Honey Mustard Chicken is a timeless dish that combines the natural sweetness of honey with the bold tang of mustard to create a beautifully balanced glaze. The result is tender, juicy chicken coated in a rich, flavorful sauce that caramelizes perfectly during cooking. It is simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough to serve for guests.
The first time I made Honey Mustard Chicken, I was surprised by how a few pantry staples could create such depth of flavor. The honey provides subtle sweetness, while the mustard adds brightness and complexity. I once added a touch of fresh thyme to the sauce, and it enhanced the aroma wonderfully. Whether baked, grilled, or pan-seared, this recipe offers versatility and consistent results. Paired with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad, it becomes a complete and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is quick, flavorful, and requires minimal ingredients. The sauce is both sweet and tangy, creating a perfect glaze for juicy chicken. It is easy to customize and works well for meal prep.
Honey Mustard Chicken: Sweet, Tangy, and Perfectly Juicy
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Honey Mustard Chicken is a sweet and savory dish featuring tender chicken coated in a rich blend of honey, Dijon mustard, and garlic, then baked to juicy perfection. It’s an easy and flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, whole grain mustard (if using), minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Place chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour honey mustard mixture evenly over the chicken, coating well.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for slight caramelization.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- You can marinate the chicken for 1–2 hours for deeper flavor.
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or rice.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
Chicken breasts provide lean protein and cook evenly, absorbing the honey mustard glaze beautifully.
Honey
Honey adds natural sweetness and helps create a caramelized finish during cooking.
Dijon Mustard
Dijon mustard delivers tangy sharpness and smooth texture, forming the base of the sauce.
Whole Grain Mustard
Whole grain mustard adds texture and additional depth of flavor.
Garlic Cloves
Fresh minced garlic enhances the savory profile of the dish.
Olive Oil
Olive oil ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
Salt
Salt balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Black Pepper
Freshly ground black pepper adds mild heat and complexity.
Fresh Thyme (optional)
Thyme introduces a subtle herbal note that complements the glaze.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the honey mustard mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). During the last 5 minutes, spoon some of the sauce over the top to enhance glazing.
If desired, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end to achieve slight caramelization.
Remove from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.
Equipment needed : Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, and baking time is 25–30 minutes, bringing the total time to about 40 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover Honey Mustard Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Variations and Customizations
Honey Mustard Chicken is easy to adapt. For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small amount of hot sauce to the glaze. I once substituted part of the honey with maple syrup, and it added a deeper sweetness.
If you prefer grilling, marinate the chicken in the honey mustard mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking over medium heat.
For a creamier sauce, stir in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt after baking. To reduce sugar content, slightly decrease the honey and increase Dijon mustard.
Bone-in chicken thighs can replace breasts for extra juiciness, though cooking time may increase slightly.
Pairing options include roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, or quinoa. With these flexible options, this dish can be tailored to suit various tastes and occasions.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Below is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 330 kcal |
| Protein | 34 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 16 g |
| Sodium | 520 mg |
Values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Marinate for Extra Flavor
Allowing the chicken to marinate enhances depth.
Do Not Overcook
Use a thermometer to ensure juicy results.
Broil Briefly
A short broil creates beautiful caramelization.
Balance Sweetness
Adjust honey and mustard ratios to taste.
Let Rest Before Serving
Resting allows juices to redistribute.
FAQs
Can I use yellow mustard instead of Dijon?
Yes, though the flavor will be milder and slightly sweeter.
Can I grill Honey Mustard Chicken?
Yes, grilling adds smoky flavor and works very well.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to two months.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally dairy-free as written.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, adjust cooking time accordingly.
What side dishes pair best?
Rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad complement it well.
Conclusion
Honey Mustard Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that balances sweetness and tang in every bite. With minimal preparation and adaptable ingredients, it is perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions. Juicy, glazed, and versatile, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
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