken breasts, a few spices, and the core components for the honey mustard sauce are all you need, making it a budget-friendly and accessible option.
- Irresistibly Delicious Sauce: The star of the show is undoubtedly the homemade honey mustard sauce. It strikes the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and savory, with subtle hints of spice that create a complex and utterly addictive flavor profile. You’ll want to drizzle it over everything, and yes, you might just find yourself licking the plate clean!
- Family-Friendly Favorite: This flavor combination is a hit with both adults and children alike. The mild sweetness of the honey balances the slight tang of the mustard, creating a taste that appeals to a wide range of palates. It’s a fantastic way to introduce new flavors in a familiar and comforting format.
- Highly Customizable: While the base recipe is fantastic as is, it also serves as a perfect canvas for customization. Want a bit of heat? Add some chili flakes. Prefer a different herb? Swap rosemary for thyme. It’s easy to adapt to your specific tastes or whatever you have on hand.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Made with lean chicken breast, this recipe provides a great source of protein. By using low-sodium broth and controlling the amount of honey, you can easily keep it a healthy and balanced meal, especially when paired with plenty of fresh vegetables.
Gather Your Ingredients: What You’ll Need
One of the beauties of this Honey Mustard Chicken recipe is its reliance on readily available ingredients. Before you start cooking, ensure you have these components ready. We’ve broken down the list to make your shopping and prep even easier.
- Chicken Breasts: We recommend 2 large chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner pieces. This ensures quicker and more even cooking, leading to beautifully tender and juicy results. Alternatively, chicken thighs can be used for a richer flavor.
- Basic Seasonings:
- Salt: Essential for enhancing the chicken’s natural flavor.
- Pepper: A touch of black pepper adds a subtle warmth and depth.
- All-Purpose Flour: Used to lightly coat the chicken, creating a delicate crust that crisps up beautifully during searing and helps the sauce adhere.
- Cooking Fat:
- Olive Oil: A light-tasting olive oil is perfect for pan-searing the chicken, providing a good base without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- For the Irresistible Honey Mustard Sauce: This is where the magic happens!
- Chicken Broth: Low sodium chicken broth is recommended to control the overall saltiness of the dish, allowing you to season to taste. It forms the base of our savory sauce.
- Honey: The star sweetener, bringing a rich, floral sweetness that beautifully complements the tang of the mustard. You can adjust the amount to suit your preference for sweetness.
- Dijon Mustard: Coarse Dijon mustard provides that signature pungent, slightly spicy, and tangy kick. Its texture also adds a lovely rustic feel to the sauce.
- Mustard Seeds: Old style mustard seeds (whole or lightly crushed) contribute an additional layer of authentic mustard flavor and a delightful textural element to the sauce.
- Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the sauce, cutting through the richness and adding a crucial tangy note.
- Paprika: Sweet paprika adds a mild pepperiness and a beautiful reddish hue to the sauce, enhancing its visual appeal.
- Rosemary (Dry): Fine dry rosemary infuses the sauce with an aromatic, slightly piney flavor that pairs wonderfully with chicken and mustard.
- Ginger Powder: A pinch of ginger powder introduces a warm, subtle spice that adds depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.
- Onion Powder: Onion powder provides an underlying savory sweetness and umami, rounding out the sauce’s flavor without adding moisture.
Mastering the Art: How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken
Creating this delicious Honey Mustard Chicken is a straightforward process, broken down into simple, easy-to-follow steps. Pay attention to these details, and you’ll achieve perfectly cooked chicken and a luscious sauce every time.
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken for Searing. Begin by taking your chicken breasts and carefully slicing them in half lengthwise. This technique, often called butterflying or creating cutlets, yields thinner pieces of chicken. Thinner cutlets cook much faster and more evenly, ensuring juicy chicken without dry spots. If your chicken breasts are already thin, you can skip this step. Aim for pieces roughly ¾ to 1 inch thick.
- Step 2: Season and Lightly Coat the Chicken. In a shallow bowl or plate, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. Whisk them together until well mixed. Take each chicken slice and dredge it lightly in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. A thin, even coating is key here; it helps create a beautiful golden crust when seared and allows the honey mustard sauce to cling to every inch of the chicken.
- Step 3: Whisk Together the Honey Mustard Sauce. In a separate medium-sized bowl or a large measuring cup, combine all the sauce ingredients: chicken broth, honey, coarse Dijon mustard, mustard seeds, fresh lemon juice, paprika, black pepper, fine dry rosemary, ginger powder, onion powder, and salt. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the honey is fully dissolved. Taste and adjust for sweetness or tanginess if desired.
- Step 4: Perfectly Sear the Chicken. Place a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the olive oil. Carefully add the floured chicken breasts to the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each side for about 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken is beautifully golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Searing creates that delicious crispy exterior and helps seal in the juices.
- Step 5: Simmer the Chicken in the Flavorful Sauce. Once all the chicken pieces are seared and fully cooked, return them to the skillet (if you cooked in batches). Pour the prepared honey mustard sauce evenly over the chicken. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the chicken to simmer gently in the sauce for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to a glossy, desirable consistency that coats the back of a spoon. This step allows the chicken to absorb all the wonderful flavors of the sauce.
- Step 6: Garnish and Serve Immediately. Remove the skillet from the heat. For a vibrant finish and an extra layer of freshness, garnish generously with some freshly chopped parsley. The green herbs provide a beautiful contrast and a burst of fresh flavor. Serve your sensational Honey Mustard Chicken hot with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
Expert Tips & Notes for a Flawless Dish
Achieving culinary perfection often comes down to a few key insights and smart adjustments. Here are some expert tips and notes to ensure your Honey Mustard Chicken turns out absolutely flawless every single time, whether you’re looking to tweak the flavor, swap ingredients, or simply ensure optimal cooking:
- Spice It Up: If you’re a fan of heat, don’t hesitate to add a kick to your honey mustard sauce. A dash of sriracha sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a sprinkle of red chili flakes stirred into the sauce will transform the flavor profile without overshadowing the core sweet and tangy notes. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
- Sweetness Control: Honey is a primary component of this sauce, and its sweetness can be adjusted to your preference. If you prefer a less sweet and more tangy sauce, reduce the amount of honey by a tablespoon or two. For a sweeter sauce, add a bit more honey. Taste as you go!
- Chicken Variations: While chicken breasts are specified, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. You can easily swap chicken breasts for bone-in or boneless chicken thighs for a richer, more succulent result. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs typically require a few extra minutes to cook through. Chicken tenderloins also work beautifully and cook even faster.
- Ensuring Doneness: The safe internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C). If you’re uncertain whether your pan-seared chicken is fully cooked, an instant-read meat thermometer is your best friend. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, away from any bones, to get an accurate reading. This is especially crucial when adapting the recipe for thicker cuts of chicken.
- Speedy Cooking Secret: The reason our chicken breasts cook so quickly is because we slice them in half lengthwise. This creates thinner cutlets that require less time in the pan to cook through completely. If you skip this step and cook whole, thicker breasts, be prepared to increase the searing time by several minutes per side and always verify doneness with a thermometer.
- Sauce Consistency: If your sauce seems too thin after simmering, let it cook for another minute or two on medium-low heat to reduce further. If it becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Fresh Herbs: While dry rosemary is used in the sauce, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives at the end adds a burst of freshness and a beautiful visual appeal that brightens the entire dish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Mustard Chicken
Here are answers to some common questions you might have about making, storing, and serving this delightful Honey Mustard Chicken:
Storing leftovers properly ensures you can enjoy this delicious meal for days to come. Once the honey mustard chicken has completely cooled down to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate it promptly for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave for a quick warm-up, or for best results, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out and help revive the sauce. You can also freeze cooked chicken for up to 2-3 months in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
While this recipe focuses on pan-searing for speed and a golden crust, you can certainly bake this dish! The baking time will vary depending on the thickness and size of your chicken pieces. If you slice the chicken breasts in half as recommended (to make them thinner), bake them at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you choose to use whole, thicker chicken breasts, you’ll need to bake them for 30-40 minutes at the same temperature. For baked chicken, it’s best to pour the honey mustard sauce over the chicken during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. This prevents the sauce from burning or reducing too much and allows it to beautifully glaze the chicken.
Honey Mustard Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide array of side dishes. The sweet and tangy flavor profile means it complements both light salads and heartier grains or vegetables. Here are some of my favorite accompaniments:
- Fresh Salads: A refreshing Cabbage Fattoush Salad, a vibrant Avocado Corn Salad, or a delightful Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta provide a lovely counterpoint to the rich chicken.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels Sprouts, steamed green beans, or asparagus offer healthy and delicious options. My Easy Green Bean Casserole is also a fantastic comforting side.
- Grains: Simple white or brown rice, quinoa, couscous, or even mashed potatoes are excellent for soaking up that irresistible honey mustard sauce.
- Mushrooms: For an earthy touch, consider my Garlic Butter Mushrooms.
The most reliable way to ensure chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat is by checking its internal temperature with an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding bones. The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can also look for visual cues: the juices should run clear when the chicken is pierced with a knife, and the meat should be opaque throughout.
The incredibly flavorful honey mustard sauce in this recipe is a harmonious blend of several key ingredients designed to create a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. It features a base of savory chicken broth, natural sweetness from honey, the distinct pungent kick of coarse Dijon mustard, and a textural element from mustard seeds. Fresh lemon juice adds brightness, while paprika lends a subtle peppery warmth and color. The aromatic depth comes from fine dry rosemary, ginger powder, and onion powder, all balanced with a touch of salt and black pepper. This thoughtful combination ensures a rich and complex sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken.
Explore More Delicious Chicken Recipes
If you’ve loved this Honey Mustard Chicken and are eager to discover more exciting ways to prepare chicken, you’re in luck! Chicken is a versatile protein that can be transformed into an endless variety of mouth-watering dishes. Here are some of my other top recommendations for delicious chicken recipes that are perfect for any occasion, from quick weeknight dinners to impressive weekend meals:
- Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta: A rich and comforting pasta dish bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
- Easy Sticky Chicken Recipe: A sweet and savory glazed chicken that’s simple to make and incredibly satisfying.
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken: Indulge in tender chicken simmered in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
- Honey Walnut Chicken: A unique and delightful blend of crispy chicken, sweet honey, and crunchy walnuts.
- Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe: A vibrant and aromatic dish featuring succulent chicken in a rich pesto cream sauce.
- Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast: Elegant and flavorful, these chicken breasts are filled with a delicious cheesy spinach mixture.
I genuinely hope you enjoy all the recipes I share with you, including this incredible Honey Mustard Chicken recipe. It’s truly a dish that brings comfort and joy with every bite. I encourage you to try it, savor every moment, rate it if you love it, and certainly share it with your friends and family. Happy cooking!
If you try this recipe and like it, please use my hashtag to share it with me on INSTAGRAM for a chance to be featured in my story! Also, follow me at Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST for all of my latest social posts and recipes.
Honey Mustard Chicken
By: Mariam Ezzeddine
Perfectly seared chicken breasts coated with a delicious honey mustard sauce, this simple Honey Mustard Chicken is the perfect weeknight dinner. Made in less than 30 minutes, you can prepare this easy chicken recipe in no time!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
Chicken & Coating
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise to make 4 pieces
- ½ tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. pepper
- 2 tbsps. all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsps. olive oil, light tasting
Honey Mustard Sauce
- ¾ cup chicken broth, low sodium
- ¼ cup honey, or less if you like it less sweet
- ¼ cup coarse Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsps. mustard seeds, old style mustard
- ½ lemon, squeezed (for juice)
- 2 tsp. paprika
- ¾ tsp. black pepper, or less to taste
- ½ tsp. fine rosemary, dry
- ¼ tsp. ginger powder
- ½ tsp. onion powder
- ½ tsp. salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts lengthwise to get 4 thinner pieces of chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture onto the chicken breasts to coat them evenly.
- Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce: In another bowl or cup, mix together all the sauce ingredients until well combined.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Pan sear the floured chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side until they are browned and fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Cook with Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, pour the honey mustard sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken beautifully.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with some freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Make it spicy by adding some sriracha sauce, cayenne pepper, or chili flakes to the sauce.
- Adjust the amount of honey to make the sauce sweeter or less sweet according to your preference.
- If you don’t have chicken breasts, chicken thighs can be used; just adjust the cook time as needed.
- The safe internal temperature for cooked chicken breasts is 165°F (74°C). Use an instant-read thermometer to verify doneness.
- Slicing the chicken breasts in half significantly reduces cooking time, ensuring quick and even results.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 357kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 29g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 72mg
- Sodium: 803mg
- Potassium: 652mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 19g
- Vitamin A: 1273IU
- Vitamin C: 9mg
- Calcium: 55mg
- Iron: 3mg